Camp Directors: Time to Embrace Change and Make Every Dollar Count

The world is changing faster than ever. If you’re still clinging to the phrase, “That’s how we’ve always done it,” it’s time for a rethink. Matt Wilfrid of the Canadian Camps Association (CCA) recently shared powerful insights: adaptability is key to survival and success.

Why the Old Ways Won’t Cut It

Are your programs and food services reflecting changing family needs? Are you proactively addressing dietary restrictions or stuck in a “take it or leave it” mindset?

Wilfrid emphasized that simply being welcoming isn’t enough. Camps must be genuinely inclusive, ensuring every camper feels seen, heard, and that their individual needs will be met. Today’s parents, particularly millennials, are more discerning and less comfortable with traditional practices like sleepovers. Camp operators need to build trust proactively, transparently, and responsively. Communication is paramount—engage early, listen, and demonstrate your commitment to safety and well-being.

Knowing who to trust also matters. Leveraging vetted sources offered by national and provincial associations ensures you get the best value. “Trusted partner, Foodbuy, supports our industry through their support of the CCA and Provincial Camping Associations (PCAs), and supports camps by delivering industry-leading savings and rebate buying programs,” states Wilfrid. “The CCA values Foodbuy as a long-standing partner as they go beyond just offering rebates to camps—they also understand and support the wider scope of camping as a movement.

Building Meaningful Connections:

Wilfrid highlighted the CCA’s advocacy of the summer camp experience to the federal government. The CCA stresses camps aren’t just fun and games; research* shows that camps foster positive change in areas like emotional intelligence, self-confidence and social integration. The CCA works to demonstrate that camps transform lives, providing safe communities for developing essential skills and connections. Advocacy efforts include pre-budget government statements requesting support for staffing, international staff pathways, and tax breaks for equitable camp access.

Finding Balance: Technology and Camp

Camp is about campfires, friendships, and personal growth away from everyday life. In today’s digital world, balancing technology’s benefits with human connection and nature is vital. Camp uniquely allows campers to disconnect—away from screens and pressures—fostering deeper connections, emotional intelligence, and appreciation of nature.

Though camp’s magic lies in tech-free experiences, technology can enhance camp operations: by streamlining tasks such as online registration, keeping digital health records, and making communications more efficient. Additionally, AI tools and Foodbuy buying programs help camp operators save valuable time.

Foodbuy Sets the Table

Managing food budgets can be daunting. Foodbuy simplifies procurement, saving camps money and time. Wilfrid, who experienced how easy it was to sign-up to become a free Foodbuy member, emphasized its efficiency. Through Foodbuy, camps have access to pre-negotiated supplier contracts, providing the best value for what you’re buying – saving you money and time – freeing you to focus on delivering a fantastic camp experience.

*Based on findings from the Canadian Summer Camp Research Project: Phase 3 Final Report (2013), conducted by researchers at the University of Waterloo, Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies.