Is There Gold in Your Woods?
How camps can turn underutilized land into a steady revenue stream through conservation
Most camps are sitting on something incredibly valuable—and often overlooked.
Not a new program. Not a new building. Not even a new marketing strategy.
Land.
Specifically, forested land that’s already part of your property but isn’t actively generating revenue. At the same time, many camps are facing rising costs, increasing property taxes, and pressure from developers—all while trying to stay true to their mission and preserve the outdoor experience that makes camp meaningful.
In this episode of the Grow Your Camp Podcast, Mark and Carl explore two very practical ways to grow your camp. First, a simple but powerful marketing shift that can increase inquiries almost immediately. Then, a deeper conversation with Molly Hooks from the American Forest Foundation about how camps can turn underutilized forest land into a steady (and mission-aligned) income stream.
It’s a conversation about stewardship, sustainability, and making the most of what you already have.
Quick Camp Marketing Tip: Your Photos Are Doing More Than You Think
If you’re trying to increase inquiries, your first instinct might be to tweak your messaging or rewrite your website copy.
But in reality, your photos are doing more of the selling than your words ever will.
When a parent or group leader lands on your website, they’re not just reading—they’re imagining. Subconsciously, they’re asking:
“Will this work for our group?”
“Can I picture my kids here?”
“Does this feel right?”
And your photos answer those questions instantly.
The problem is, many camps rely on images of empty buildings—empty dining halls, empty cabins, empty fields. Or worse, generic stock photos that don’t reflect the real experience.
Those images create uncertainty.
On the other hand, photos filled with real people—kids laughing, groups eating together, activities in motion—build trust quickly. They help visitors see themselves at your camp.
“People trust people, not buildings.”
That trust is what drives inquiries.
If you do one thing this month, audit your website photos. Replace outdated or empty images with authentic, people-filled moments from your camp. It’s a simple change that can have an immediate impact.
As a bonus, Mark suggests looking into local real estate photographers—they often have the skills to capture spaces in a way that feels alive and inviting.
Personal Camp Story: How Camp Experiences Shape a Life Outdoors
Before diving into the program itself, Molly shares her own connection to camp—and it’s a reminder of why this work matters.
She grew up attending camps in South Carolina, where she built friendships, explored her faith, and spent long days outside—swimming in lakes, shooting archery, and playing games in the woods. Those moments weren’t just fun—they were formative.
Years later, one experience stood out even more.
As a high school senior, Molly returned to camp to watch the solar eclipse. She and her friends spent the day fully immersed in the outdoors—fishing, swimming, playing, and then witnessing the sky change in a way that felt almost surreal.
It was one of those moments where the natural world doesn’t just exist around you—it comes alive.
That experience helped shape her passion for forestry and conservation, and ultimately led her to the work she does today.
“I’m a product of those kinds of camps.”
Camps don’t just create memories. They shape how people see and value the world around them.
Turning Forest Land Into a Revenue Stream Without Changing How You Use It
What the Family Forest Carbon Program Actually Is
The Family Forest Carbon Program, run by the American Forest Foundation, is designed to help private landowners—including camps—generate income by keeping their forests intact.
Instead of cutting timber or developing land, the program pays you to maintain and manage your forest sustainably. It’s built around the idea that healthy forests provide real environmental value—and that landowners should be compensated for preserving them.
“It’s not just revenue—it’s about conservation and stewardship.”
Why This Fits So Naturally With Camps
For most camps, the idea of monetizing land usually comes with tradeoffs—cutting trees, selling property, or changing how the land is used.
But this program is different.
Camps already use their forests for:
Games like capture the flag or manhunt
Hiking and exploration
Outdoor programming
They’re not looking to harvest timber—they’re looking to preserve the experience.
That’s what makes this such a natural fit.
“Most camps already have the acreage—they just haven’t leveraged it.”
With this program, camps can continue using their land exactly as they do now—while adding a new source of income.
How the Money Works (And What to Expect)
The financial side of the program is straightforward, but it’s important to set expectations.
Minimum requirement: about 30 acres of eligible forest (with some flexibility)
Example payout: roughly $241 per acre over 20 years
Payments are distributed annually (around 5% each year)
For a smaller parcel, that might not seem like a huge number. And that’s the point—it’s not meant to replace your primary revenue streams.
Instead, it’s:
A steady, predictable income stream
A way to offset rising costs
A financial cushion that supports long-term sustainability
There are also occasional bonus opportunities when additional funding becomes available.
The Enrollment Process (Step-by-Step)
One of the strengths of the program is how simple it is to explore.
Here’s what the process looks like:
Check eligibility online
A quick assessment through the website gives you an initial answer.Initial conversation
Share more about your land and your goals.Connect with a forester
A deeper discussion about your property and how it’s used.Site visit
A forester walks your land to understand its condition and potential.Enrollment and agreement
If it’s a fit, you move forward with the program.Forest management plan
You receive a customized plan for your property.
It’s a low-pressure process, and the first step—checking eligibility—takes very little time.
The Hidden Value: A Long-Term Forest Management Plan
Beyond the revenue, one of the most valuable parts of the program is the forest management plan.
This isn’t just about qualifying for payments. It’s about understanding and improving your land.
Camps receive:
A customized management plan for the entire property
Guidance on sustainability and long-term health
Support for managing wildlife and invasive species
Even areas that aren’t eligible for the program are included in the plan, giving you a comprehensive view of how to care for your land over time.
For many camps, that alone is a significant benefit.
Protecting Camp Land for the Future
Many camp leaders are feeling the pressure.
Property taxes are rising. Developers are making offers. The long-term future of camp land isn’t always guaranteed.
This program doesn’t solve everything—but it helps.
It creates:
A new revenue stream to offset costs
A reason to keep land intact
A path to long-term stewardship
“This is another way to keep that land in your camp’s name.”
It’s not just about making money. It’s about protecting what makes camp possible in the first place.
What This Means for Your Camp
If you take one thing from this episode, it’s this:
You may already have more opportunity than you think.
Your photos could be quietly limiting your inquiries. Your land could be quietly sitting on untapped potential.
Neither requires a massive overhaul to fix.
Start simple:
Review and update your website photos
Explore whether your land qualifies for the Family Forest Carbon Program
If you’re curious about the program, you can learn more or check eligibility here:
Family Forest Carbon Program >
Growth doesn’t always come from adding more. Sometimes it comes from using what you already have more effectively—while staying aligned with your mission.
Because at the end of the day, you can’t minister to empty beds—and everything you do to grow your camp helps more people experience what makes it matter.
And as always, if this episode was helpful to you:
Follow or subscribe to the podcast
Share it with another camp leader
Have an idea for a future episode topic? You can submit a question or topic here:
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Because ultimately, this isn’t just about ideas.
It’s about putting them into practice and seeing real growth.