The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp Pro: Recent Episodes
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The Day Camp Pod, from Go Camp Pro. Bringing you the best ideas, strategies and discussions in the Day Camp Industry.
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Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/washington
From Capitol Hill to Camp: Why Advocacy Matters More Than Ever for Summer CampsAs conversations around childcare, workforce development and youth mental health continue to grow, summer camp has an important story to tell and this episode takes listeners straight to the front lines of that advocacy work. Andy Pritikin shares an inside look at ACA Hill Day 2026 in Washington, DC, where camp professionals met with lawmakers to push for critical issues like background check access, J-1 visa reform and stronger bipartisan support for camps. Packed with eye-opening stats, real camp stories and practical ways camp leaders can get involved, this episode highlights why advocacy matters now more than ever. If you care about the future of camp and the impact it has on families, communities and the next generation, this is a must listen episode.
- 02:01 Inside Hill Day
- 04:00 Camp Stories
- 05:44 Camp Impact Stats
- 07:35 Childcare Funding
- 09:46 Future Ready Skills
- 12:20 Background Checks CPIA
- 14:34 J-1 Visa Crunch
- 15:20 Camp Caucus Push
- 18:14 Invite Officials
- 19:38 Why Hill Day Matters
- 24:31 Summer Sendoff
Episode Links:EIS State Sheets
BridgeUSA J-1: Exchange Visitors and America’s Summer Camps
Congressional Camp Caucus
Child Protection Improvements Act (CPIA)
Unlocking a Future Where All Children Can Thrive
Michele Branconier - ACA - Senior Director of Volunteerism
Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Sponsors:* Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) + Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/ * Campminder + Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com * AMSkier + AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more atamskier.com.
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
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Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/enrollment-cliff
Birth Rate Drops, Demographic Shifts, and How Day Camps Can AdaptEnrollment isn’t just “feeling” tighter, there’s real data behind the shift, and it’s coming for camps faster than many leaders expect. In this episode, Jake Sorenson and Jonathan Gold break down the demographic cliff, what it means for your program, and why 2028 should already be on your radar. More importantly, they move beyond the problem and offer practical ways to adapt, from rethinking older camper experiences to doubling down on what makes camp truly indispensable. If you want to stay ahead of enrollment challenges (instead of reacting to them), this is a must listen.
- 06:20 Why Data Matters
- 07:13 Median Age Warning Signs
- 09:12 Demographic Cliff Explained
- 13:48 Societal Shifts, Smaller Families
- 16:36 Immigration, Diversity Impact
- 21:07 Regional Differences ,Local Data
- 28:48 Making the Case for Camp
- 30:48 Small Camps Biggest Risk
- 32:38 Be Undeniably Great
- 33:21 Culture Shifts And Shorter Stays
- 34:21 Affordability And Funding Paths
- 37:23 AI Proof Value Pitch
- 38:35 Disaster Planning For Enrollment Drops
- 40:34 Staffing Shifts And Camp Winners
- 43:51 Grandparents And Donor Strategy
- 45:42 Middle School And Teen Opportunity
- 47:41 Modernize Beyond Tradition
- 49:55 Personal Touch Beats Automation
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
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Your Guests:* Jonathan Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - Arbor Group of Camps * Jake Sorenson, Founder, Sacred Playgrounds
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more atamskier.com.
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Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/pause-plan-play
Burnout doesn’t have to be the cost of caring deeply about your work. In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, executive coach Tiffany Yvonne returns to share a powerful framework, “Pause, Plan, Play to Win.”, that helps camp professionals realign their values, reclaim their energy and lead with intention. From navigating high pressure environments to building self trust and resilience, this conversation is packed with practical strategies you can use right away. If you’re feeling stretched thin or ready to lead (and live) more sustainably, this episode is a must listen.
- 03:11 From Camp To Corporate
- 04:08 Athletes Under Pressure
- 06:12 Power Of Camp Play
- 09:45 Burnout And Self Care
- 13:56 Camp Is Everywhere
- 15:43 Pause Plan Play Framework
- 20:04 Resilience and Rest
- 21:14 Feelings as Data
- 22:51 Self Trust Decisions
- 27:08 Coaching Framework
- 30:27 Personal Why Story
- 33:44 Retention and Alignment
- 38:14 Camp Skills Beyond Camp
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Episode Links: How a ‘quit list’ can help you play to win - Tiffany’s TED Talk
Coach Tiffany Yvonne - Leadership & Life Coach
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
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Your Guests:* Tiffany Yvonne, CEO, Cultural Strategist, Executive Coach, Speaker - Playmaker Solutions
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more atamskier.com.
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratet
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Make your first impressions, your best impressions.Welcome back to the Day Camp Pod!
Whether you’re joining us in our beginning season, or if you’re reading this in the vast nethers of the future, we’re so glad you’re here!
Open Houses are time and time again, one of the best ways to get the final “yes” from potential camp parents. If done well, parents will register their child, if done REALLY well, they will tell their friends, family and friend’s family that your camp is the place to be this summer.
However, the intentionality required to pull off a great camp open house should not be underestimated. Here to help you steer the ship toward the shores of success are our Day Camp Pod Pros, Andy, Ehren and Sam! Tune in to this episode to hear answers to:
- What’s the goal of your Open House?
- What guideposts do you use for your open houses? Camp Fairs? Price Breaks?
- How can you make an Open House an event all in itself?
- Who are you marketing your camp Open Houses to? How can you specifically recruit them?
- What are you going to do to make your tour stand-out?
- How do you train your staff to give the best tour ever?
- How do you intentionally end your tour?
- What is your client follow-up process like?
Get your pens, paper and Evernote documents out, because this one if FULL of ideas you can implement this season!
Do you have any Open House hacks? Let us know in the comment section!
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DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
- Andy - Learn to Ride Bike Elective
- Ehren - Sing your Heart Out Staff Event
- Sam - Service Projects For Campers
Your Hosts: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director* Liberty Lake Day Camp*, past president* ACA NY/NJ * Ehren Gluckstein*, Assistant Director,* Camp Robin Hood * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor,* Crystal Lake Park District**-
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Campminder
- AMSkier
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Send us Fan Mail
Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/conference-debrief
Day Camp Survival: Feedback, Neurodiversity, Social Skills & the Coming Enrolment CliffWhat happens when camps are forced to rethink everything from culture to communication and even their core values? In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, the team unpacks key takeaways from the winter conference circuit, tackling big topics like neurodiversity, feedback culture and the looming enrollment cliff. It’s a candid, forward-looking conversation packed with practical ideas to help camp leaders adapt, stay relevant and strengthen relationships with both staff and families. If you’re thinking about what the future of camp really demands, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
02:27 Teaching Staff to Take Feedback
06:52 Neurodiversity and Sensory Needs
11:38 Rethinking Rules and Inclusion
13:49 Generations and Risk Taking
16:02 Sarcasm and Social Connection
22:45 Mingling and Social Skills Training
26:41 Eggshell Topics and Boundaries
31:32 Back to the Big Picture
31:47 Handling Late Staff
34:03 Enrollment Drop Scenario
35:32 Defining Camp Value
38:32 Storytelling And Trust
43:11 Recession And Differentiation
45:28 Relationship Marketing Ideas
47:18 Keep Swinging And Adapt
50:48 Youth Perspectives And Incentives
53:11 Advice For Enrollment Slumps
58:07 AI Tools For Operations
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Episode Links: Matt Kaufman’s Newsletter and Book
Dr. Jean Twenge
The Mingle Project
The Plunging Birthrate
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
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Your Guests:* Justin Pritikin, Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Campminder
- AMSkier
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-andy-p
Raising the Bar: A Masterclass in Camp Intentionality with Andy PritikinIn this episode of Intentionally Intentional Leaders, Matt Wilfrid sits down with Andy Pritikin, a true powerhouse in the summer camp industry. From founding Liberty Lake Day Camp to producing the New Jersey Renaissance Fair and hosting the Day Camp Podcast, Andy has spent decades "sharpening the sword" of youth development.
Through the roll of a 20-sided die, Andy shares how his background as a rock musician and a student teacher shaped his belief that leadership is earned through relationships, not titles. We dive deep into why camp is the ultimate antidote to an AI-driven world and how directors can navigate the tricky waters of transparency and candor in a modern camp setting.
Key Takeaways include:
- Earned Respect vs. Authoritarianism: Andy reflects on his early days as a music teacher to explain why "collared shirts and walkie-talkies" don't grant authority. True leadership requires constant deposits into the "relationship piggy bank" with your staff.
- The Anti-AI Value Proposition: In an age where even a trip to the gym involves earbuds and screens, Andy discusses why camp is uniquely positioned as a "religion of nature." It’s the one place where kids can focus purely on being human.
- Emotional Safety over "The Trains": Andy shares a profound insight on prioritizing emotional safety and belonging over administrative efficiency. While a schedule is a necessary framework, it should never steamroll the chance for a meaningful, life-changing interaction.
- Forgiving the Mistakes: From "sunscreen machines" that didn't work to hiring mishaps, Andy shares his mantra: "All you can do is the best you can do." Learn why humility and a "glass-half-full" perspective are essential for a long-term career in camping.
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Find full show notes and links for this episode at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-andy-p
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Your Hosts* Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro * Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
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Thanks to our sponsor!Whereabouts
Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.
Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io/
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Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/emergency-prep
From Plans to Practice: Building Calm, Capable Leadership in a CrisisWhen it comes to camp leadership, few responsibilities matter more than being prepared for the unexpected. In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, your hosts are joined by Dr. Barry Garst, Tracey Gaslin and Tim Huchton to unpack what true emergency preparedness really looks like in today’s camp environment. From building practical, usable plans to strengthening relationships with local emergency services and empowering staff to think critically under pressure, this conversation is both strategic and deeply actionable. You’ll walk away with research backed insights, real world examples and tangible resources you can bring back to your team immediately. If safety, decisive leadership, and proactive planning are priorities for you, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
04:36 The Importance of Emergency Preparedness
06:14 Developing Practical Emergency Plans
10:01 Tools and Resources for Camps
24:48 Building Relationships with Emergency Services
27:48 Building Local Relationships for Unique Camps
28:56 Involving Local Agencies in Training
31:29 Critical Thinking in Emergency Preparedness
36:25 Empowering Staff with Decision-Making Skills
44:11 Emergency Preparedness Research Project
47:39 Alliance for Camp Health Resources
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Episode Links: The Safety Navigator
MESH(+) Resources
CampWell
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
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Your Guests:* Tracey Gaslin, CEO - Alliance for Camp Health * Dr. Barry Garst, Professor and Coordinator, Youth Development Programs - Clemson University * Tim Huchton, President and CEO - Mo-Ranch
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Visit them today at campminder.com
- AMSkier
- Learn more at amskier.com.
