This is the CampSite Camp Spotlight—highlighting the amazing work being done by camps within our ecosystem. This edition features Over The Wall, a UK-based charity that offers free residential and online camp programs for children and young people facing health challenges.

A Legacy of Laughter: How It All Began

The inspiring story of Over The Wall Camp began with the vision of legendary actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman. In 1988, funded by profits from his Newman’s Own products, Paul founded the ‘Hole in the Wall Gang Camp‘ in the US. His dream was simple yet profound: to create a free, purpose-built overnight camp where children with long-term health conditions could escape the limitations of their conditions and simply “kick back and raise a little hell.” This idea blossomed into the SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global community of camps, with Over The Wall Camp proudly continuing this remarkable legacy.

Over The Wall Camp’s own journey began in the UK in 1999. After businessman Joe Woods arranged for children from the UK to visit Paul Newman’s original US camp, a friendship formed that led to the decision to establish a similar haven in the UK. 

Since its establishment in the UK, Over The Wall has provided free programs including their residential camps and virtual camp, Camp in the Cloud. 

Catching Up With Ruth Quill, Over The Wall’s Activities Coordinator

Our team at CampSite had the pleasure to ask Ruth Quill, Over The Wall’s Activities Coordinator some questions to learn more about her experiences working there. We delved into her experiences to learn about what makes Over The Wall so unique and impactful. 

Q. How did you get started in the camp world? 

Ruth: I worked at a camp as a summer job during University and have been to a camp every year since!

Q. What do you think sets your camp apart and makes it special? 

Ruth: Our camps are radically inclusive, where everyone can do everything! They are for people who often get turned away from these opportunities because other camps don’t have the facilities to support them. It’s special because of the immense care, effort, and specialized knowledge that has been brought together to make it possible.

Q. What’s a favorite camp tradition or memory that stands out to you?

Ruth: To me, it’s the small breakthroughs in campers–realizing sexual identities, overcoming fears, apologizing for wrongdoings, performing new skills, changing behaviors, etc. The memories of positively influencing children’s lives are why I keep doing what I do!

Q. What lasting impact do you hope your camp leaves on campers? 

Ruth: A deep confidence in their own abilities.

Q. How has working at a camp shaped you as a person? 

Ruth: It has changed how I view play, now seeing play as an important part of my adult life.

Ruth’s reflections underscore the core of Over The Wall’s mission. At its heart, the camp operates on powerful principles that ensure a safe, inclusive, and trustworthy environment where fun and friendship truly thrive. Their guiding values of Belonging, Authenticity, and Growth mean that every camper, staff member, and volunteer is encouraged to be their true self, forge new connections, and discover just how amazing they really are.

Setting Down Roots: Over The Wall’s Exciting New Chapter

For many years, Over The Wall operated by renting various venues across the UK. While this “travelling circus” model was successful, it presented increasing challenges in finding locations with the highly specialized amenities, accessibility, and clinical care facilities needed for their unique campers. This approach eventually limited their capacity for growth.

In 2024, Over The Wall Camp made an exciting announcement: they secured a minimum 40-year lease for the former Ockbrook School near Derby. This monumental step means the charity will soon have its own dedicated and permanent base.

Continuing the Over The Wall Legacy

For over 25 years, Over The Wall has transformed lives, providing magical camp experiences for more than 8,000 children and their families. They now accommodate over 130 different illnesses across various UK locations, including Dorset, Staffordshire, and Perth.

It’s clear from Over The Wall’s mission that they’re more than just a camp. It’s a space where campers can leave everyday challenges behind, break down barriers, connect with others with similar experiences, and have fun, all while building a more confident version of themselves.

Curious to learn more about Over The Wall’s mission and the work they’re doing? Visit Over The Wall’s website here to dive deeper into their story.

We absolutely loved connecting with three of our newest CampSite team members—Karla, Ian, and Emily! We got to hear their amazing stories and find out what inspired them to join the CampSite team. Get ready, because each of them is bringing a unique viewpoint and incredible experiences, and we’re thrilled to introduce their journeys to you.

Karla Schell

1. Why did you choose to work at CampSite?

I love camp people and camp culture.  Camp people are special because they are so adept at navigating both personal relationships and business practices.  Working at CampSite allows me to build and maintain relationships with the people at camps, but also to help them to work smarter and be able to give the gift of time to the people they are serving.

2. What are you looking forward to in your role?

I am so excited to meet new people and new camps.  I am a camp nerd at heart.  I love getting to learn about the great things that camps are doing.  Camps are constantly adapting and changing and it’s the people who are dreaming, creating and executing their plans who are making it happen.  I am excited to be a part of where this chapter will take all of us.

