Mission over Money, and Lifelong Camp Learning - with Sam Thompson - Intentionally Intentional Leaders
Lessons from 8 Seasons of the Day Camp Pod: Sam Thompson's Essential Rules for Day Camp Directors
Hello everybody and welcome back to our Intentionally Intentional Leaders series, Executive Producer Matt Wilfrid dives deep with Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor at Crystal Lake Park District, ACA Illinois Board Chair, and co-host of the long-running Day Camp Podcast.
Moving through rounds of memories, insights, and beliefs, Sam shares the bedrock truths that guide her 30+ years in the youth development field. This conversation is essential listening for any camp leader who struggles with balancing organizational growth, financial pressure, and the core mission of providing a quality experience. Sam brings her signature "do a lot with a little" philosophy to tough topics like gaining (and maintaining) parent trust, managing imposter syndrome, and setting non-negotiable boundaries for staff accountability.
Key Takeaways for Camp Professionals
The Non-Negotiable Accountability: Learn Sam's precise strategy for handling parent complaints: always support staff first by gathering the full story. Accountability to children's safety and wellbeing, however, is the only non-negotiable line, with immediate action required for inappropriate behavior.
The Park District Edge on Scaling: Sam reveals her decision rule when mission and money pull in different directions. She explains how to identify the "tipping point" where any further site expansion or growth would compromise the quality and core philosophy of the camp program.
Fighting Imposter Syndrome: Sam shares powerful advice for younger professionals dealing with self-doubt. Her truth—that you have to work to put yourself "at the table"—is tempered by the need for mentorship and the confidence to own your expertise.
Gaining Parent Trust in a Short Time: Discover the deep, impactful nature of short-term parent relationships in camping. Sam reflects on a powerful moment where a golf cart, a cheering crowd, and an overnight experience built unbreakable trust with a camper's father.
The Unending Camp Career: Sam reassures listeners that a career in camping is as wide and varied as any other, encompassing everything from directorship to training, consulting, and building industry resources like the Day Camp Podcast.-
Your Hosts
Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting - Go Camp Pro
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
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