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Send us Fan Mail
Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/preschool
Managing Preschool Day Campers: Tips, Strategies and Success StoriesWorking with preschool day campers requires a completely different playbook and this episode breaks down exactly what that looks like. The hosts and guests dive into the real world challenges of programming, staffing, routines, transportation and parent communication for your youngest campers. You’ll hear practical strategies, thoughtful insights and experienced perspectives that can immediately improve how you support your youngest campers. Whether you’re refining an existing program or launching one for the first time, this conversation offers ideas you can actually use. If you want happier campers, more confident staff and smoother parent relationships, this is an episode worth your time.
- 02:49 Challenges and Strategies for Managing Young Campers
- 06:27 Programming Goals and Activities for Preschoolers
- 10:34 Staffing and Group Management
- 14:06 Daily Schedules and Routines
- 21:30 Parental Communication and Expectations
- 29:50 Parent Visitation Policies
- 31:44 Setting Expectations with Parents
- 32:56 Communicating with Parents
- 36:18 Special Events for Young Campers
- 44:31 Transportation Challenges and Solutions
- 50:55 Program Tips for Preschool Camps
Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
Your Guests:* Lauren Dermody, Staffing Coordinator - Elmwood Day Camp * Dave Thoensen, Camp Owner/Director - Tamarak Day Camp
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
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Clipboards, Kaizen, and Connection: Revolutionizing Camp Attendance with Ryan RosenThis is a piece of sponsored content by our friends from Camptivities and Whereabouts. We are so grateful for Ryan and the Camptivities team for their support of many Go Camp Pro podcasts and we're excited to bring you this episode to share more about Whereabouts and it's intentional design - Check them out whereaboutsapp.io****
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In this episode, Travis sits down with Ryan Rosen, a 28-year camp veteran and owner of a premier Los Angeles day camp, to discuss the intersection of "tech-free" camp philosophy and high-efficiency logistics. Ryan shares the origin story of Whereabouts, an innovative app designed to bridge the communication gap between parents and camp offices. From the "Spirit of Kaizen" to real-time attendance reconciliation, this conversation explores how small, iterative improvements in camp tech can lead to massive gains in safety, staff sanity, and parent satisfaction.
Key Takeaways include:
- The Spirit of Kaizen: Success isn't always about massive overhauls; it’s about the "incremental improvement" of systems. By questioning why "we’ve always done it this way," directors can identify stagnant procedures - like where T-shirts are handed out or how attendance is taken - and refine them for a better experience.
- Closing the "Lunchtime Gap": Many camps don't fully reconcile bus lists with group rosters until midday. Ryan explains how real-time widgets allow directors to know exactly who is on-site before the morning assembly even ends, meeting modern parent expectations for safety and transparency.
- Passive vs. Active Engagement: There is a fine line between "convenient" tech and "isolating" tech. Ryan discusses moving away from passive check-ins (like unattended QR codes) toward "human-powered" technology that prompts staff with camper birthdays or medical alerts during the check-in process.
- Empowering Gen-Z and Alpha Staff: Modern summer staff are digital natives. Asking them to manage complex paper-and-pen systems often leads to errors. Providing them with intuitive, mobile-first tools like Whereabouts aligns with their skills and reduces operational friction.
- Tech-Enabled Emergency Safety: Beyond daily attendance, the episode highlights the importance of "Emergency Pods." In the event of a wildfire or evacuation, having a cellular-connected system to track which kids are on which bus in real-time is a critical safety upgrade for any modern camp.
Thanks to Camptivities and Whereabouts for sponsoring!
Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.
Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time - so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out at whereaboutsapp.io
Send us Fan Mail
Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/weather-operations
Smart Weather Strategies Every Camp Leader Needs Right NowExtreme weather is no longer the exception, it’s part of the new normal for day camps. In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, “camp weatherman” Steve Maguire breaks down how camp leaders can prepare for heat waves, wildfire smoke, tropical storms and everything in between. From understanding dew point and UV index to using smarter weather tools and creating effective daily weather briefings, this conversation is packed with practical, real world strategies you can actually use. Steve also challenges camps to rethink shade, infrastructure, and staff preparedness in ways that improve safety and the camper experience. If you’re responsible for making weather related decisions at camp, this episode will help you move from reactive to confidently prepared.
- 00:13 Meet Steve Maguire: The Camp Weatherman
- 05:41 Challenges of Extreme Weather at Camps
- 08:56 Importance of Shade and Weather Awareness
- 15:07 Preparing Staff and Campers for Weather
- 22:03 Proactive Measures for Camp Safety
- 27:27 Innovative UV Index and Sunscreen Dispensers
- 28:07 Mandatory Hats and Sunglasses for Safety
- 29:37 Proactive Weather Monitoring Tools
- 32:33 Daily Weather Briefings and Staff Coordination
- 35:49 Evaluating Camp Infrastructure Beyond Buildings
- 37:57 Staffing and Engagement Strategies
- 41:03 Continuous Improvement and Fresh Perspectives
- 50:54 Under-Invested Areas in Camps
Episode Links:Obsessed with the Weather Podcast
Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
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Your Guest:* Steve Maguire, Speaker, Trainer, Teacher and more - Go Turnstone
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com
Send us Fan Mail
Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/intentional-leader
Handling Staff Behavior with Purpose, Not PanicSince the pandemic, many camp leaders have found themselves spending more time managing staff behavior than camper behavior, and it can feel exhausting. In this episode the hosts sit down with renowned educator and camp trainer Michael Brandwein to explore how intentional leadership can replace reactive, panic driven responses. You’ll learn how to develop staff who truly align with your camp’s mission, values and expectations. The conversation is packed with practical coaching techniques, real world examples and mindset shifts that help leaders build accountability without burning out. If you’re looking to strengthen staff training, handle everyday behavior challenges with confidence and create a culture where staff feel both supported and responsible, this is a must listen episode.
- 03:11 Michael Brandwein's Insights on Camp Leadership
- 06:32 The Importance of Continuous Learning
- 11:48 Intentional Staff Development
- 23:26 The Role of Feedback and Coaching
- 30:29 Staff Training Strategies
- 37:06 Key Moments in Day Camp Training
- 37:24 Handling Late Arrivals
- 43:41 The Name Tag Problem
- 46:38 Managing Break Times
- 50:33 Addressing Talking During Sessions
- 58:59 The Importance of Feedback
- 01:06:05 Final Thoughts and Resources
Episode Links:Michael’s Website
Brandwein on Super Staff SuperVision-Online Course
Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
Your Guest:* Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer, Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com/store
Sponsors:* Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) + Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/ * Campminder + Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com * AMSkier + AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
Send us Fan Mail
https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/community-engagement
Building Community Partnerships: How Day Camps Can Connect Locally
What if your day camp was known not just as a program, but as a true community partner? In this episode of The Day Camp Pod , guests Marissa Allaben, Ali Rothenberg and Heath Levine join the hosts to discuss how camps can build authentic, local connections that really matter. From partnering with schools and municipalities to showing up at community events and using street teams creatively, this conversation is packed with practical, boots-on-the-ground ideas. The guests share real examples of what’s worked, what takes time and why consistency is key to earning trust. You’ll also hear how social media and in-person outreach can work together to amplify your camp’s presence. If you want your camp to be seen as a giver, not a taker, this episode offers clear inspiration and actionable next steps.
00:00 Introduction: Are You a Giver or a Taker?
04:12 Rolling River Camp's History and Legacy
08:41 Community Engagement and Marketing Strategies
14:06 Building Genuine Relationships in the Community
14:41 Engaging with Schools and Local Organizations
17:11 The Power of Partnerships and Consistency
27:01 The Role of Street Teams in Community Outreach
29:01 Engaging the Community with a Street Team
31:39 The Power of Mascots in Camp Marketing
35:40 Building Relationships Beyond the Screen
41:51 Leveraging Social Media for Camp Promotion
51:36 Holiday Camps: A Gateway to Summer Enrollment
54:04 Final Thoughts and Best Practices
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Episode Links:Rolling River Camp Connectors-
Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
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Your Guests:* Marissa Allaben, Director - Rolling River Day Camp * Ali Rothenberg, Associate Director - Rolling River Day Camp * Heath Levine, Director - Shibley Day Camp
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Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mail-bag
Your questions, our answers and plenty of camp stories along the wayAs another camp season wraps up, the Day Camp Podcast team is taking time to reflect, laugh and learn alongside the community that’s been with them for seven years. In this special year-end episode, our hosts open their first-ever listener mailbag and respond to real questions from camp professionals. From engaging preschoolers and creating magical moments for young campers to navigating parent expectations and building strong vendor partnerships, the conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can use right away. You’ll also hear honest reflections on what didn’t go as planned and what they’d do differently next time. If you’re looking for fresh ideas, reassurance that you’re not alone and inspiration to strengthen your camp culture year round, this episode is a must listen. Settle in for insight, humor, and a thoughtful close to the camp year.
- 00:31 Listener Mailbag: Holiday Special
- 03:11 External Partners and Vendors at Camp
- 10:55 Regrettable Changes and Lessons Learned
- 21:13 Managing Parent Expectations
- 28:25 Preschool Programming Challenges
- 30:29 Creating Magic for Young Campers
- 31:41 Engaging Activities and Special Events
- 37:39 Managing Parent Expectations
- 42:58 Off-Season Engagement and Camp Culture
- 49:06 Evaluating and Improving Camp Operations
Episode Links:Andy & Eric Wittenberg’s presentation comparing “The Bear” to Summer Camp
Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality
The Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality
Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
Sponsors:* Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) + Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/ * Campminder + Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com * Camptivities + Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn more at camptivities.com.