3. What makes CampSite unique to you?

In a very practical sense there are components of the software that I WISH I had when I was running camps.  The Advanced Reporting and Attendance tracking would have been game changers for me.  Those are features that stand out, but for me the real unique part of CampSite is the constant adaptations that are being made specifically to meet the needs of the customer.  As camps change, so does CampSite!

4. What experience or skills do you bring that will help you serve our customers (and camps/ the camp industry) well?

I have been a Camp Director for almost 25 years.  I know the culture of camps, parents and staff with a shorthand that all Camp Directors have.  I have worked with camps of many sizes, affiliations and types.  My first hand experience as a Camp Director helps me to help our team at CampSite make a product that fits the camp world and helps me to understand and guide our camps as well.  In addition, I have been a longtime volunteer, visitor and instructor with the American Camp Association.

Former Camp Staffer at:

YMCA Camp Potawotami- Indiana, YMCA Camp Kern- Ohio, Camp Sacajawea- Iowa Girl Scouts, Mystic Lake YMCA Camp- Michigan, Camp Redwing- Pennsylvania Girl Scouts, YMCA Camp Soles- Pennsylvania, YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer- Pennsylvania

Ian McCluskie

1. Why did you choose to work at CampSite?

I joined CampSite with a strong desire to remain engaged with the vibrant camp community, but now I aim to contribute in a fresh capacity. I believe my background and experience will allow me to bring a new perspective and energy to the team, helping us innovate and push boundaries in the industry. I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals and make a lasting impact on the lives of campers and staff alike.

2. What are you looking forward to in your role?

I am looking forward to connecting to camps and helping each camp foster their own unique camp magic for each one of their campers. 

3. What makes CampSite unique to you?

Campsite is unique in the sense that the staff here genuinely care about and understand summer camp. I have seen and experienced a legitimate care for the camps that we work with and I am excited to be a part of that. 

4. What experience or skills do you bring that will help you serve our customers (and camps/ the camp industry) well?

I am passionate about summer camp and dedicated to supporting others to improve their programs and make the magic of camp more widely available. Enabling staff to concentrate on delivering exceptional experiences directly translates to increased camp magic for campers.

Former Camp Staffer at:

Keystone Science School

Emily Niebauer

1. Why did you choose to work at CampSite?

I was immediately drawn to the fully remote environment but was hooked by the niche software. It was so specific, yet robust, and it was very intriguing! I had worked in payments in a few different spaces/roles and each time, it was 150+ business types (literally any and all businesses you can imagine) and sometimes 50+ types of hardware/software/gateway that I had to know how to support on any given day. I was excited to see a product that catered to a specific business type/client base and wasn’t overreaching to be a one stop product for any and all businesses they could get.

2. What are you looking forward to in your role?

I’m looking forward to learning anything and everything I can about CampSite! I love knowing all the things, and there’s a lot of things to know, so I’m just trying to absorb what I can when it comes my way so, eventually, I’ll be a seasoned pro like the amazing people I have the privilege to work with.

3. What makes CampSite unique to you?

The people! Everyone is so welcoming and encouraging and are genuinely happy to be here. They believe in the product and believe in helping the customers. They enjoy what they do, they want everyone around them to enjoy it, and we do! The longevity of the people who work here speaks volumes to how awesome it really is, and honestly, it’s unmatched. 

4. What experience or skills do you bring that will help you serve our customers (and camps/ the camp industry) well?

Although I don’t have the same camp history as a lot of people here, having only been to a handful of different camps in my childhood, I have been in customer service for over 16 years and in the payment space for over 8 years. I have always believed that white glove service can and should be provided in any business and I always try to incorporate that level of support with everyone I work with. I also know that payments can be confusing at times! Not everyone understands it or knows how to find the answers they’re looking for and that’s where I can help. It brings a smile to my face knowing I can be that trusted point of contact for our customers to not only get answers to their immediate questions, but also to help them use the tools at their disposal to teach them a general understanding that may help them with future questions. And if not, I’m always happy to help!

About CampSite

CampSite’s comprehensive camp management software is relied on by camps of all kinds across the country. Our customizable platform, frequent product updates, and 5-star support!

Learn how CampSite can help you make every camper’s summer unforgettable.

Summer camp life is fast, full, and often a little chaotic. Between early wake-ups, back-to-back activities, and nonstop camper energy, it can be easy for staff to put their own needs last. But here’s the truth: taking time for self care—even in small, quick ways—can make a big difference in how you show up every day.

Making time for self-care during the busy summer months doesn’t have to be big or time-consuming. In fact, the most meaningful practices are often the simple ones that are easy to repeat and build into your day. Here are a few quick, practical ideas that fit into the natural rhythms of camp life.

 1. Start Your Morning with Intention

Instead of jumping straight into the buzz of the day, take a few quiet minutes before breakfast or during clean-up to center yourself.

Try this:

• A deep breath in, a slow breath out, repeat three times.
  
• Think of one word you want to carry into your day (like calm, patience, or fun).
  
• If you journal, jot down one sentence: “Today, I want to…”
  

Why it matters: It grounds you before the noise hits and helps set a positive tone, no matter what the day holds.

2. Hydration = Instant Reset

It’s obvious but often overlooked. Dehydration affects your mood, focus, and energy levels.

Try this:

• Fill your water bottle at a set time each day (after lunch, before flagpole, etc.).
  
• Use camp transitions—moving between activities, waiting for campers—to sneak in a few gulps.
  

Bonus tip: Add a slice of lemon or a splash of flavoring to make it feel like a treat!

3. Take a Nature Break

If you’re surrounded by nature—use it. Even just stepping outside for five minutes alone can refresh your mind.

Try this:

• Walk to a quiet spot and notice five things around you (sights, sounds, smells).
  
• Sit on a bench or log, close your eyes, and breathe slowly for one minute.
  

Why it matters: Nature calms your nervous system. A short reset can help you re-enter the day more balanced.

4. Do a Quick Body Scan or Stretch

Your body works hard all day. A few mindful moments of attention can help release tension and prevent burnout.

Try this:

• While standing in line or waiting for campers, roll your shoulders, stretch your neck, wiggle your fingers and toes.
  
• Take a deep breath and ask yourself: What part of me feels tired or tight right now?
  

Why it matters: You’ll feel more present and more in control of your physical energy.

 5. Share One Good Thing

Connection is a powerful form of self-care. When the day feels overwhelming, look for one small good thing and share it with someone else.

Try this:

• “Hey, that sunset tonight was amazing.”
  
• “You handled that camper moment really well, just wanted to say that.”
  
• “I’m grateful for ten minutes of quiet between activities.”
  

Why it matters: It shifts your mindset from stress to gratitude and spreads that positivity to others.

Conclusion

You don’t need a spa day or an hour off to care for yourself. You just need a few mindful minutes and permission to take them. These simple acts don’t take much time, but they replenish the energy you give to everyone else.

Remember: You matter at camp not just for what you do, but for who you are. Taking care of yourself makes everything you give that much more sustainable and meaningful.

About CampSite

CampSite’s comprehensive camp management software is relied on by camps of all kinds across the country. Our customizable platform, frequent product updates, and 5-star support team make us a trusted and necessary camp management tool. 

Learn how CampSite can help you make every camper’s summer unforgettable.

This is a CampSite Camp Spotlight – An opportunity to highlight the amazing work being done by camps within our ecosystem. This edition’s feature is with Camp Brave Trails, an LGBTQ+ Leadership focused camp that offers a variety of camps and programs to its participants. 

Where Passion Meets Purpose: How It All Began

Eleven years ago, Brave Trails co-founders Jess and Kayla met at the Los Angeles LGBTQ Center and embarked on a journey to create something special. Combining Jess’ background in queer leadership and Kayla’s background in summer camp, they created Brave Trails, an LGBTQ+ leadership-focused summer camp whose mission is to provide a space for campers to build friendships, explore their identities, and pursue their passions. 

Catching Up with Brave Trails 

Our team at CampSite had the pleasure of speaking with Sophia (they/them), Brave Trails’ Summer Camp Director and Max (he/him), Brave Trails’ Associate Director of Strategy to hear more about their experiences working at Brave Trails.

We often hear from camp staff about the impact that camp has had on them (obviously always positive but we’re biased!), and it was so powerful to hear from Sophia on the impact that Brave Trails had on them as both a participant and now as a Camp Leader. 

 “It meant so much to me as a kid because I could be authentic here. Especially for queer youth, being queer [at our camp] is kind of the least interesting thing about them. All things that shouldn’t be a factor aren’t a factor, and now at camp they can just really lean into their passions and what they care about.”

By offering programs specifically designed to equip campers with the tools they need to flourish both within the camp setting and in their daily lives, Brave Trails inspires and motivates its participants to become catalysts for positive change within their communities.

As Max explained to us, the impact that their youth are having on the world at such a young age is awe-inspiring. 

