Send us a text

Find the show notes and all of the resources from this episode at: 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

-

Resources from this episode:

 Joe gave us so many great resources from this episode that it won't fit in the show notes. So head to our blog posts for this episode to see them all: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/scenarios-stakeholders

-

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:

Whereabouts:

Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.

Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io