Send us Fan Mail
https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/doing-it-right
Mastering Day Camp Registration: Expert Tips & Strategies with Eric WittenbergRegistration season doesn’t have to feel like chaos and this week’s episode of the Day Camp Pod proves it. Hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger sit down with Eric Wittenberg to unpack what really drives successful day camp enrollment. From fine tuning customer experience to making data-informed decisions, Eric shares practical strategies that camps can implement right away. You’ll hear how to strengthen follow-up systems, personalize communication, and adapt to shifting economic realities without burning out your team. If you want to boost enrollment, improve family relationships, and approach registration with more confidence and clarity, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in and get ready to transform the way you handle camp registration
05:01 The Importance of Customer Experience (CX)
08:11 Trends and Strategies in Camp Registration
15:07 Lead Sources and Follow-Up Strategies
28:30 The Challenge of Outbound Sales in Camps
28:43 Research and Findings on Camp Follow-Ups
29:28 Learning from Other Industries
29:55 The Value of Persistent Follow-Ups
30:51 Comparing Camp Sales to Other Industries
31:30 Understanding the Lifetime Value of a Camper
33:01 Leveraging Data for Better Camp Management
33:49 Exploring Tools for Automation and Efficiency
35:48 The Importance of Enrollment Follow-Up
37:56 Effective Communication Strategies
39:50 State of the Camp Industry
45:24 Adapting to Economic Uncertainty
50:50 Strategies for Increasing Enrolment
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Episode Links:Rand Fishkin
Rand Fishkin on Medium
Dean Jackson
Grant Cardone
Mailbag Episode! Send your questions, thoughts and ideas
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
With:
- Eric Wittenberg, Founder - Camper Machine, The Camp Stack
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Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/thriving-shared-facilities
A Guide to Communication, Collaboration, and Camp Culture in Shared SpacesRunning a day camp in a shared facility brings both challenges and opportunities. In this episode, guests Brianne Feinour and Megan Snape share what it takes to run vibrant, community focused camps inside schools, fitness centers, and other multi-use spaces. They offer practical strategies for communicating with partners, maximizing limited space, and keeping campers safe and engaged. You’ll hear stories from their programs in Toronto and Newtown, PA, along with advice on adapting, growing, and maintaining camp spirit in non-traditional settings. Whether you’re new to shared facilities or looking to strengthen existing partnerships, this episode is packed with clear, actionable insights to help your camp thrive anywhere.
01:33 Megan's Urban Camp in Toronto
03:32 Brianne's Camp in Newtown, PA
05:29 Managing Shared Facilities
12:48 Adapting and Growing
21:18 Safety and Communication Strategies
26:19 Safety Training and Parent Communication
28:23 Bringing Camp Spirit to Non-Traditional Programs
31:48 Creating a Positive Camp Culture
36:20 Support and Collaboration with School Administration
44:41 Staff Training and Adaptability
Episode Links:EPIC - Emerging Professionals in Camping
Slingshot Innovation Academy
Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
With:
- Brianne Feinour, Youth and Camp Director - Camp NAC
- Megan Snape, Director, Camps & Slingshot Innovation Academy - Branksome Hall
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
- Camptivities
- Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn more at camptivities.com.
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/turn-around-strategies
When a day camp starts to lose its spark, what does it take to bring it back to life? In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, the hosts sit down with Heath Levine from Shibley Day Camp and turnaround expert Jonathan Gold to unpack what really goes into reviving an underperforming camp. From rebuilding a positive culture and engaging the community to tackling staff retention and marketing hurdles, they share real stories and strategies that have helped transform struggling programs into thriving ones.
Highlights:
- 03:50 Heath Levine's Camp Journey
- 08:39 Jonathan Gold's Turnaround Insights
- 11:18 Establishing Camp Culture and Values
- 27:06 Marketing and Community Engagement
- 32:17 Flexible Work Schedules and Expectations
- 32:45 The Relevance of Face-to-Face Interaction
- 33:23 Marketing Strategies for Camps
- 34:00 Resurrecting Tamarack: Challenges and Strategies
- 34:57 The Importance of Community Engagement
- 40:51 Balancing Tradition and Innovation
- 52:51 Staff and Camper Retention
- 58:12 The Emotional Challenges of Leadership
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Episode Links:Camp’s Golden Metric
Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change
Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
With:
- Heath Levine, Director - Shibley Day Camp
- Jonathan Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of Camps
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
- Camptivities
- Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn more at camptivities.com.
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/sleepaway-spirit
What makes sleepaway camp feel so special and how can day camps capture that same magic? In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger are joined by camp pros Dan Johnson and Dan Weir to unpack exactly that. Together, they explore creative ways to bring community, connection, and spontaneous fun into the day camp environment.
Episode Links:Camp Robin Hood’s Hands are Strong Sing-a-Long
Liberty Lake Spirit Calendar
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
Center for Nonviolent Communication
Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood * Dan Weir, Senior Consultant - Immersive1st, Day Camp Community * Dan Johnson, Day Camp Director - Kennolyn Camps
Sponsors:* Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) + Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/ * Campminder + Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com * Camptivities + Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn more at camptivities.com.
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/maximize-your-camp
Expanding reach, building partnerships and creating sustainable revenueEver wondered what your camp could become after the last camper goes home for the summer? In this episode, Andy, Jordanna and Sam are joined by Peggy Aylmer, Senior Program Director - Day Camps and Retreats - YMCA Camp Copneconic to dive into how camps can transform their spaces and strengthen their communities year-round. From hosting school groups and family reunions to corporate retreats and even Renaissance fairs, discover creative ways to extend your camp’s impact beyond the traditional summer season.
Highlights:
- 04:03 Diverse Camp Programs
- 06:31 Robinhood Leadership Center
- 10:01 Staffing Challenges and Solutions
- 16:36 Weekend and Seasonal Programs
- 23:06 Event Business at Liberty Lake
- 26:19 The Importance of Full-Time Event Staff
- 27:08 Managing Camp Events and Staff Well-Being
- 27:44 Challenges of Hosting Events at Camps
- 28:22 Feeding Campers and Event Guests
- 29:18 Selecting and Hosting Specialty Camps
- 30:41 Day Camps vs. Sleepaway Camps
- 32:15 Unique Partnerships and Community Engagement
- 34:00 Setting Boundaries and Agreements for Rentals
- 35:52 Handling Medical and Security Needs
- 39:50 Navigating School and Board Requirements
- 43:37 Networking and Learning from Other Camps
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Episode Links:Camp Robin Hood’s School Programs
Camp Robin Hood’s Rentals and Events
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood * Peggy Aylmer, Senior Program Director - Day Camps and Retreats - YMCA Camp Copneconic
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
- Camptivities
- Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn more at camptivities.com.<
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/summer-2025-debrief
Riding the Post-Summer Vibe: Wins, Wildcards, and What's AheadIn this episode, Andy, Sam, and Jordanna reflect on the summer of 2025, sharing their biggest wins, unexpected challenges, and key takeaways as they transition into the off-season.
The trio dives into the nuances of camp life after the campers are gone, discussing the "shoulder season" and the unique staffing needs it presents. The conversation touches on the importance of accountability, the evolving relationship with camp parents, and how technology is shaping camp communication and operations. They emphasize the value of showing parents the magic of camp firsthand and the importance of professional development for veteran staff.
Highlights:
- 04:22 Big Wins of the Summer
- 05:13 New Camp Site and Staff Training
- 13:01 Handling Behavioral Challenges
- 15:49 Accountability and Staff Management
- 28:56 The Importance of Professionalism in Staff
- 29:13 Self-Evaluation and Accountability
- 30:16 Staff Absences and Expectations
- 31:44 The Role of Media Teams in Camps
- 37:37 Parent Communication and Expectations
- 44:37 Family Nights and Community Building
- 52:36 Staff Training and Leadership Development
- 56:20 Economic Challenges and Future Trends
- 58:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Episode Links:Crystal Lake Park District’s Inclusion Chart
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
-
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
- Camptivities
- Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn more at camptivities.com.
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/final-thoughts-25
Gearing Up for Glory - Have a great summer, Day Camp Pros!The countdown to Summer 2025 has begun, and before we immerse ourselves in the smiles and hugs of camp life, we're hitting record one last time! This episode is packed with essential insights as we reflect on our recent advocacy efforts in Washington D.C., revealing how camp leaders are fighting for our industry's future.
We tackle the very real pre-summer stress, offering perspective on managing the influx of staff applications and adapting to new economic challenges that impact everything from programming budgets to parent enrollment trends. You'll hear about innovative staff training strategies, unexpected ways to boost camp spirit with mascots and special events, and why, despite the hurdles, our work in day camp remains profoundly important.
This is your essential listen to recharge your motivation and get ready for the incredible season ahead!
Highlights:
- 01:58 Advocacy and Legislative Efforts
- 04:08 Economic Impact and Grants
- 05:46 International Staff and J-1 Visas
- 11:09 Challenges in Camp Operations
- 22:46 Staff Training Innovations
- 28:31 The Impact of Texting at Camp
- 28:55 Improving Staff Communication
- 29:23 Addressing Staff Absenteeism
- 30:47 Preparing for Camp Season
- 33:00 Family Nights and Parent Engagement
- 35:40 Virtual Staff Meetings
- 39:58 New Activities and Special Events
- 49:08 The Importance of Camp Experience
- 53:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
-
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/staff-accountability
Raising the Bar: Practical Strategies for Staff Accountability This SummerThis week on The Day Camp Pod, we dive into the essential topic of staff accountability, exploring how to foster a professional environment where team members are responsible and contribute effectively. Hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger welcome Justin Pritikin and Eric Hillis to discuss strategies for setting clear expectations, addressing performance, and empowering leadership staff to hold their teams accountable.
Highlights:
- 02:16 Camp Career Accelerator Program
- 04:07 Staff Accountability and High Standards
- 07:52 Challenges in Staff Management
- 10:32 Middle Management Struggles
- 17:50 Training vs. Attitude Issues
- 24:51 Empowering Middle Management
- 30:55 Addressing Staff Performance Issues
- 32:34 Implementing a Point System for Accountability
- 33:26 Balancing Empathy and Accountability
- 41:05 Consequences and Praise Models
- 43:12 Formalizing Feedback and Documentation
- 49:52 Challenges of Middle Management
- 51:58 Intergenerational Perspectives on Leadership
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood * Erec Hillis, Owner and Executive Director - Camp Champions * Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff, Teen Leadership Coordinator, & Special Events Director - Everwood Day Camp
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/roz-jed-2025
Maximizing Your Staff Training: Connection Before ContentThere are a lot of staff trainers out there in the camp world- But there are very few who actually helmed a large day camp themselves, dealing with the ins and outs, trials and tribulations, and the challenges of training hundreds of seasonal staff. Roz and Jed share tips on creating a dynamic and engaging orientation, balancing structure with organic moments, fostering a positive camp culture, and implementing ongoing coaching throughout the summer. They also discuss the importance of making staff feel comfortable, the critical role of approachability for leaders, and innovative ideas for in-season staff training. Whether you’re a seasoned camp professional or new to the field, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you enhance your staff training and overall camp experience. Don’t miss it!
