Camp Ahead cover art

Camp Ahead

Camp Ahead

By: Go Camp Pro
Listen for free

About this listen

Exploring the futurology of the summer camp industry.

© 2025 Go Camp Pro
Economics Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Key Takeaways for a Future-Ready Camp - Camp Ahead #8
    May 7 2025

    Send us a text

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/key-s1-takeaways

    Critical Learnings for the Next Era of Camp: Camp Ahead Season One Finale

    As Season One of Camp Ahead draws to a close, join Joe, KJ, and Jess as they distill the essential learnings and actionable strategies discussed throughout the series.

    Equip yourself with the key takeaways you need to navigate the evolving landscape of the summer camp industry and build a future-ready camp. Don't miss the final insights and a special thank you to our listeners!

    Tune in for great tips on creating an “evergreen” future planning process:

    • 01:56 Season Recap and Key Takeaways
    • 03:32 The Importance of Future Scenario Planning
    • 04:37 Tips for Effective Scenario Planning
    • 05:55 Embracing Optimism in Future Planning
    • 12:10 Engaging Stakeholders in Scenario Planning
    • 15:35 Imagining Big and Thinking Creatively
    • 20:51 The Power of Saying Yes
    • 25:04 Creating a Scenario Club
    • 25:32 Practical Tools for Scenario Planning

    -

    Our Hosts:

    Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

    Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

    KJ Williams - Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

    -

    Sponsor:

    A huge thanks to our sponsor for making this possible.

    Campify:

    Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

    Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Building a Culture of Foresight at Your Camp - Camp Ahead #7
    Apr 9 2025

    Send us a text

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/culture-of-foresight

    Don't Let Your Future Plans Gather Dust: Revitalize Your Camp's Scenario Planning

    In this episode of Camp Ahead, Joe, Jess and KJ tackle the challenge of keeping scenario planning relevant and impactful. They discuss the importance of regular reviews, the power of visual aids, and practical techniques like the "100 Ways Something Can Change" exercise. The conversation also explores how to cultivate a culture of foresight, encourage curiosity, and engage staff at all levels in thinking about the future of camp. Whether you're an executive director or a program staff member, this episode offers valuable insights on preparing for the unexpected.

    Tune in for great tips on creating an “evergreen” future planning process:

    • 02:28 Keeping Visioning Exercises Fresh
    • 04:39 Visual Tools for Planning
    • 11:12 Engaging Stakeholders in Scenario Planning
    • 14:13 Creative Tools for Team Planning
    • 22:35 The Future of DEI Initiatives
    • 23:31 Engaging Campers in Future Planning
    • 26:23 Middle Management Turnover and Support
    • 35:02 Creating a Culture of Adaptability

    -

    Our Hosts:

    Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

    Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

    KJ Williams - Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

    -

    Sponsors:

    A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

    Campify:

    Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

    Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.


    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Actionable Plans and Contingency Strategies - Camp Ahead #6
    Mar 19 2025

    Send us a text

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/actionable-plans-and-contingency-strategies

    Turning scenarios into useful strategies

    Jess, K.J. and Joe dig into creating actionable plans and contingency strategies for the future of summer camps. They discuss the importance of scenario planning, the relevance of community engagement, and the steps required to turn long-term visions into reality. The episode highlights the importance of adaptability, stakeholder involvement, and continual reassessment to ensure long-term success and relevance in the camp industry. Additionally, practical tips and examples are shared for implementing short-term actions and navigating potential challenges.

    Tune in for insights on planning for the future while staying rooted in community values.

    • 02:04 Running Scenarios and Making Plans
    • 05:02 Short-Term Action Plans and Feasibility
    • 08:11 Engaging Stakeholders and Community
    • 10:57 Adapting and Changing Plans
    • 16:48 Future Scenario Planning and Community Relevance
    • 35:44 Takeaways and Next Steps

    -

    Our Hosts:

    Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

    Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

    KJ Williams - Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

    -

    Sponsors:

    A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

    Campify:

    Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

    Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.