Monitoring and Evaluation Whether the flight instructor was demonstrating a successful takeoff, landing or cruising, the numbers and measurements on his instrument panel worked together to paint a picture. It told him exactly where the plane was and how it was operating. It reassured the instructor of what was working properly and, perhaps even more importantly, revealed what wasn’t. But the pilot didn’t just glance down at his control


panel once or twice. He continuously monitored it throughout the flight. Data-driven decision-making is not a one-and-done deal. It’s a process that requires ongoing, close observation and constant evaluation of outcomes. And that goes double for camp, an industry that


is largely seasonal and relies heavily on retention of campers, staff and donors. It’s imperative that you set up regular checkpoints to assess the impact of implemented changes and adjust your strategies — in other words, use your attitude indicator to see if you’re banking away from your missional horizon and need to course correct.


Fostering a Culture of Data-Informed Practice Because data-driven decision-making is a long-term investment for your ministry, it’s important to culti- vate a culture that embraces the process. Tis involves not only data-driven decision-making at the adminis- trative level but also empowering staff and volunteers to contribute to your quest to use data to enrich your missional impact. It’s easy to compartmentalize our staff, departments,


goals and yes, even our campers, their parents and our guests into separate chapters of our ministry story. But you can’t afford to keep the data and insights you gather compartmentalized if you want to reach your ministry goals. As Schuette iterated, “Use data as a flashlight to


shine the spotlight on the biggest areas you need to work on. It helps your team know where to focus their time, energy and resources. Ten they can work together to make the right decisions and changes.” Encouraging open communication and collabora-


tion among roles and departments will ensure that data is collected, communicated and utilized effectively across all levels of your organization. Tis, in turn, will drive collective action toward shared goals and give everyone a voice in going aſter your mission. 


“When the process of collecting and using data is done right … you’ll be increasing your mission impact.” —Beth Schuette, director of people operations at New Life Ranch (Colcord, Oklahoma)


Cierra Winkler has volunteered at LaVerne Griffin Youth Camp (Wasilla, Alaska) for the past 17 summers. During the rest of the year, she lives in Franklin, Tennessee, where she writes for Ramsey Solutions. She enjoys hiking with Rosie, her Shiba Inu, reading literature and British history and spending time with family.


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