Nick Teich, PhD, LCSW, coaches and consults with camp directors to help them with the overwhelming task of running the business of camp.
This is done as a fractional service, and Nick only works with a maximum of two camps in this area to ensure an intense time commitment.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HELP DIRECTORS RUN THE BUSINESS OF CAMP?
Gone are the days when one or even two camp directors can accomplish everything on their plate, and do it as well as it needs to be done. You likely got into this industry because you love camp and you are great at creating a meaningful camp experience for kids and staff. But the business part of it can be difficult to keep up with. Nick works alongside for-profit owners/directors and non-profit directors and boards, in the following areas:
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Strategic planning and execution of goals for the next one, five, and ten years
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Managing finances and budgets
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Streamlining operations
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Creating systems for all aspects of running camp to ensure smooth summers
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Facilities planning, building, and oversight
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Camper recruitment and growth strategies
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Advising and implementing best practices from Nick's work with many camps, their directors, and his own running of camp
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Development advisory services, where applicable
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...so that you and your small year-round team can focus on:
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Camper families
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Staff hiring and relationships
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Day-to-day operations
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Program
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Maintaining a healthier work-life balance​​
WHAT WILL MY CAMP SEE IN TERMS OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)?
Your camp gets the expertise and work of a full-time employee for much less money and overhead.
As families, staff, and camp operations get more complicated, many camps wish they could have an additional year-round staff member. The expenses of a full-time, year-round executive, including benefits, makes it a non-starter for most smaller organizations. Nick works with you and your camp on a fractional service basis, meaning you spend roughly half (or less) or what you would have to pay a full time employee and achieve the same goals and outcomes from someone who has run his own camp and been in the business for over 25 years, and can do the work for your camp on an intense but part-time basis. There is no need to reinvent the wheel after so many years of being surrounded by best practices.
Camps can set up six-month or one-year renewable contracts with Nick through Fairwinds Camp Consulting.​ Nick works on the business of camp with no more than two camps at any given time to ensure each camp gets the right amount of attention.