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Links from this Episode:* “The Unofficial Start” Podcast Episode from Roz and Jed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjBG77jsCFY&t=7s
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood * Roz and Jed Buck, Camp Consultants - rozandjed.com + Jed@RozandJed.com + Roz@RozandJed.com
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Campminder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/kids-arent-listening
"They Just Won't Listen!": Expert Tips for Managing Camper Behavior ChallengesIt’s the second week of camp, and you can anticipate a good percentage of your frontline staff going to their supervisors and declaring, “the kids aren’t listening to me!”
What do you do? What do you say? Going backwards, what should you have done during training that would have helped give them better tools? For this universal topic, we bring in Emily Golinsky, our resident camper behavior expert, who has a bunch of webinars this Spring that we highly recommend to for your leadership team
Highlights:
- 02:09 Understanding Camper Behaviors
- 03:51 The Importance of Building Relationships
- 06:36 Generational Differences in Staff and Campers
- 19:10 Emotional Regulation and Staff Training
- 29:42 The Importance of Structure in Camp Counseling
- 32:46 Gamifying Responses for Better Engagement
- 35:36 Supporting Stressed Counselors
- 46:03 Balancing Individual and Group Needs
- 52:54 Encouraging Unstructured Play
- 56:59 Celebrating Small Wins and Everyday Magic
Links from this Episode:Find them at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/kids-arent-listening
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood * Emily Golinsky, Trainer, Professional Development Leader & Consultant - Bright Moose, LLC
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- CampMinder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/arrival-dismissal
Mastering Day Camp Chaos: Arrival & Dismissal Secrets RevealedHow we start our days at camp sets the machine in motion, in regard to intentionality and building community. How we end is what they remember each day, and is just as important! Today, we’ve got Jordanna from Camp Robin Hood, Ontario, and Phil from the mighty Ramaquois of Rockland County NY - and we’re going to deep dive into what each of our camps do, and why- This is a thick, dense podcast, so get ready to absorb- because BIG camps that can pull this off with precision are amazing to hear about!
Highlights:
- 04:13 Transportation Logistics and Challenges
- 08:15 Morning Hype and Community Building
- 13:33 Arrival Procedures at Ramaquois, Liberty Lake, Robin Hood and Crystal Lake
- 34:18 Dismissal Procedures and Logistics
Links from this Episode:* Find these at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/arrival-dismissal
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood * Phil Rainone, Director, Camp Ramaquois
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- CampMinder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/sunrise-camps
The Sunrise Association: Transforming Lives of kids affected by Childhood CancerThe Sunrise Day Camps started as an optimistic idea less than 20 years ago- and has grown into an unbelievably wonderful reality in which 2500 children- cancer patients, survivors, and their siblings- attended day camps last summer for no charge, with no wait lists- ever! Overall, they serve over 60,000 children each year through their day camps, year-round hospital programs and virtual programs. No organization has ever done anything like this in the camp space, their story is super-inspiring, and we can’t wait to share it with you all.
Highlights:
- 02:21 The Genesis of Sunrise Association
- 05:05 First Camp and Recruitment Challenges
- 16:50 Eligibility and Long-Term Impact
- 22:46 Hospital Programs and Expansion
- 31:10 Flexible Attendance for Campers
- 34:13 Data Analysis and Communication Strategies
- 39:23 Communication and Enrollment Process
- 41:34 Expanding Camp Locations and Services
- 44:35 Impact of the Pandemic on Camp Operations
- 45:31 Virtual Programming and Hospital Outreach
- 50:44 Fundraising Strategies and Community Support
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Links from this Episode:* www.sunriseassociation.org * Sunrise Association Intro Video - https://www.youtube.com/c/SunriseAssociation
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Your Hosts:* Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Aileen Hoffman, Senior Vice President - Strategic Expansion, Sunrise Association * Deanna Slade, Vice President of Camping and Related Services, Sunrise Association
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Sponsors: AMSkier + AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com. * Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) + Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/ * CampMinder + Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com*
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/new-owner-jason
Want to own your own camp? Here is the perfect case study from Jason Samuel! We've had a series of awesome podcasts this season with inspiring stories about making the jump to being a director or even an owner operator. Since we shared the Jonathan Gold podcast with our friends Howie and Kelly on the Camp Owners Pod, they're sharing back another great podcast with Andy’s former camp sidekick Jason Samuel, who recently found his way to becoming a camp owner operator himself.
We're proud of you, Jason! This is the Day Camp Pod.
Highlights:
- 00:00 Introduction to the Episode
- 00:30 Podcast Overview and Sponsors
- 02:25 Introducing Jason Samuel & Jason's Journey into Camping
- 07:27 The Appeal of Day Camps
- 09:07 Purchasing The Nature Place
- 15:30 Networking and Finding Camps for Sale
- 21:56 Financing the Camp Purchase
- 30:53 Navigating Lease Agreements
- 34:23 Making Improvements and Investments
- 37:26 Transition Challenges and Communication
- 46:42 Lessons Learned and Advice
- 52:46 Rapid Fire Questions
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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Your Hosts:* Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps * Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch * Jason Samuel - Owner & Director - The Nature Place
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- CampMinder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/intentional-camp
Let’s welcome our friend Michael from Chicago back to the Day Camp Pod!Character and Youth Development are snappy little catchphrases that camp pros love to use. Mostly in their marketing pitches, brochures, and websites. And for at least three decades, Michael Brandwein has been spoonfeeding camp professionals how to not just talk the talk, but how to walk the walk. Yes, I am a convert, and an advocate for what Michael preaches- teaching our campers and staff the skills of life, and doing it in an engaging, upbeat, fun way. He’s the high exalted grandmaster of camp consulting, he’s OUR Fred Rodgers, and he’s back again- THIS, is the Day Camp Pod!
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Links from this Episode: Michael’s Book - The Intentional Camp: Putting More Muscle in the Mission of Character & Youth Development * Upcoming Michael Brandwein Seminars + Register for Brandwein on Training: The Step-by-Step System for Planning & Presenting Your Best Staff Training Ever + Register for Super Staff SuperVision: The Quick Course on Outstanding Skills to Coach, Motivate, & Bring Out the Best in Staff + Sign Up for More Info About The Brandwein Super Seminar on Dynamic & Intentional Camp Leadership*
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Your Hosts: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Michael Brandwein**, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- CampMinder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/inclusion2025
Inclusion Best Practices for Summer CampsAre you looking to create a truly inclusive camp environment where every child feels welcome and supported? In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, we dive deep into the world of inclusion for special needs campers with expert guests Sabrina Hinkens and Sari Grossinger.
Sabrina and Sari share invaluable insights on intake processes, staff training, communication strategies, and the importance of collaboration with families and support agencies. Discover how to navigate the challenges of inclusion, from managing expectations to adapting activities and creating a sense of belonging for all campers.
This episode is a must-listen for any camp professional seeking to improve their inclusion practices and create a positive and enriching experience for every child. Tune in to gain practical advice, inspiring stories, and a renewed passion for making your camp a place where everyone shines!
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Links from this Episode:Find them at Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/inclusion2025
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Your Hosts: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Sari Grossinger*, Owner/Director* Camp Robin Hood*, Co-Owner* Camp Walden*/Madawaska Camps * Sabrina Hinkens, Youth Program Manager -* Gurnee Park District**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Camptivities
- Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
- CampMinder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/assemblies
Camp Assemblies - The Secret Sauce of Camp SpiritJoin us for an exciting episode of The Day Camp Pod where we discover how to bring the magic of sleepaway camp to your day camp. Hosts Andy Pritikin and Sam Thompson welcome two experienced camp directors: Stacey Kotelov from Banner Day Camp and Dylan Wade from Emerald Cove. Stacey discusses Banner's beloved traditions like the 'Bannerama,' a lively morning and afternoon assembly filled with songs, moments of gratitude, and community-building activities. Dylan shares how Emerald Cove uses 'Amp Up' and 'Amp Down' assemblies to create a strong community through music, skits, and recognizing campers' character. Learn how to involve your staff, make the most of your existing traditions, and create a camp culture where everyone feels included. Listen for advice and examples to help make your day camp experience unforgettable. Tune in now!
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
Links from this Episode:Find them at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/assemblies
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Your Hosts: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Dylan Wade*, Camp Director -* Emerald Cove Day Camp * Stacy Kotelov - Owner - Banner Day Camp**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Camptivities
- Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
- CampMinder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Send us Fan Mail
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/in-the-city
From Idea to 750 Campers: Eileen Price's Inspiring Experience with In the City CampsJoin the hosts of the Day Camp Pod from Go Camp Pro as they sit down with Eileen Price, the visionary behind In the City Camps in Atlanta, Georgia. Discover how Eileen's journey began with an idea for a day camp in downtown Atlanta and has grown to serve 750 campers daily. Learn about the unique aspects of In the City Camps, the focus on camper choice, and the integration of cultural values. Eileen shares her challenges, successes, and future plans for expanding the camp, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the day camp industry. Plus, get insights into the strategies and community-building efforts that have propelled In the City Camps forward.
Highlights:
- 01:31 Meet Eileen Price
- 02:50 The Birth of Camp in the City
- 08:53 Camper Choice and Autonomy
- 12:16 Daily Camp Operations
- 18:43 Parental Involvement and Camper Independence
- 21:42 The Importance of Risk-Taking
- 24:41 Consolidating Camp Locations: Challenges and Decisions
- 27:26 Expanding Camp Models to New Cities
- 31:25 Navigating Nonprofit Status and Funding
- 38:01 Adapting to Post-Pandemic Realities
- 41:16 Integrating Cultural and Religious Values in Camp
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
Your Hosts: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Eileen Price*, CEO -* In the City Camps**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Camptivities
- Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
- CampMinder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Send us a text
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/scenario-planning-101
Exploring Camp Futures: Key Drivers and Scenario PlanningIn this episode of Camp Ahead, hosts Joe, Jess, and KJ expand on the idea of scenario planning as an essential tool for thinking about the future. They discuss key drivers such as climate change, economics, demographics, technological advancements, and social shifts that can shape the next decade of summer camps. Through imaginative scenario planning, they aim to prepare the industry for both positive and challenging futures. Tune in as they explore the potential impacts of AI, climate mitigation, and more on the world of summer camps.
