I know you’re laughing because you’ve heard that question hundreds of times, along with “When are you going to get a real job?”
Outsiders don’t get it. They think that camp is a seasonal job, that you’re on vacation from September to May and that it’s just fun and easy to run a program for kids.
No, they don’t get it! But I do. I am acutely aware of the year-round intensive efforts and the attention to details that are required to consistently deliver relevant, high-quality products that
- Impact kids positively
- Earn parent loyalty and
- Bring campers back year after year.
Whether you work in not-for-profit, private, resident, day, year-round, travel or academic programs, I’ve been there. The extensive Focus Groups I’ve facilitated with parents and kids provide me with a unique perspective of what motivates families to inquire, purchase and return.
Who Am I?
- I’ve assessed hundreds of summer and year-round facilities. I ask tough questions and challenge operators to deliver the best possible product.
- I’ve been instrumental in the continuing success of established programs, helped new camps to develop and aided troubled businesses in their efforts to survive.
- I’m passionate about camp, but I remain objective and unwilling to accept the excuse that the ‘economy is to blame’ for eroding enrollments. Many camps are full and managing wait lists because they have earned a solid reputation for delivering the quality product that they promise.
The True Value of Summer Camp
The camp experience is your most critical marketing tool. When parents see solid outcomes for their kids, they are eager to make the financial “investment”.
I offer two proven products that develop best business practices, the On-Site Product Assessment and Boot Camps which help Leadership Teams prepare for the upcoming summer.
Take a look and then, if you’re ready to work, let’s talk about how we can increase your enrollments and retention …
Email or call me at 213-256-6434
"We began working with Joanna in March 2017 to increase the quality and profitability of our Summer Day Camps and year-round Mini-Camps. It’s been an intense but rewarding association. We’ve doubled the number of Mini-Camps while summer enrollments have increased by 7% and retention continues to climb. Our parent Focus Groups confirm that our intentional approach is evident in the consistent quality of our program delivery." 
"Joanna will partner with you to look at your camp with fresh eyes, challenge your own assumptions and force you to think differently about your camp programs. Her recommendations have paid immediate dividends both in the recruitment of new campers and the retention of the ones we have. I would highly recommend!" 
"Joanna’s knowledge of the camp industry and how camps “really” work is astounding. During her visit to Ramaquois, she was able to make significant, concrete suggestions that we were able to implement almost immediately. As a result of her input and feedback, we now provide a better experience for our campers, parents and staff." 
"Joanna’s expertise has helped us make informed, intentional decisions that have enabled us to elevate program design, customer service plus camper and parent experiences at Camp Speers YMCA. As a result, we’re expanding our partnership with Joanna to include both Camp Speers and our 18 Association Day Camps to benefit our camper families. Joanna’s high energy, yet pragmatic style helps us focus on our mission to serve more campers, better." 
"Our ongoing conferences with Joanna are critical because they set the date and time in the calendar when we are working ON our business rather than the routine of working IN our business. Pleasant Valley and North Woods are moving from good to GREAT and we have Joanna to thank for that. Her passion, knowledge, decisiveness, professionalism and experience have enabled us to make significant decisions regarding priorities and the use of financial resources."