The Day Camp Enrollment Cliff - with Jake Sorenson and Jonathan Gold - The Day Camp Pod #139
Birth Rate Drops, Demographic Shifts, and How Day Camps Can Adapt
Enrollment isn’t just “feeling” tighter, there’s real data behind the shift, and it’s coming for camps faster than many leaders expect. In this episode, Jake Sorenson and Jonathan Gold break down the demographic cliff, what it means for your program, and why 2028 should already be on your radar. More importantly, they move beyond the problem and offer practical ways to adapt, from rethinking older camper experiences to doubling down on what makes camp truly indispensable. If you want to stay ahead of enrollment challenges (instead of reacting to them), this is a must listen.
06:20 Why Data Matters
07:13 Median Age Warning Signs
09:12 Demographic Cliff Explained
13:48 Societal Shifts, Smaller Families
16:36 Immigration, Diversity Impact
21:07 Regional Differences ,Local Data
28:48 Making the Case for Camp
30:48 Small Camps Biggest Risk
32:38 Be Undeniably Great
33:21 Culture Shifts And Shorter Stays
34:21 Affordability And Funding Paths
37:23 AI Proof Value Pitch
38:35 Disaster Planning For Enrollment Drops
40:34 Staffing Shifts And Camp Winners
43:51 Grandparents And Donor Strategy
45:42 Middle School And Teen Opportunity
47:41 Modernize Beyond Tradition
49:55 Personal Touch Beats Automation
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Your Hosts:
Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
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Your Guests:
Jonathan Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - Arbor Group of Camps
Jake Sorenson, Founder, Sacred Playgrounds
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
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