- 01:46 Recap and Introduction to Scenario Planning
- 05:33 Key Drivers for the Future of Camps: Economic and Staff Considerations
- 07:55 Environmental and Technological Impacts on Camps
- 15:09 Social Drivers and Equity in Future Camps
- 20:33 Imagining Positive Futures: Pronoia vs. Paranoia
- 25:36 The Impact of Camp and Nature
- 26:04 Funding and Philanthropy in Camping
- 29:31 The Value of Experiential Learning
- 30:12 Community and Indigenous Relationships
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Episode Links:* The Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal: + https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/ * https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreator * https://urgentoptimists.org/
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Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers
Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility
KJ Williams - Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp
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Sponsors:A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.
Campify:
Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.
Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.
Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!
Send us a text
A new show from Go Camp Pro! Camp Ahead!
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/intro-to-mental-time-travel
Welcome to Camp Ahead: The Futurology of the Summer Camp IndustryIn this inaugural episode of the Camp Ahead podcast, Joe Richards, KJ Williams, and Jess Elfring-Roberts dive into the concept of future-proofing the summer camp industry. They discuss the importance of mental time travel, scenario planning, and preparing for larger global issues like climate change, financial instability, demographics, and migration. The hosts share their personal experiences and outline the goals for the podcast, emphasizing the need for proactive thinking to ensure the long-term success of camps.
This episode sets the stage for exploring how the camp community can adapt and thrive amidst uncertainties.
- 00:58 Meet the Hosts
- 01:51 The Concept of Future Scenarios
- 03:46 Pandemic Reflections
- 06:43 Proactive vs. Reactive Planning
- 30:08 Thinking Big: Managing Smaller Challenges
- 31:10 Climate Migration and Its Impacts
- 33:12 Demographic Shifts in Camping
- 38:09 The Importance of Collaboration
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Episode Links:* The Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal: + https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/ * https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreator * https://urgentoptimists.org/
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Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers
Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility
KJ Williams - Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp
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Sponsors:A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.
Campify:
Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.
Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.
Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!
Send us a text
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/data-staffing
The Staffing Puzzle: Day Camp Experts Share Trends and TipsIn this episode of The Day Camp Pod from Go Camp Pro, host Andy Pritikin and co-host Sam Thompson, alongside Dan Weir, Jack Schott, and Justin Pritikin, dive into the critical topic of staffing for day camps. They explore challenges, share survey data from Dan’s Summer Staffing Analysis Survey, uncover trends, and offer actionable solutions to help you succeed in recruiting and retaining camp staff. Plus, learn about the importance of an effective onboarding process and how the right strategies can make a significant difference. Whether you're facing staffing issues or looking for new ideas, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
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Survey & Webinar:Take part in the Summer Staffing Analysis Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/staffingsummer2025
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Your Hosts: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Dan Weir*, Sr. Consultant -* immersive1st - Day Camp Community * Justin Pritikin*, Director of Staff -* Everwood Day Camp * Jack Schott*, Co-Founder -* The Summer Camp Society**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. CRS is serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Camptivities
- Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
- CampMinder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more effi
Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!
Send us a text
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/trust-2025
Navigating Parenting and Camp Management Post-PandemicIn this episode of the Day Camp Pod, hosted by Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, Jaime Pickles, and Kelly Jones, the panel tackles the evolving challenges of parenting and camp management post-pandemic. They discuss the increasing anxieties parents face today, their heightened expectations, and how these impact their trust and communication with camp professionals. The experts share valuable insights and strategies for improving communication, balancing customer service with boundary setting, and ensuring transparency. Kelly provides exceptional tips for handling first-day jitters, while Jaime highlights the importance of a proactive, empathetic approach to parent relations. This episode is a must-listen for camp directors looking to enhance their parent engagement and provide a better camp experience amid today's challenges.
Highlights:
- 05:50 Parental Expectations and Camp Communication
- 09:45 Handling Difficult Parent Situations
- 13:32 Effective Communication Strategies
- 16:50 Balancing Information Overload
- 19:57 The Modern Parent's Dilemma
- 30:09 The Pressure of Social Media on Parenting
- 31:53 Distress Tolerance and Unrealistic Expectations
- 40:24 Importance of Consistency and Policies
- 45:42 Handling Difficult Conversations and Transparency
- 49:17 Proactive Communication and Parent Orientation
- 55:23 Investing in Parent Relations
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Your Hosts: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Jaime Pickles*, Director -* Everwood Day Camp * Kelly Jones - Executive Director and Day Camp Director - Outpost Summer Camps**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Camptivities
- Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!
Send us a text
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/start-from-scratch-2024
From Passion to Reality: Starting and Running a Successful Day CampIn this episode of The Day Camp Pod, hosts Andy Pritikin and Sam Thompson delve into the world of starting and running a successful day camp. Featuring guests Corey Kalman, who started a franchise of sports camps in California, and Mario Del Cueto, who launched a new day camp last summer, the episode covers everything from initial steps and marketing strategies to personalizing the camp experience and building strong community connections. The hosts also share useful tips for aspiring camp directors and emphasize the importance of following your passion and constantly improving your program.
Highlights:
- 04:23 Starting a Basketball Camp
- 08:47 Expanding to After-School Programs
- 12:15 Challenges and Strategies in Camp Management
- 19:36 Mario's First Summer as a Camp Director
- 25:23 Building Partnerships for Camp Success
- 28:10 Creative Marketing Strategies
- 29:38 Overcoming Initial Challenges
- 31:39 Continuous Improvement and Staff Training
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Your Hosts: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Korey Kalman*, Founder & Owner -* Got Game Sports * Mario Del Cueto*, Camp Director -* Mountain Camp Marin**
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Camptivities
- Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
- CampMinder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!
Send us a text
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/ownership-gold
Inside the Camp Ownership World: Success Stories and ChallengesJoin Andy, Sam, and Justin Pritikin as they delve into the inspiring story of Jonathan Gold, a successful operator of three large private day camps in New Jersey. In this episode, Jonathan shares his journey, the risks and challenges he took on, and the lessons learned along the way. The second half brings in Justin to discuss how the next generation of camp operators can succeed. The conversation covers everything from financial planning in the camp business to the evolving career paths for young camp professionals. Plus, get insights into the current state of the day camp industry and valuable tips for prospective camp owners and directors. Tune in for an episode full of wisdom and practical advice.
Highlights:
- 01:41 Meet Jonathan Gold
- 05:29 First Steps in the Camp Industry
- 13:06 Taking Over Meadowbrook Day Camp
- 17:46 Acquiring Oak Crest Day Camp
- 26:17 Expanding to Multiple Camps
- 27:12 Reviving a Dormant Camp
- 32:50 Financial Realities of Camp Management
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37:11 Entrepreneurial Drive in Camp Ownership
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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Your Hosts: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Jonathan M. Gold*,* MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of Camps * Justin Pritikin*, Director of Staff -* Everwood Day Camp**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Camptivities
- Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
- CampMinder
Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!
Send us a text
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/eddie-norgard
Navigating the Challenges of Camp Management while Fostering Creativity and GrowthEddie Norgard is a golden example of how hard work, creativity, and purpose can propel a talented young person in the camp industry. Eddie is a super-successful YMCA professional with a creative mind, an abundance of optimism, and an interesting career, going from entry-level YMCA worker with a scouting background, to one of the young leaders in our industry in less than a decade. You’re going to love this guy
Highlights:
- 01:36 Meet Eddie Norgard
- 05:44 Journey into the YMCA
- 08:36 Innovative Camp Solutions
- 15:03 Building Community Relationships
- 22:49 Revamping the Counselor Experience
- 23:49 Empowering Counselors for Success
- 24:34 The Importance of Camp Culture
- 25:16 Building Relationships and Loyalty
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29:55 Opportunities in the Camp Industry
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
Links From This Episode:Find these at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/eddie-norgard
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Your Hosts: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Eddie Norgard, Summer Camp Professional & Executive Director - YMCA** + LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddienorgard/ + Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddienorgard/ + Email: eddie.norgard@outlook.com
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Camptivities
- Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
- CampMinder
- Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to cre
Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!
Send us a text
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/2024forward
Navigating the Day Camp Renaissance: Staffing Solutions and Innovations
Summer 24 is in the books, and our September to-do lists have turned into pumpkin spice…
Time to get the Day Camp Pod back on track for another great season of best practices and unique insights - To get things going, we’re bringing back a few of our all-stars from last season to debrief the past and look a little forward into the unknown- So kick back day campers and let’s do it.
Highlights:
- 05:40 Summer 2024 Reflections
- 08:34 Staffing Challenges and Solutions
- 12:05 Scheduling and Attendance Strategies
- 25:07 Reflecting on Staff Attendance Strategies
- 28:24 Discussing Campers Post-Pandemic Behavior
- 30:50 Parental Involvement and Communication
- 34:41 Staff Training and Support Systems
- 37:05 The Importance of Camp Community
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45:04 Future of Camp Leadership and Branding
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Sam Borek*, Camp Owner/Director -* Woodmont Day Camp * Justin Pritikin*, Director of Staff -* Everwood Day Camp * Gregg Licht*, Director -* Elmwood Day Camp**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
- Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
- Camptivities
- Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
- CampMinder
Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/season-6-debrief
The summer is upon us! Join us as we debrief the best Day Camp Pod Tid-Bits from the past eight months.Season 6 of the Day Camp Pod is winding down as we laser-focus on the daunting job before us. This episode, Sam & I debrief our ACA trip to Washington D.C. and then touch upon this season’s episodes with some important follow-ups.
We’re so fortunate to be able to speak with so many smart, awesome people, and share valuable wisdom and best practices with the day camp community - So, kick back and enjoy the pod, as we’ll touch most of this season’s episodes - which you want to then go back and re-listen to, or listen for the first time if you haven’t already. THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Disc Golf: https://crs4rec.com/disc-golf/
Please review and subscribe!
If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/13-tips
Going full-time is scary! These camp pros have some wise words to help any director find their footing.The Go Camp Pro team put together a really cool episode in which 13 top tier camp podcasters were asked for an important tip to tell any new camp director this season. Sam and Andy are both on it, it’s short and sweet, and there’s some great nuggets of knowledge. So pass on these wise word to your new full-timers, and for the jaded veterans we bet you will appreciate some of these as well. This, is the DAY CAMP POD!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Outdoor Playgrounds: https://crs4rec.com/product-category/facility-enhancements/playgrounds/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/gen-z-staff
He’s back! Justin's insight is more important than ever. You won’t want to miss this one!This past Tri-State Camp Conference, our all-star podcast guest, Justin Pritikin presented to a packed room of camp professionals about working with his generation’s workforce. Younger camp pros appreciated his candor in speaking up for them, while older camp directors appreciated his insight - and even offered him jobs. For the past month he has been giving variations of this session to camp leadership teams across the northeast, and he was generous enough to record a final presentation just for us, the podcast that broke him.
