“I serve on the HOA board. That’s an intentional decision so I can have a pulse on what the neighbors are asking …” —Matt Wimmer, CEO of Sambica (Bellevue, Washington)
Sambica hosts more than 3,000 campers in the summer with the support of 150 collegiate staff. In the off-season, they welcome more than 10,000 guests for retreats. Teir presence is obvious, as the camp is positioned in the middle of a neighborhood. Wimmer explained, “I serve on the HOA board. Tat’s an inten- tional decision so I can have a pulse on what the neighbors are asking via the HOA.” Wimmer’s secret to diplomacy? Cookies. “Way
back, when we arrived 15 years ago, it was my wife Cindy’s idea to take chocolate chip cookies to all of the neighbors,” Wimmer said. He added that it’s not about the cookies, but rather, proactively leaving a good taste in neighbors’ mouths while sharing space with an active summer camp. Wimmer shared, “When something is worth a conversation, like maybe we’re doing a construction project, we do ‘Cookies with Coach’” (Wimmer’s camp nickname). This helps him stay ahead of the ball, keeping neigh- bors informed and happy.
Deerfoot Lodge Adirondacks (Speculator, New York)
has also found its wins by turning olive branches into pastries. Director Craig Boronow paddles around the lake on several Sunday mornings during the summer, delivering fresh-baked cinnamon buns from the camp kitchen to neighbors eager to see him. Tis investment allows for a physical handshake
and the opportunity to offer a regular touchpoint. As executive director Ron Mackey noted, being the one to take the first step is critical. “Take initiative with communication; get ahead
of things, establish warmth and connection before there’s tension. Once you have a relationship, you have a context from which you can wrestle through and deal with tensions in a healthy way,” Mackey said. “If you don’t have a relationship and the tension begins, assumptions are made and you treat each other like enemies.”
November/December 2025
www.ccca.org
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