Inside the Camp Ownership World: Success Stories and Challenges

Join hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Justin Pritikin as they delve into the inspiring story of Jonathan Gold, a successful operator of three large private day camps in New Jersey. In this episode, Jonathan shares his journey, the risks and challenges he took on, and the lessons learned along the way. The second half brings in Justin to discuss how the next generation of camp operators can succeed. The conversation covers everything from financial planning in the camp business to the evolving career paths for young camp professionals. Plus, get insights into the current state of the day camp industry and valuable tips for prospective camp owners and directors. Tune in for an episode full of wisdom and practical advice.

Highlights:

• 01:41 Meet Jonathan Gold

• 03:09 Jonathan's Early Career and Challenges

• 05:29 First Steps in the Camp Industry

• 06:53 Building Experience in Non-Profit Camps

• 13:06 Taking Over Meadowbrook Day Camp

• 17:46 Acquiring Oak Crest Day Camp

• 26:17 Expanding to Multiple Camps

• 27:12 Reviving a Dormant Camp

• 28:30 Overseeing Multiple Camps

• 28:49 Ensuring Camp Values

• 29:56 Challenges in Camp Scheduling

• 31:32 Developing Camp Leaders

• 32:50 Financial Realities of Camp Management

• 37:11 Entrepreneurial Drive in Camp Ownership

• 40:46 Navigating the Camp Industry

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District

• Jonathan M. Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of Camps

• Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp

Sponsors:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 

  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/

• Camptivities

  • Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com

• CampMinder

  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com

Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy!

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

Thanks, Camp Pro!