Grow Your Camp

EP 22 | What Happens When Your Camp Systems Stop Getting in the Way?

September 11, 2026·54 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Camp technology often forces camps to change the way they work to fit the software. The team behind The One App took the opposite approach: learn how camps actually operate, then build technology around them.Michael John Stanley (MJ), Alan Brown, and Lindy Pinkerton share how that process began with visits to 10 camps and expanded into conversations with roughly 60 camps, plus real-world beta testing. What emerged was a consistent problem: camps were stitching together registration systems, spreadsheets, calendars, contracts, emails, whiteboards, and staff knowledge just to keep operations moving.Their response centers on what Lindy calls the Five C’s: contracts, calendars, communications, CRM, and coordinating. The conversation gets practical about guest-group registration, knowing who is actually on property, communicating between departments, coordinating meals and facilities, and giving staff access to the information they need without burying them in another complicated system.Mark’s quick marketing tip also tackles WIIFM—“What’s In It For Me?”—and why camp marketing should focus less on what your camp has and more on what those features make possible for campers, parents, churches, and retreat groups.Keywordscamp technology, camp management software, camp operations, camp registration, guest group registration, camp CRM, camp communication, operational efficiency, camp management systems, retreat center software, sustainable camp growth, The One AppSound Bites“Camping found me.” — MJ“You’re basically running a city at a camp.” — Alan Brown“Everything is fragmented.” — Lindy Pinkerton“Get staff out from behind the desk and out doing mission.” — Alan BrownHostsMark P. Fisher, Inspiring GrowthCarl Lefever, Improve & GrowGuestsMichael John Stanley (MJ), The One AppAlan Brown, The One AppLindy Pinkerton, The One AppResourcesThe One App — Learn more or schedule a demo.If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.Have a question you'd like us to cover?Click here to record your question >Want Help Growing Your Camp?Click here to schedule a call >Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: NKEL9IWUMNG2LTC0

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