Winning over Parents, with Dan Weir and Suzanne Ross - CampHacker #225
Thu Feb 05 2026
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/winning-over-parents
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Adapting to New Parent Expectations
Modern parents view summer camp as a significant investment, rather than a simple recreational activity. This episode breaks down why safety and skill-building now outperform traditional marketing. It offers practical advice on removing camp jargon and using professional tones to build lasting trust with protective families. You will learn how to win over parents by focusing on their child’s personhood during every interaction, from the first tour to the final checkout.
Key Takeaways:
Prioritize Skill Building Over Recreation. Parents today view summer programs as a financial investment toward the future of their child. To compete with travel sports you must articulate the specific developmental gains and educational value your camp provides.Focus on the Child to Win the Parent. Trust is established when directors engage directly with the child during recruitment. Making a genuine connection with a camper signals to the parent that your organization is observant and capable of providing emotional safety.Eliminate Barriers Created by Jargon. Internal nicknames and camp shorthand make new families feel like outsiders. Using clear and descriptive language ensures that every family feels the program was designed specifically for their needs.-
Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant. Contact EmailDan Weir, Camp Consultant Immersive1st, Day Camp CommunitySuzanne Ross, Camp Safety Network Consultant. Contact Email -
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Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCamp
Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.
Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis
Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.
Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
More
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/winning-over-parents - Adapting to New Parent Expectations Modern parents view summer camp as a significant investment, rather than a simple recreational activity. This episode breaks down why safety and skill-building now outperform traditional marketing. It offers practical advice on removing camp jargon and using professional tones to build lasting trust with protective families. You will learn how to win over parents by focusing on their child’s personhood during every interaction, from the first tour to the final checkout. Key Takeaways: Prioritize Skill Building Over Recreation. Parents today view summer programs as a financial investment toward the future of their child. To compete with travel sports you must articulate the specific developmental gains and educational value your camp provides.Focus on the Child to Win the Parent. Trust is established when directors engage directly with the child during recruitment. Making a genuine connection with a camper signals to the parent that your organization is observant and capable of providing emotional safety.Eliminate Barriers Created by Jargon. Internal nicknames and camp shorthand make new families feel like outsiders. Using clear and descriptive language ensures that every family feels the program was designed specifically for their needs.- Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant. Contact EmailDan Weir, Camp Consultant Immersive1st, Day Camp CommunitySuzanne Ross, Camp Safety Network Consultant. Contact Email - Rate and Review the CampHacker Show (Thank you!) - Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCamp Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker. Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis