# Ep 6 | From Empty Beds to a Waiting List

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/grow-your-camp-7692382/ep-6-from-empty-beds-to-a-waiting-list.md
Podcast: [Grow Your Camp](https://stenobird.com/podcast/grow-your-camp-7692382)
Published: 2026-04-03T20:57:59+00:00
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Duration seconds: 2425

## Resource

In this episode, Carl shares a camp marketing tip on how answering unasked questions on your website can dramatically increase retreat inquiries. Then Mark sits down with John Schwieterman, Executive Director of Cross Oaks Camp and Retreat Center, to unpack how he transformed a struggling camp into a rapidly growing operation. John shares the real story behind that growth—from cold calling hundreds of churches with limited results to implementing a system that now generates consistent inbound leads and an 88% close rate. They walk through the practical changes that made the difference, including website improvements, digital marketing strategy, and the leadership shift required to stop doing everything alone. You’ll hear what actually worked, what didn’t, and how to think about growth as both an operational and strategic challenge. If you’re trying to fill more beds, increase bookings, or move your camp out of survival mode, this episode gives you a clear, real-world example of what that path can look like. Keywords camp growth, retreat bookings, camp marketing, lead generation, website optimization, digital marketing, camp leadership, nonprofit growth, camp revenue, guest groups Key Topics Why most camp websites fail to convert inquiries The shift from cold outreach to inbound lead generation Website structure and FAQ strategy for better conversions Using Google Ads and SEO to drive qualified leads Improving close rates with better lead quality The operational challenges that come with growth Leadership mindset: when and how to ask for help Measuring ROI on marketing investments Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow Guest John Schwieterman, Executive Director Cross Oaks Camp and Retreat Center Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode O…

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## Transcript

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