Leading with Purpose in Camps

Today, we talk with Dave Herpy, Extension Organizational Development Coordinator, NC State Extension about his CampFest session titled Leading with Purpose in Camps. This session, open and free for all, will be held February 24th at 9 am. You can register for FREE here. Purpose-driven leadership is one of the most powerful tools we have in the camp world—especially today, as camps work to build strong staff cultures, nurture young leaders, and create meaningful experiences for campers. In this dynamic, interactive session, participants will explore how to lead with purpose in every aspect of camp life—from staff hiring and training to daily operations, relationship-building, and camper engagement. Drawing from Dave Herpy’s new book, Leading with Purpose, as well as his 25+ years of experience as a camp counselor, trip leader, wilderness instructor, camp director, NC 4-H Camping Specialist, and leadership trainer, this session offers practical tools to help camp professionals strengthen their team culture, increase staff motivation, and build deeper alignment around mission and values.Participants will walk away with actionable strategies they can apply immediately to create a more positive, energized, and purpose-filled camp environment. Whether you lead a day camp, overnight camp, nonprofit camp, or municipal camp program, this session will help you level up your leadership and inspire others to do the same. Register for FREE here. Watch this podcast on YouTube.