Send us a text

https://gocamp.pro/campahead/scenarios-stakeholders

Future Scenario Planning for Summer Camps: Insights from Pearce Williams

Planning for the future of summer camp isn’t just about next year, it’s about imagining what camp could look like five, ten, even twenty summers from now. In this episode of Camp Ahead, Joe Richards is joined by Matt Wilfrid for a behind-the-scenes look at a large-scale stakeholder scenario planning event at Pearce Williams. They unpack how bringing community voices together sparked fresh ideas, tough conversations, and surprising clarity about what lies ahead. From role playing future possibilities to navigating challenging “what if” scenarios, this conversation is full of practical insights for camp leaders who want to plan with intention instead of reaction. If you’re curious about how to engage stakeholders, prepare for uncertainty, and build a stronger future for your camp, this is an episode worth tuning into. You’ll walk away with ideas you can bring back to your own planning table right away.

• 02:09 Impressions and Reflections on the Event
• 03:24 Planning and Execution of the Event
• 06:56 Role Playing and Character Development
• 17:23 Scenario Planning and Execution
• 23:36 Day Overview and Participant Experience
• 24:02 Simplifying the Day's Complexity
• 24:14 Understanding Camp's Future Pathway
• 25:23 Community Perceptions and Realities
• 25:50 Introducing Negative Scenarios
• 26:27 Sharing Challenges and Vulnerabilities
• 28:41 Community Response and Creativity
• 31:34 Balancing Love and Reality
• 33:10 Intentional Planning and Stakeholder Involvement
• 37:41 Future Scenario Playtesting

-

Our Guest:

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro

Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

-

Sponsor:

A huge thanks to our sponsor for making this possible.

Campttendance:

Meet Campttendance — the first app that makes attendance active. Parents update transportation and attendance instantly, staff greet campers confidently, and administrators see it all in real time. Less tracking, more connecting. Learn more at campttendance.com