I strongly encourage you to WATCH this presentation with all 296 slides on the GoCampPro YouTube Channel - because while the audio is stellar, the slides put it over the top. Stick around for the last 15 minutes of this podcast as well, as Sam and I will do a little Q & A with Justin. So, kick back and enjoy this super valuable chunk of wisdom that will absolutely help you better understand the inner workings of the Gen-Z Camp Workforce - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff -* Everwood Day Camp * Andy Pritikin*, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/talking-teens
Summer camps rarely meet their full potential of teen programing. Jeff Leiken is here to help us get into the teen mindset!There are very few camp consultant trainers in our industry over the past quarter century that have had the impact of Jeff Leiken. His impactful sessions at the major camp conferences, and his work with over 300 individual camps have utilized his unique insight on youth development.
Some call him the camp counselor for camp directors, and we’ve snagged him for the next 45 minutes or so to talk shop about philosophies and best practices with our teenage campers and staff. THIS… IS THE DAY CAMP POD!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Jeff Leiken*, President -* Evolution Mentoring International**
Bonus Link: https://www.evolutionmentoring.com/
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Splashpads & Aquatic Play: https://crs4rec.com/product-category/splashpad/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/yes-chef
Staff training is nearly upon us…will you be ready?Hulu’s award-winning TV show, THE BEAR teaches valuable lessons from running a restaurant, and turning your staff from good to great - that really resonate to running a summer camp. Eric Wittenberg of CamperMachine and CampStack fame gave this session with me at Tri-State last month and we’ve gotten tons of great feedback, so we thought we’d share it for those of you who missed it.
The FULL VIDEO is on the GoCampPro YouTube Channel with all of our episodes - So check it out, as it’s better with visuals - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Eric Wittenberg*, Founder -* Camper Machine*,* The Camp Stack**
Video and audio courtesy of Chris Komjian.
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/additional-needs-staff
A diverse staff team is a stronger staff team.Since 2020, camps have been more and more aware of their staff’s needs - particularly their pay, schedule flexibility, and the amount of burden they carry. But meanwhile, our staff have very similar additional needs as our campers do - and while we’re super patient and accommodating with our campers, we struggle with the balance and concept of accommodating our staff.
We discuss this mental block we seem to have with Allison Krabill and Jordanna Grossinger, and it’s an excellent conversation that’s sure to make you see things a little bit differently - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Allison Krabill*, Executive Director -* The Summer Camp Society * Jordanna Grossinger*, Director -* Camp Robin Hood**
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Emergency Alert System: https://crs4rec.com/product/emergency-alert-systems/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/maximizing-summer-staff
Increase your staff efficiency by maximizing your staff’s abilities.In today’s world of $4000 camp counselors, camps need to do everything possible to be efficient in how we staff our summer programs. We discuss this topic and more with Thomas Coffey from Southampton Day Camp, and the one and only Matt Kaufman from Camp Ramaquois. This topic transcends all camps, especially Sam’s municipal program, where it’s all about efficiencies. So kick back and enjoy it - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/d**cp
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Thomas Coffey*, Director -* Southhampton Camp & Club * Matt Kaufman*, Director -* Camp Ramaquois**
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Emergency Alert System: https://crs4rec.com/product/emergency-alert-systems/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/random-acts-ice-cream
Looking to appreciate and recognize your staff better? Come listen and learn from the best in the business!One of the best parts of attending the CODA and ACA National Conference is meeting super smart day camp pros from all over the country, and I am so happy that we can share the genius of Dave Boyle and Meaghan Springer from Camp Cristina, of the Tampa YMCA.
These two are awesome, and geysers of knowledge which they are eager to share with us, especially in the realm of staff recognition and appreciation. So get your notepad out, and get comfy - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Dave Boyle*, Executive Director -* YMCA Camp Cristina * Meagan Springer*, Operations Director -* YMCA Camp Cristina**
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/transitioning-leadership
No one becomes a director overnight. Taking over an existing camp operation is no small feat, and today we’re joined by two seasoned, self-made camp professionals who have each had unique challenges.
It’s a great podcast for anyone looking to one day become a day camp operator, as we also explore the challenges of just getting into the camp director pipeline. Prepare yourself, people - THIS, is the DAY CAMP POD!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Borek*, Owner -* Woodmont Day Camp * Gregg Licht*, Director -* Elmwood Day Camp**
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/parents-at-camp
Hiring parents as staff can be a double-edged sword…There’s no better way to get adult staff to buy into your camp and your culture than to have their kids attending camp, and drinking your kool-aid.
That said, there’s a lot of ins and outs, a lot of positives and a lot of negatives. And, it’s sort of a Day Camp thing - so let’s explore it with our guests Joe Smith, and Jay Milde. This, is the Day Camp Pod!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- Joe Smith, Executive Director - Spark Day Camp
- Jay Milde, Associate Director & Director of Staffing - Breezemont Day Camp
Bonus Link:
Working at Liberty Lake with Your Kids in Camp (PDF Download)
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Kangaroo Jumper: https://crs4rec.com/kangaroo-jumper/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/recruitment-and-retention
Do you know what keeps your campers coming back? Getting campers through the door and keeping them there is an art form of empathy, creativity, and execution.
Today we speak with two experts in the field who have literally created a playbook that can be utilized and appreciated by day camp pros, young and old… THIS is the Day Camp Pod!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Get your own copy of the Camper Recruitment & Retention Playbook!
https://campmarketingbook.com/
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Travis Allison - Co-Founder & Consultant - Go Camp Pro * Joanna Warren Smith - Camp Consultant**
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Shade structures: https://crs4rec.com/product/shade/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/in-between-moments
Blocks are good, but it’s the grout that holds everything together.
At Day Camp, we spend the majority of our planning time working on our militaristic program grids of athletics, arts, swim, etc. But the day camp day ALSO includes the “in-between moments.” These can be boring wastes of time, or create exciting and memorable CAMPY opportunities that kids will remember far longer than the ball they hit, or the bracelet they wove.
Let’s ask Michael Brandwein how HE feels about this - because I’m sure he’s got some thoughts and ideas… THIS, is the Day Camp Pod!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -Get more Michael!
- Webinar, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, March 26 & 27, 2024:Brandwein on Training: The Step-by-Step System for Planning & Presenting Your Best Staff Training Ever
- Webinar, Friday, May 17, 2024:Brandwein on Super Staff SuperVision: The Quick Course on Outstanding Skills to Coach, Motivate, & Bring Out the Best in Staff
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Michael Brandwein**, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com
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Books mentioned in podcast:
- Skill of the Day: What Great Leaders of Young People Do & Say
- Training Terrific Staff Vol. 2
- Super Staff SuperVision
Available at www.michaelbrandwein.com/store -Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!
If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/the-staff-experience
What’s the best way to ensure our staff keep coming back?Since the staff revolution of summer 2021, most camps have put more focus on the staff experience than ever before. If we’re being honest SOME focus, as opposed to hardly any, as most of us realize that we’ve been taking our workforce for granted. So, less stress, less burden, less responsibilities, with more pay, more support, more attention - AND STILL… It often doesn’t feel like enough.
Gen Z Justin and Millenial Jack join us today to reframe the staff experience things from their perspective, and help us better understand what’s needed in 2024 at our camps. THIS, is the Day Camp Pod!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- With,
- Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp
- Jack Schott, Co-Founder - The Summer Camp Society
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/crisis-management
When it comes to crisis, prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent.With all the crazy stuff going on in our country and the world, camp directors often have to become crisis managers.
One of our friends, Dave Thoenson from Tamarack Day Camp outside of Chicago, joins us to debrief his experience from the Highland Park parade shooting in the Summer of 2022.
We also welcome Joel Bennett who was at the parade with his family and saw the situation from the perspective as a camp parent and an ACA accreditation visitor. This, is the Day Camp Pod!
***This podcast discusses the incident and fallout of a mass shooting, which was unsettling to the hosts and guests and will likely be so to the listeners. This is an important topic, so we encourage you to listen and to be prepared for what’s to be discussed.
Do you read the show notes?*** Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- With,
- Dave Thoensen, Camp Owner/Director - Tamarak Day Camp
-
Joel Bennett, Owner - Joel Bennett Consulting
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Emergency Alert System: https://crs4rec.com/product/emergency-alert-systems/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/summer-2023-debrief
What lessons can we learn from summer 2023?Summer 2023 is in the books, and we not only survived, but we thrived - very much like it’s 2019 again…
Our super-thoughtful friend from the West Coast, Kelly Jones, joins us to talk about last summer, and we’ll try hard not to just talk about staff stuff, but that seems to be what people want to hear… THIS, is the Day Camp Pod.
- Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- With,
-
Kelly Jones - Executive Director and Day Camp Director - Outpost Summer Camps
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/remembering-doug-pierce
“Whoever needed help, Doug was there with his sleeves rolled up.” - Jay JacobsDoug Pierce was a larger than life camp director and industry leader who set the standard for Day Camping, ACA volunteerism, positivity, and sharing. Doug passed away last April, to the shock of his friends and colleagues - as his omnipresent personality made him seem immortal.
Now that we’ve had a few months to gather our thoughts, I wanted to have one of his friends and contemporaries - Jay Jacobs, come onto the pod and talk about one of the greatest guys that we ever will know, and a true day camp legend, Doug Pierce - THIS is the day camp pod!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- With,Jay Jacobs, Owner/Partner/Director - TLC Family of Camps
More about Jay:
Jay arrived at Timber Lake in 1967 as a camper, and worked his way up from counselor to head counselor before becoming owner/director in 1980. Highly regarded in the camp industry for his innovative ideas, he was appointed by the Governor to serve on the NY State Camp Health and Safety Council. Jay has served as President of the NY Section of the American Camp Association, Past President of NY State Camp Directors’ Association, and is the founder of SCOPE – Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education, a program which provides camping experiences for inner city kids at a host of not-for-profit camps. In 2001, Jay founded and currently served as chair of Heal the Children, a program of the American Camp Association that provides free camperships to the children of victims of the 9/11 tragedy. He is the owner/partner of Tyler Hill Camp, North Shore Day Camp, and Hampton Day Camp. His first love, however, is the time he spends every summer with his campers. Contact: jay@camptlc.com
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/camper-refunds-2023
Parents are the most important partnership a camp can have. But how do we balance the financial needs of our camp and our parents when it comes to deposits and refunds?
