Camp Château Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Camp Château is dedicated to providing women with a joyful, tranquil, and rejuvenating all-inclusive summer camp experience. Set in a historic château in the French countryside, the camp offers a unique opportunity for women to engage in creative and restorative hobbies, enjoy great food and wine, and connect with other wonderful women. Whether choosing to participate in various activities or simply relax, the experience is tailored to individual preferences.

Primary Area of Focus and Industry Significance

Operating within the travel and leisure industry, Camp Château focuses on adult women seeking a retreat that combines relaxation, personal growth, and community building. By offering a women-only environment, the camp addresses a niche market, providing a space for women to connect, rejuvenate, and experience the French countryside in a supportive and empowering setting.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Empowerment and Community Building: Foster a supportive environment where women can connect, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.

• Personal Growth and Well-being: Offer activities and experiences that promote relaxation, creativity, and self-discovery.

• Cultural Immersion: Provide authentic experiences that allow participants to engage with French culture, cuisine, and traditions.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• All-Inclusive Retreats: Organize 6-day, 5-night retreats that include accommodation, meals, activities, and excursions.

• Diverse Activities: Offer a range of electives such as yoga, foraging, printmaking, and wine tasting, catering to various interests.

• Historic Setting: Utilize the 11th-century Château de Béduer as a unique backdrop for the camp experience.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Online Booking System: Implement a user-friendly platform for reservations and information dissemination.

• Digital Marketing Tools: Utilize social media and online content to engage with potential customers and build brand awareness.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Adult Women Seeking Retreats: Cater to women of various ages looking for a rejuvenating getaway.

• Cultural Enthusiasts: Appeal to individuals interested in experiencing French culture and cuisine.

• Community-Oriented Travelers: Attract those seeking meaningful connections and community experiences.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Camp Château has adopted a unique funding model that combines equity investment with a founder member structure. This approach has enabled the camp to secure the necessary capital while fostering a community of invested participants.

Total Funds Raised

The camp has raised funds through a combination of equity investors and over 50 founding members, each contributing €6,500 to become part of the venture.

Notable Investors

• Equity Investors: A select group of investors who hold partial ownership in the company and receive a portion of the profits.

• Founding Members: Over 50 women who have invested €6,500 each, receiving a 5% annual return and a free camp session each year.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are allocated towards property maintenance, staffing, activity development, and enhancing the overall camp experience to ensure high-quality offerings for participants.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

As a seasonal retreat, Camp Château's pipeline focuses on the development and refinement of its annual camp sessions, including:

• Summer Camp Sessions: Typically held from July to August, offering a variety of activities and excursions.

• Autumn Camp Sessions: Generally scheduled from September to October, featuring seasonal activities and experiences.

Stages of Development

Each camp session undergoes meticulous planning, including activity selection, staffing, and logistical arrangements, to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for all participants.

Target Conditions

The camp sessions are designed to provide a serene and rejuvenating environment, leveraging the natural beauty and tranquility of the French countryside.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

• Booking Openings: Typically announced several months in advance, with early bird pricing and special offers to encourage early reservations.

• Session Commencements: Scheduled annually, with specific dates announced on the camp's official website.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Online Booking System: A custom-built platform that allows for easy reservations, payment processing, and communication with campers.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Customer Feedback Analysis: Utilize surveys and feedback forms to continuously improve the camp experience based on participant input.

AI-Driven Capabilities

• Personalized Activity Recommendations: Implement algorithms to suggest activities to campers based on their preferences and past choices.

Leadership Team

Philippa Girling – Co-Founder & CEO

With over 30 years of experience in establishing new functions and businesses, Philippa was a C-level banking executive before founding Camp Château. She has a close connection with the Quercy region, having visited her parent's family home there every summer for the past 15 years.

Lynda Coleman – Co-Founder

Lynda has 15 years of experience in curating meaningful and memorable corporate events and weddings. She is an avid cruiser with 30 years of experience in participating in cruise entertainment activities and curriculum.

Leah Lykins – Co-Founder

Leah has 10 years of experience in pedagogy, school operations, and curriculum design. In 2018, she became a founder of an EdTech startup based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has extensive experience in business startup and user experience design.

Tegwen Evans – Camp Director

Born in the United States, Tegwen spent many summers at camp in Pennsylvania, first as a camper and then as a camp counselor and camper’s advocate. They are a photographer, artist, and entrepreneur living in Berlin for the last 7 years. Tegwen lives on-site at Camp Château every summer during the camp season.

Angie – Assistant Camp Director

Originally from Mexico, Angie has explored Europe since 2014, immersing herself in diverse cultures through volunteer work, academics, and employment. Embracing "multipotentialism," she values diverse skills and empathy. With experience overseeing small businesses and leading projects in Mexico's regenerative tourism, Angie brings extensive management expertise as Assistant Camp Director, enriching the camper experience.

Manon – Head Counselor

Manon teaches yoga and leads electives in outdoor & wellness at Camp Château. Her aim is to bring creativity and imagination into everyday life by connecting with people, nature, movement, and creativity.

Valerie – Counselor & Resident Assistant

Originally from Miami, Florida, Valerie is the proud daughter of immigrant parents. With degrees in Economics and French, she spent three years as a Resident Assistant, loving every moment. Now, to have a similar role in France? In a 13th-century château? Her life is complete.

Chef Jérémy – Head Chef

Chef Jérémy sources locally grown products from the Lot region and surrounding areas. He enjoys the Spanish and Mediterranean culinary influences in Southern France, providing light, colorful, and flavorful twists on savory classics. He is more than happy to prepare custom dishes to accommodate dietary needs.

Chef Six – Sous-Chef

Chef Six's culinary journey began in Italian and French kitchens in Berlin, where they swiftly transitioned from a prep-chef to mastering the grill in less than a year. Moving from traditional kitchens, Six now focuses on crafting creative and affordable dishes in communal spaces for LGBTQIA+ Berliners. Passionate about the transformative power of eating together, Six believes that food can foster a sense of community unlike any other.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for women-focused retreats and experiences has seen significant growth, with increasing demand for unique, empowering, and culturally immersive travel experiences. Camp Château's unique offering in the French countryside positions it favorably within this expanding market.

Competitor Analysis

• Women-Only Retreats: Various organizations offer women-only retreats, but few provide the combination of a historic setting, all-inclusive experience, and cultural immersion that Camp Château offers.

• Traditional Summer Camps: While traditional summer camps exist, Camp Château's focus on adult women and its luxurious setting differentiate it from conventional options.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Camp Château collaborates with local businesses and artisans to provide authentic experiences and support the regional economy. These partnerships enhance the camp’s offerings by integrating local culture, craftsmanship, and culinary traditions.