We recently connected with Todd Wolfson and have shared our conversation below.
Todd, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Golden Knights Sports Camp came to me as I reflected on my own childhood, where sports played a pivotal role in my development. I grew up in an era when kids were always outside, meeting new friends and learning life skills through games and sports. I saw the gradual shift in recent years, with more kids staying indoors, absorbed by screens and technology, and I wanted to help bring back that sense of community and outdoor play. It wasn’t just about athletics; it was about creating a space where kids could bond, grow, and enjoy the simple joys of summer. As I looked around La Cañada, I realized that many local programs had become overly competitive or focused on specialization. I wanted to fill the gap for families seeking a fun, inclusive, and relaxed environment where all kids could thrive.
The excitement of starting Golden Knights Sports Camp came from my strong belief in the power of sports as a tool for personal growth and community building. I knew this idea would work because I saw a genuine need for kids to unplug, get active, and make real connections. The logic behind it was simple: when children are engaged in sports, they’re not only developing physical skills, but they’re learning teamwork, resilience, and leadership—qualities that transcend the playing field. I wasn’t just solving a problem; I was reigniting a sense of joy and freedom that I felt had been lost in many modern youth programs. What excited me the most was the opportunity to create an environment where kids could build memories and friendships that would last a lifetime, just like I had experienced.
Todd, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a Southern California native, my love for sports started early. I was the kid who couldn’t wait to finish homework so I could head outside to play with friends and neighbors, building lifelong memories through competition and teamwork. This passion naturally evolved into my career, where I’ve now been a varsity basketball coach at St. Francis High School in La Cañada, CA, for 16 years. During that time, I’ve had the privilege of coaching teams to state championships, and I hold the distinction of being the youngest coach in California history to reach 300 victories. But beyond the wins, what keeps me going is the joy of helping young athletes grow, both on and off the court. I also run Golden Knights Sports Camp, a youth summer camp focused on getting kids outside to learn essential life skills through sports—things like resilience, teamwork, and how to face challenges with grace.
What sets Golden Knights Sports Camp apart is its focus on fun, including everyone, and personal growth. We’re not just building athletes; we’re building kids who know how to work together, overcome adversity, and have a good time while doing it. I am proud of the environment we’ve created, where kids of all skill levels feel welcome and supported. Whether coaching on the court or running the camp, my goal is to instill values that last far beyond a single game or season. I owe much of my drive and commitment to my parents, who taught me the importance of hard work and helping others. For me, it’s not just about winning—it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of the kids and families I work with.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for Golden Knights Sports Camp has been the old-school approach of word of mouth. I firmly believe that when you offer a quality product, like our sports camp, people naturally start talking, and excitement spreads quickly. This was evident in our first year: we started with just 20 kids in the first week, grew to 60 in the second week, and by the following year, we had over 300 kids attending. The rapid growth was a direct result of parents and kids sharing their positive experiences with friends and family, creating a buzz that led to more families signing up.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
When managing a team, especially one as dynamic as a group of coaches and counselors, communication is key. At Golden Knights Sports Camp, we start each day with a huddle to discuss how we can improve, address any issues with campers, and set the tone for efficiency and positivity. Regular communication not only ensures that everyone is on the same page but also gives the team a sense of ownership and involvement in the camp’s success. After camp, we meet again to debrief and provide immediate feedback on how the day went, which helps us continually improve. Creating this structure helps build a culture of constant growth and mutual support, which keeps morale high.
Beyond communication, showing respect and appreciation for your team is essential. I make it a priority to pay my coaches and counselors a fair salary for their hard work, and I try to accommodate their needs whenever possible. Simple gestures like providing food, drinks, and snacks throughout the day go a long way in making sure they stay energized and feel valued. When people feel appreciated, they’re more likely to be invested in the success of the camp. A motivated team that feels cared for will naturally work harder and create a positive atmosphere, which translates to a better experience for everyone involved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gksports.us
- Instagram: @gksports.us
- Twitter: @coachwolfson
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-knights-sports-camp-la-ca%C3%B1ada-flintridge
