Lori Severson, of Severson & Associates, is widely known not only for her work managing the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners (WACO), but her work managing some of the campground industry’s largest conventions, including WACO’s Annual Convention and Tradeshow and the Campground Owners Expo.
What’s not as well known is Severson’s work with Sarah Krause to create online training courses at CampgroundManpower.com for work campers as well as campground operators.
Krause, who manages four campgrounds and two bars through C & D Hospitality, said she and Severson came up with the idea to create online courses in 2021 while driving home from the first annual Campground Owners Expo.
“Lori said, ‘There are not enough trained or qualified campground managers or people who realize that working at a campground is a career opportunity. I think you should teach a management course for campground managers and I’ll help you put it online,'” highlighted Krause.
Severson and Krause launched their campground management training program during the December 2024 Campground Owners Expo, with 28 training modules that park operators could complete on their own time.
Severson, Krause and WACO Attorney Mark Hazelbaker led the initial sessions based on their respective areas of expertise. They covered every aspect of campground management, including front desk management, customer service, maintenance, marketing and legal affairs.
They initially marketed the course for $500, but they have since broken the course up into individual training modules on specific topics, which can be purchased for prices ranging from $40 to $299, depending on the subject. One social media module includes 100 pre-written Instagram posts, which park operators can easily customize.
“The responses from park operators have been increasing,” Krause said, adding that she and Severson plan to add 20 more courses in the coming weeks.
Severson and Krause have also developed a work camper training course for $129.99, which provides trainees with a certificate once they successfully complete the course.
They introduced the work camper course during this year’s Campground Owners Expo.