As we head into the camp season, we’ve got plenty of parents hitting us up with refund requests for every reason imaginable. Striking a balance between compassion, goodwill, and running a business is NOT easy! Especially with rising costs, and the fact that at this late time, you likely won’t be able to fill the spot.
Dan Weir returns to discuss the ins and outs of this tenuous, delicate balance and its implications. THIS, is the day camp pod!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * With,Dan Weir*, Senior Advisor -* Immersive1st** + dan@immersive1st.com
Bonus Link: Why a Flexible Cancelation Policy is a Must-Have for Your Summer Camp
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier - https://amskier.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!
If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/staff-training-2023
As you gear up for another year of staff training, tune in for some expert advice from the experts, Roz and Jed!It’s just about time to get our staff together, get them energized, and get them trained up as much as we can for the arrival of our campers. Who better to discuss the ins and outs of staff training 2023, than Roz & Jed Buck. THIS is the Day Camp Pod!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * With, * Roz and Jed Buck, Camp Consultants - rozandjed.com**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier - https://amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/variety-show
Staff training is on the minds of camp pros nationwide. Dave and Dave are here to share their two cents on the hottest topics of the year!At the past ACA National Conference in February, I had the pleasure of experiencing both Dave Malter and David Phillips both in session rooms and informally in the hallways - Of which I learned lots and was greatly entertained from these smart, and sarcastically funny men.
As I embark on creating my own 2023 staff orientation training, I figured that I would bring the two of them together in what could be one of the greatest day podcasts ever recorded, or a complete and utter disaster (it ended up being the former) - THIS, is the Day Camp Pod!
Join us as we discuss:
- Staff culture
- Teaching stress/resilience, mindfulness
- Supervision… What to expect!
- Job commitment - What it means to give your word to something
- Making training FUN
- Explaining the WHY
- Giving your staff professional development beyond camp tools
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * With, * David Malter aka “Professor Dave”*, Speaker, Trainer and Consultant -* ProfessorDave.camp * David Phillips*, Principal -* Immersive1st**
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier - https://amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
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Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/boss-convos
Even if you’ve known your boss for years, interacting with them can still be nerve-wracking! Dan is here today to share his experience navigating this tricky power dynamic.
Managing up, quiet quitting - most people have a pretty dysfunctional relationship with their supervisors. While it may be the norm, it’s far from optimal and we shouldn’t accept it as such.
Dan Weir is the consummate camp professional, and a great staff trainer who gave a session at ACA National and Tri-State about how to work with your boss, which we are going to dive into today - THIS is the Day Camp Pod!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Tiffany Yvonne*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * With,Dan Weir*, Senior Advisor -* Immersive1st** + dan@immersive1st.com
Bonus Resources from Dan:
https://gamestorming.com/
Gamestorming: A Playbook for Innovators, Rule-breakers, and Changemakers, by Dave Gray, Sunni Brown, James Macanufo
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier - https://amskier.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS: Pedal Carts - https://crs4rec.com/product-category/facility-enhancements/pedal-karts/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/genz-hacks
Staffing emergencies call for emergency podcasts! Are we really in a “hiring crisis,” or do we just need to change the hiring process? Justin is back to share the inside scoop on how to appeal to Gen Z applicants.I just got back from Tri-State, where I’ve been attending for close to 30 years, and the generational divide has never been more apparent to me. That said, these Camp conferences are terrific environments for old heads and young heads to learn from each other and appreciate each other’s talents, AND learn how to communicate with one another.
Nobody articulates this bridge better than Everwood Day Camp’s newest employee - Justin Pritikin, so we had to do an emergency podcast and get him back on - THIS is the day camp pod!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp + justinp@everwooddaycamp.com**
Check out our complete show notes to see slides from Justin’s Tri-State presentation and details to his FREE zoom session.
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier - https://amskier.com/
-
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/public-relations-2023
Sometimes building public relations requires a bit of creativity, or at least some planning ahead. Tune in to hear Michael’s tips and tricks!Delivering a great summer camp program is paramount to the success of our camps. But what often gets overlooked is the importance of public relations - how we are perceived by the outside world, by the other folks who DON’T attend our camps and don’t really understand what it is that we do. Because those folks determine our reputation and ability to succeed, often just as much if not more than our die-hard camp communities.
So how can we get that word out? Helping us today, is Michael Sacks, a successful PR guy and camp parent, who will bridge the gap for us - THIS, is the day camp pod!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * With,Michael Sacks*, Media Relations Specialist, Head of PR, Communications, & Client Services at* Lemon Law**.
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier - https://amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/best-inclusion-practices
“No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive.” – Mahatma Gandhi. Let’s work together to make sure all children get the camp experience they deserve.
Inclusion for our campers with disabilities is one of the biggest topics in all of camping. Our annual episodes are some of our most popular ones, so we’re going to keep the content going!
Today, we’re joined by two camp professionals in the trenches, and look forward to their insight and best practices! This is the Day Camp Pod!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
With special guests,
- Mia Ross, Manager of Inclusion at NISRA
- Lydia Gartner, Camp Director - Timber Pointe Outdoor Center
Get To Know Our Guests:
Lydia Gartner is the Camp Director at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, which is part of Easterseals Central Illinois. With over 10 years of experience in the medical and disability camp space, Lydia was a Special Education teacher prior to accepting a year-round camp position. She is passionate about creating camp environments and communities where individuals of all abilities are included, empowered, and shown unconditional regard. You can reach Lydia at LGartner@eastersealsci.com
Mia Ross, CTRS, Manager of Inclusion at Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association is driven by working closely with thirteen member districts to ensure participants with disabilities are successful within community programming. Ross actively conducts staff trainings, assessments, observations, site visits, and oversees NISRA’s internship program year-round. You can reach Mia at mross@nisra.org
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier - https://amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Lightning Detection - https://crs4rec.com/product/lightning-detection/
Please review and subscribe!
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mentoring-and-developmental-support
Investing in your staff is investing in success! Our friends from e21 are here to tell us more.
I don’t know about you, but when it comes time for my middle management to sit down with the front line staff for formal evaluations, I get very nervous about what’s about to happen. Expectations run rampant. Educators who have been evaluated for years by their supervisors all of a sudden fall prey to being too nice, or too harsh.
And at the same time, staff feel that they are superstars, when that’s often not the case. And when it’s over - is there a plan, or just hard feelings?
Today, we’re going to talk with Dr. Daniel Shore and Sara Silverberg from e21 to talk about the ins and outs of this important aspect of the staff experience, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised where it ends up - THIS, is the Day Camp Pod!
Join us as we discuss:
- Developmental Check-ins
- What effective support looks like
- “Trust comes from Truth” - Dr. Daniel Shore
- e21.org - check it out!!
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Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Tiffany Yvonne*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play**
With special guests from e21.org
- Dr. Daniel Shore, Workplace Researcher, Trainer, Consultant, & Entrepreneur
- Sarah Silverberg, People and program development
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AMSkier - https://amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Corcls, Kayaks & Boats
- https://crs4rec.com/product-category/water-features/corcls-kayaks-boats/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/training-new-leadership
Even with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, camps are struggling to find staff with experience. Leadership training will be more important than ever this year, so be sure to tune in to hear some advice from the legendary Michael Brandwein!Hey there Day Camp Pros! We are so grateful to be joined once again by the one and only Michael Brandwein, who will be discussing the ins and outs of elevating our frontline superstars into top-flight Leadership Team members. No easy feat, especially these days!
So kick back and enjoy some lessons from the legend, THIS, is the day camp pod!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Tiffany Yvonne*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Michael Brandwein*, Speaker, Trainer and Author* + https://www.michaelbrandwein.com/store**
Get More Michael:
BRANDWEIN STAFF TRAINING WEBINAR: Save a ton of planning time and boost the quality of your staff training! Tuesday & Wednesday, March 28 & 29, 2023, 1:00-4:00 p.m. CDT. See PDF Flyer for more info. Register at https://acai.wildapricot.org/event-5064766.
BRANDWEIN SUPERVISOR & LEADERSHIP TEAM TRAINING: Live online Saturday May 13, 10-4:15 p.m. CDT. This is a one-day Quick Course on supervision for both new and experienced people in which participants learn exactly what to say and do to bring out the best in staff and program. See PDF Flyer for more info. Register at https://acai.wildapricot.org/event-5064659
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Zoom Floom
- https://crs4rec.com/product-category/facility-enhancements/zoom-floom/
Please review and subscribe!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/scott-arizala
Scott is no longer the “cool young buck” of the camp industry. Tune in to hear about the lessons learned from his years of experience!Scott Arizala is one of the greatest staff trainers that I’ve ever learned from. He’s a master teacher, able to translate big concepts with humor, realism, and story telling. You’ve seen him at ACA National, you’ve seen him at Tri-State, if you’re crazy lucky- you may have even seen him at your Camp.
And if you’ve never experienced Scott, you’re in for a real treat. Damn, Scott, you better live up to this grand intro- THIS, is the Day Camp Pod!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Tiffany Yvonne*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Scott Arizala*,* Summer Camp Consultant & Trainer - The Camp Counselor** + scott@thecampcounselor.com
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Emergency Alert Systems:
- https://crs4rec.com/product/emergency-alert-systems/
Show Notes Bonus Link:
Fun In The Sun MASTER - Icebreaker games and puzzles
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/maximizing-use-of-facility
How can you pivot your traditional Day Camp program and facility to help with year-round revenue? Andy and H are here to tell you how!COVID-19 forced us to be more creative than we’ve ever been before. From program to staffing to facilities, we re-writ the playbook on what is possible to ensure that our camps will be around for years to come.
When it comes to outside the box thinking, there are no two people that you want on your team than Andy Pritikin and H Rothenberg.
Tune in to this episode to hear about:
- After School Camp
- Corporate/Team Building/Retreats/PARTIES!
- Field Trips, Field Days
- Scouting / Home School
- Rentals
- Private Parties
- Charity Fundraisers
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EVENTS- Renaissance, Circus, Concerts, Wine Tastings…AND MORE!
