The Journey of Camp Ownership - with Jonathan Gold - The Day Camp Pod #109
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
-
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
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/
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 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
Andy Pritikin
Justin Pritikin
Sam Thompson
Jonathan Gold
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!