 “The experience they [campers] have is so rich with a mutual wanting to better the world. These kids are advocating for new legislation at 13 years old and have already had these incredible lives that they then share.”

Here’s some more of our Q&A with Sophia and Max: 

Q: What lasting impact do you hope your camp leaves on campers?

Sophia: A quote Max has said sticks out, “No camper will ever leave this camp knowing that they have never been loved.” It’s important because everyone wants that unconditional love, no matter what they are coming in with. A lot of people say this isn’t who you should be or how you should be living life. At 12 to 17 years old, they need to hear that there’s no wrong way to exist—and that there’s a world where they can thrive, and this is that world. To see adults that look like them, had their experiences and know that they can be there and have that space. Camp changed me as a human being and I want to give that to the campers that I work with.

Max: There are a thousand people here [camp professionals] that know the transformative power of camp for youth, and I want every person to be able to experience that. And with the kids that we serve traditionally, they encounter a lot of barriers in doing that and I want them to grow up with the same fond memories of camp that a lot of kids have already.

Q: What is one of your favorite memories of camp? 

Sophia: I remember we had a camper who was deaf one year and they really wanted to perform at the camp variety show. They did “Hot to Go!” by Chappell Roan in sign language. The entire crowd was up dancing and there was just sheer joy that radiated in that moment.

Max: Mine was something that happened in the Hall of Elders, a space honoring queer elders from the past. It’s a place where campers can chat about what these elders mean to them, dive into queer history, reflect on how they’ve gotten to where they are, and think about how to carry that wisdom forward.  Two campers were having an emotional conversation while at the Hall of Elders and the following day they put on a silly puppet show. These are the kind of memories that really stick out because it truly shows what is so special about this space; it’s not only a space to have important discussions but is also a space where campers can just be kids.

Through Sophia and Max’s experiences and love for camp, we see the heart of Brave Trails in action. It’s this same spirit that fuels their deep commitment to accessibility and inclusion for all their campers.

Access and Inclusion: Creating a Space for Every Camper

By hosting fundraisers, Brave Trails is able to provide scholarships for communities like POC and hope to expand these efforts to other marginalized communities as they grow.

Brave Trails is also deeply committed to accessibility, by doing everything they can to ensure every camper has the resources they need. For instance, they provide sign language interpreters for deaf campers and offer sensory rooms and fidget toys for neurodiverse campers. If a camper has unique needs, the team is diligent in finding solutions, utilizing resources, donations and grants to provide the necessary accommodations.

The Power of Camper Feedback

In their ongoing commitment to the camper experience and creating a supportive and inclusive space, Brave Trails introduced a camper board this year to help continue this mission. This board gathers 10 long-time campers to share their insights. By listening to those who know the camp best, Brave Trails is able to make meaningful improvements to ensure an even better experience for all campers.

Conclusion

What started with humble beginnings, Brave Trails’ passion and commitment to LGBTQ+ youth and communities have helped them grow to become a globally recognized space. Today, with campers from all 50 states and 17 countries, Brave Trails is changing lives and making a lasting impact on queer youth around the world.

After speaking with them, it’s clear that Brave Trails is more than just a camp —it’s a place where queer leadership thrives, but above all, a place where every camper feels valued and empowered to be themselves.

Curious to learn more about Brave Trails’ mission and the work they’re doing? Visit Brave Trails’ website here to dive deeper into their story.

We had the pleasure of connecting with three of our newest CampSite members, Danielle, Jaxon, and Tyler, to hear their stories and learn what motivated them to join CampSite. Each of them brings a unique perspective and set of experiences, and we’re excited to share their journeys with you.

Danielle Greenberg

1. What is your role at CampSite?

Sales Development Representative

2. Why did you choose to work at CampSite?

 I chose to work at CampSite because all of my camp jobs have been so fulfilling and I didn’t want to necessarily leave camp but I knew it was time to make a change. I wanted to still be a part of the camping movement so I had to think about “camp adjacent” moves. CampSite is a perfect fit because it allows me to still be involved in talking with camps every day and helping them with one of the most important parts of their everyday job while not having to manage transportation changes or luggage delivery or late night security watch!

3. What are you looking forward to in your role?

Learning! There is so much to learn about CampSite and I am sponge, ready to absorb it all! 

4. What makes CampSite unique to you? 

I have always had the most unique job of all my friends and I can still say that I am part of a niche service. People that work in camp are unlike anyone in any other industry and that is extended to the “camp adjacent” roles as well! 

