The Day Camp Enrollment Cliff - with Jake Sorenson and Jonathan Gold - The Day Camp Pod #139

Send us Fan MailFind show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/enrollment-cliffBirth Rate Drops, Demographic Shifts, and How Day Camps Can AdaptEnrollment isn’t just “feeling” tighter, there’s real data behind the shift, and it’s coming for camps faster than many leaders expect. In this episode, Jake Sorenson and Jonathan Gold break down the demographic cliff, what it means for your program, and why 2028 should already be on your radar. More importantly, they move beyond the problem and offer practical ways to adapt, from rethinking older camper experiences to doubling down on what makes camp truly indispensable. If you want to stay ahead of enrollment challenges (instead of reacting to them), this is a must listen.06:20 Why Data Matters07:13 Median Age Warning Signs09:12 Demographic Cliff Explained13:48 Societal Shifts, Smaller Families16:36 Immigration, Diversity Impact21:07 Regional Differences ,Local Data28:48 Making the Case for Camp30:48 Small Camps Biggest Risk32:38 Be Undeniably Great33:21 Culture Shifts And Shorter Stays34:21 Affordability And Funding Paths37:23 AI Proof Value Pitch38:35 Disaster Planning For Enrollment Drops40:34 Staffing Shifts And Camp Winners43:51 Grandparents And Donor Strategy45:42 Middle School And Teen Opportunity47:41 Modernize Beyond Tradition49:55 Personal Touch Beats Automation-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District-Your Guests:Jonathan Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - Arbor Group of CampsJake Sorenson, Founder, Sacred Playgrounds 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/CampminderCampminder 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.comAMSkierAMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more atamskier.com.