Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/smart-data-rosen
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.
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
-
Episode Link:
- Camptivities Article: Evaluating Your Summer Through the Lens of Business Intelligence
- https://www.camptivities.com/blog/2025/09-02evaluatecampbusinessintelligence
Your Hosts:
- Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
- Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
- Ryan Rosen - Owner & Director - Camp Kinneret & Founder - Camptivities
-
Thanks to our sponsor:
Camptivities
Your staff work late into the night to create perfect camper schedules. Prevent mid-summer burnout with Camptivities — the smart scheduling software that saves time, reduces mistakes, and keeps your team energized. Find out more at camptivities.com
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com