5. What experience or skills do you bring that will help you serve our customers (and camps/ the camp industry) well?

I know camp! I know what camp administrators need from their management software and when someone needs something that I didn’t think about, I can understand the big picture.  

Former Camp Staffer at:

Camp Ramah in the Berkshires and Deer Mountain Day Camp

Jaxon Thacker

1. What is your position at CampSite?

Business Development Representative

2. Why did you choose to work at CampSite?

I chose to work at CampSite because I believe that camp is an amazing place to help shape the next generation! I have seen the positive impact in my own life as well as that of so many others, and I am excited to get to be a part of it still, even while I am not out in the field every day!

3. What are you looking forward to in your role?

I look forward to getting to meet and talk to people who are doing such amazing work every day!

4. What makes CampSite unique to you?

One thing that is unique about CampSite is the real passion for summer camp that the people here have! Not every single person has worked full time for a camp, but a lot of us have, and even those who have not, share that love for the summer camp industry. The whole team is not here because they love software or just needed a job, but because they care about the industry we serve.

5. What experience or skills do you bring that will help you serve our customers (and camps/ the camp industry) well?

I bring a few years of full time camp management experience and MANY more years of experience as a camper, and camp counselor. Hopefully this allows me to be able to really understand and help the people that we get to serve.

Former Camp Staffer at:

Sky Ranch Camps and Camp Ch-Yo-Ca

Tyler McMahon

1. What is your role at CampSite?

Customer Success Specialist

2. Why did you choose to work at CampSite?

I chose to work at CampSite because over the past 9 years Dan Healey has said how much he’s loved the team and the culture that CampSite fosters. So when a position opened up I knew I had to apply!

3. What are you looking forward to in your role?

I look forward to each unique setup for the camps that we service. Seeing how they run their camp and how our database facilitates their particular needs is super gratifying. 

4. What makes CampSite unique to you?

CampSite’s culture is unlike anything I’ve experienced in a prior role. I love the camaraderie and drive of everyone in the company. 

5. What experience or skills do you bring that will help you serve our customers (and camps/ the camp industry) well?

I like to think I bring a special brand of personal touch to every support interaction I have, offering empathy and understanding for whatever issues a client is experiencing. 

Conclusion

As we welcome Karla, Ian and Emily to the CampSite team, we’re filled with excitement for the fresh energy and unique perspectives they bring. Their combined expertise is a powerful addition to our commitment at CampSite: nurturing the individuals who make camp experiences truly extraordinary. We’re incredibly happy to have them aboard and eager to discover the wonderful new heights we’ll reach together!

Let’s face it—spring cleaning at camp doesn’t just mean sweeping out the cobwebs and prepping cabins. Behind the scenes, it’s also prime time to declutter your digital world so you’re not buried in spreadsheets and sticky notes later.

If you’re looking to breathe a little easier before enrollments flood in, here’s a digital spring cleaning checklist that’ll help set the tone for a smooth, stress-free enrollment season.

1. Refresh Forms & Sessions

Still using last year’s session descriptions or forms? Give everything a quick polish. Update wording, and dates so families have the most accurate info—no confusion, no email back-and-forth.

2. Review and Update your Enrollment Form

Take a few minutes to review your enrollment form to ensure program descriptions are updated. Remove any outdated information to ensure your enrollment process reflects your camp’s current programs. Make the process crystal-clear and easy to track with digital forms and camper statuses.

3. Clean Up Your Email Templates

If your email templates haven’t seen the light of day since last summer, now’s a great time to make sure they’re:

• Friendly and up-to-date
• Branded for your camp
• Linking to the right places

4. Run a Report of Last Year’s Data

Running a few key reports from last year’s data is a great way to spot trends, identify areas to focus on, and get a head start on planning for the season ahead. For example, look at:

• Enrollment numbers
• Waitlist numbers
• Bunking assignments

Quick snapshots now = fewer surprises later

5. Dispose Of What You Don’t Need

Clean out last year’s files, duplicate forms, or outdated documents. A little digital decluttering helps you (and your team) stay focused on what matters most: your campers.

Final Thoughts

Less Chaos, More Camp

Spring is all about fresh starts—and that applies to your camp dashboard, too. A quick digital cleanup now can save hours of headaches when the enrollments roll in.

If you’re ready to swap the chaos for clarity, the right software can make it easier than ever. CampSite is here to help you sweep your data into shape.

About CampSite

CampSite’s comprehensive camp management software is relied on by camps of all kinds across the country. Our customizable platform, frequent product updates, and 5-star support!

Learn how CampSite can help you make every camper’s summer unforgettable.