Turning Camp Data into Smarter Decisions - with Ryan Rosen - The Camp Owners Podcast #68

Written By Matt Wilfrid

The Data-Informed Camp: Using Business Intelligence to Build Stronger Summers

In this season six kickoff episode, hosts Kelly Suna and Howie Grossinger sit down with camp owner and industry leader Ryan Rosen to explore the concept of business intelligence (BI) in the camp world. Ryan, a self-proclaimed "data guy," shares how camps can move beyond relying on gut feelings and broad numbers to make smarter, more strategic decisions. They discuss how to use data as a mirror—not a master—to strengthen a camp's core mission and improve the experience for campers and staff alike.

Ryan highlights that BI is a mindset of curiosity and critical thinking, emphasizing Albert Einstein's quote: "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." The conversation delves into practical, actionable strategies for leveraging the data camps already have, from registration logs to staff surveys, to uncover hidden insights and drive meaningful change.

Key takeaways include:

  • Data as a Mirror: Use data to reflect on your camp's core mission and values, ensuring your actions align with your goals. The numbers should support the stories you're already telling, not dictate them.

  • Measure What Matters: Instead of vague goals like "increase enrollment," set specific, measurable goals like "increase year-one to year-two family retention by 50%." By tracking "leading indicators" like parent feedback and staff satisfaction, you can proactively influence outcomes.

  • Go Beyond the Obvious: Look deeper than surface-level numbers. For example, instead of just tracking camper retention, look at family retention to see if your philosophy is resonating. Dive into staff data to identify the traits of your "all-star" counselors to better inform your hiring and recruitment efforts.

  • Rethink Surveys: While surveys can be useful, a BI mindset encourages proactive, real-time feedback. Consider having your leadership team call new families during their first week to address concerns early and build strong, personal relationships.

  • Don't Be a Fixer: When faced with negative feedback, resist the urge to make wholesale changes. Instead, use it as an opportunity to ask more questions and understand the full context. Often, the "squeaky wheel" is an isolated case, and digging deeper can prevent you from altering your program for the wrong reasons.

Highlights:

  • 04:35 Understanding Business Intelligence in Camps

  • 07:44 The Importance of Data in Camp Operations

  • 12:46 Balancing Heart and Head in Decision Making

  • 17:59 Effective Use of Surveys

  • 22:14 Proactive Communication with Families

  • 32:07 Key Performance Indicators for Camps

  • 35:26 Evaluating Camp Programs with Business Intelligence

  • 36:31 Understanding Camper and Staff Feedback

  • 36:54 Measuring Program Success and Improvement

  • 37:32 Addressing Camper Experience and Feedback

  • 40:25 Introducing Business Intelligence to Your Team

  • 42:40 Using Data to Enhance Camp Experience

  • 45:45 Balancing Data and Mission in Camp Management

  • 51:03 Practical Tips for Camp Professionals

  • 56:18 Rapid Fire Camp Questions with Ryan Rosen

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Camptivities

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Matt Wilfrid https://gocamp.pro/matt
Next

How To Facilitate The Most Important 90 Minutes Of Your Summer - with Steve Maguire - The Camp Owners Podcast #67