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * “H” Rothenberg*,* Camp Coach and Director - Triple C Camp**
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Pedal Carts:
- https://crs4rec.com/product-category/facility-enhancements/pedal-karts/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/day-camp-trends
Joanna has assessed and consulted over 500 camps… ya, you won’t want to miss this one!There are a lot of Camp Consultants out there, helping nice, well-meaning, camp operators get their act together, and run their camps like businesses, and Joanna Warren Smith is one of the originals. She’s been doing it for as long as I’ve been doing this camp thing which is over 25 years, and she stays on the cutting edge of trends and proactive thinking.
Through surveys, focus groups, visiting camps, and just listening, Joanna is one of the smartest camp minds out there, and I can’t wait for you to meet her - THIS is the Day Camp Pod!
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Joanna Warren Smith - Camp Consultant**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Pedal Carts:
- https://crs4rec.com/product-category/facility-enhancements/pedal-karts/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/incentivizing-staff
Front-line workers have certainly felt the pressure these past couple of years. Tune in to hear Ross and Adam’s tips on encouraging staff to keep coming back!
Once upon a time, there were day camp staff that worked the full season, full days, and missing time was a rare occurrence. Today - not so much. With the front-line staff reckoning of the past few years, getting our staff to just show up every day has become more and more of a chore.
Today, we explore some proactive initiatives being taken by two of the most creative minds in our field, Ross Coleman and Adam Wallach - THIS is the Day Camp Pod!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
With Guests:
- Ross Coleman, Owner/Director - Coleman Country Day Camp
- Adam Wallach, Owner/Director - Mohawk Day Camp
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NOTES AND IDEAS FROM ROSS AND ADAM:
Ross:
- We started a weekly attendance raffle in 2021. You are eligible if you do not miss any time the week prior. If you are late, leave early, absent, etc you are not eligible for the drawing.
- Those eligible have their names put into our raffle bucket and we pick two winners each Monday morning. I announced the two winners on our camp PA at 9:30 each Monday. Each winner receives $500 on the spot.
- There was no mention of money or attendance when I did the announcements. It was framed as the winner of our staff raffle. We saw a significant drop in staff asking to leave for the doctor, road test, etc. It was also a very exciting moment each Monday when we did the announcement.
Adam:
- As we increased and adjusted salaries this year, we essentially made $400 of the total salary a bonus. The $400 could be earned at $50 per week. The criteria for earning the bonus were:
- Present every day for that week and on time for work
- Prepared for work - bathing suit, staff shirt, name is written on staff shirt
- In the pool during swims
- Actively Participating with your group in activities
- No cell phone use.
- The bonus was called "Being a Mohawk Professional" and it was a session at training. The bonus was available to general counselors and assistant counselors. (Adding lifeguards for 2023). The specialty staff and group leaders were...
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/young-thoughts-with-justin
There is LOTS to learn from our up-and-coming youth! Justin is back to share some key insights of the corporate world from the Gen Z point of view.Two of our most popular podcasts last year involved the perspectives of the opinionated young man, Justin Pritikin, who graduated college, and unceremoniously left camp this summer to start a corporate-level job with lululemon with whom he had been working with during college.
Back from LA for a few days, we’ve cornered Justin and are ready for his thoughts on what he’s learned in relation to his camp experience, and what camps can do better with Gen Y-Z - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD.
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Justin Pritikin, Product & Inventory Lead** at lululemon
Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Inflatable Water Products:
- https://crs4rec.com/product-category/water-features/inflatable-water-products
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
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Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/learn-from-corporate-america
Corporate practices are just as applicable to camps. Tune in to hear Mario’s top three!Camp is a warm fuzzy place. AND it’s a business. And our friend Jonathan Gold likes to remind us, we have to run a good business FIRST, in order to do the good things that we do. Mario Del Cueto attended and worked at Day Camp, and now works at the Global Management Consulting Firm, Bain and Company.
Mario spent this summer on a project that involved visiting some great camps across the country, and we’re going to ask him what he learned- and what the corporate consulting industry can offer the camp industry - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD.
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Mario Del Cueto, Consultant at Bain & Co, Author of TheCampConsultant.com**
Connect with Mario:
- Email: mariodc37@gmail.com
- Phone: 818 669 9367
- OR in-person at ACA National & ACA Tri-state!
Bonus Link:
- https://thecampconsultant.com/2022/10/10/what-camp-can-learn-from-corporate-america/
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Concrobium Disinfectant Cleaner: https://crs4rec.com/product/concrobium-disinfectant-cleaner/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
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Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/burnout-episode
Burnout. We’ve all been there. Some may say it is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be that way!Are you a typical Day Camp operator that works so hard that you forget to smell the roses? You put your Camp first and you second? Didn’t the pandemic teach you that GRINDING your way through life may bring success to your camp, but not happiness to your life?
Well fortunately for us, our co-host Tiff, is life-coaching corporate stuffed shirts about avoiding burnout in their lives- and is going share some best practices on how YOU can avoid burnout- right now, in the camp off-season, AND during the summer- THIS, is the day camp pod.
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play**
Connect with Tiff:
- Email: info@sheplays.co
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Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Shade and Shelter: https://crs4rec.com/product/shade-and-shelters/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
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Thanks, Camp Pro!
Join 5-Minute Fridays today at gocamp.pro/5MF
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/registrations-and-refunds
The world is in an economic crisis. How are Camp Pros supposed to respond to it?As Day Camps continue to rebound from the pandemic, inflation is hitting hard and we just can’t raise prices as much as our costs are increasing- So what then?
Well, we can look at our policies for registrations and refunds, and get our camp families to play by NEW rules, so that we can maximize our revenue and keep enough money in the bank to pay our staff, and everything else.
Who better to preach the virtues of fiscal understanding, than the always opinionated Jonathan Gold - THIS is the day camp pod.
Listen in as we discuss:
- Macroeconomics with Jonathan
- Maximizing our revenue
- Early enrollment and payment
- Deposits and installments
- Refunds
- And more!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play**
With Special Guest: Jonathan M. Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of Camps*
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Disc Golf: https://crs4rec.com/disc-golf/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
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Thanks, Camp Pro!
Join 5-Minute Fridays today at gocamp.pro/5MF
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/debriefing-and-decompressing
Summer 2022: A summer of lesson, laughs, and learning opportunities.Summer 2022 is in the books- Woo-Hoo, Congratulations. And by all accounts, it was a helluva lot better than 2021, which ain’t saying much.
After a more normal school year, our campers and younger staff were a bit more normalized, although you could say that our teachers were a bit frazzled. Anyhow, the kids had a great time- and we’re going to talk about some of the lessons learned this past summer with our guest Sam Borek, from Woodmont Day Camp, in New City, NY.
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Sam Borek*, Camp Owner/Director -* Woodmont Day Camp**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Captivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
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Thanks, Camp Pro!
Join 5-Minute Fridays today at gocamp.pro/5MF
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/including-non-neurotypical-campers
Every child deserves a camp experience. Period. Allison Krabill and Sam sit down to tell you how to help non-neurotypical campers have a successful camp experience. We’re grateful to welcome The Summer Camp Society’s new executive director, Allison Krabill join Sam to talk about how we can help all campers, especially the non-neurotypical campers, have a great camp experience at camp.
The Summer Camp Society has created a TON of resources that are helping camps all over the world be the best they can. Here is a sampling that Allison has provided (thanks, Allison!):
- Our Inclusion Resources
- Our Free Stuff (including the Inclusion Specialist Guide)
- Our Blog
- Our Seminars
- Our Facebook
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Allison Krabill*, Executive Director -* The Summer Camp Society**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/staff-not-coming-back
Justin Pritikin returns to give you an inside scoop on why your staff are not coming back, quitting and in general, “done” with the camp industry.Picking up from our past episode 66, and the Tri-State Camp Conference Session that he and I gave last week in Atlantic City, Justin is back to give us older folks some insight as to what’s going through the mind of our younger staff.
His words and insight have become a bit of a wake-up call for the camp industry- particularly the veterans of the camp experience- so we’re giving him a forum today to keep the conversation going.
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Justin Pritikin**, Senior, Villanova
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/staff-holding-hostage
A proactive approach to working with this post-COVID generation of staffThis past summer was intense, especially in the realm of managing our staff who have been through a lot in the past two years. Managing staff resistance is something that comes with the job, but extreme staff resistance can rattle your cage if you’re not ready for it.
Our friend Emily Golinsky offers some insight and solutions to help you quell your inevitable next staff challenge uprising.
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Emily Golinsky*, Trainer, Professional Development Leader & Consultant -* Bright Moose, LLC**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/equity-in-camp
Staff training is the opportunity to show how important DEIJ is at your org.Daniel Morias and Leslie Keller are two awesome camp professionals who over the pandemic started the Equity in Camp Initiative- and have launched a successful consulting business supporting camps through their DEI journeys.
Today we welcome Daniel to the Pod to get some of his smart perspective on the work we all need to be doing to ensure that our camp community feels supported during these exciting times. Get out a pen a paper for the last half hour folks, because this is great stuff.
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Links from this show:* Avoiding Gener Bias in Letter of Reference Writing
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Daniel Morais*, Director of Operations at* TIC Summer Camp / Co-founder of Equity in Camp Initiative**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/day-camp-office-admin
Keeping the Trains Running on Time!The Day Camp Office is the nucleus of the organization during the off-season and during the summer. Filled with multitaskers, databases, spreadsheets, phones, Emails, texts, push notifications, weather reports- and as technology changes, so does the camp office.
Today we meet with two camp professionals dedicated to office administration, and if you care about the details of what we do, you’ll find this very interesting.
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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Links from this show:* Summer Camp Administrators Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/206157707141026
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Jane Dornbush - Office Manager - Camp Jacobson * Peter Goldberg - Administrative Director - Woodmont Day Camp**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/purchasing-2022
Don’t say we didn’t tell you so!We’ve all heard the news- The shipping containers stranded outside Los Angeles, the supply chain issues, the lack of truck drivers, the lack of workers everywhere - THIS IS NOT FAKE NEWS - this is Purchasing 2022, and if you want cups or french fries, or sports supplies - you better get your orders in now.
Eric and Josh from H & H join us today to explain the reality of the situation at hand.
Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Links from this show:* Coming soon
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Josh Cohen - President - H&H Purchasing Services * Eric Forti - Director - H&H Purchasing Services**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/living-your-core-values
You say you’re an “inclusive camp”…but are you living that every day?DEI! We can’t talk about it enough, because frankly - it’s THAT important. We’re fortunate to be joined this week by Danny Tobin, who has experienced camp, and life, from unique perspectives that help shed light and reiterate what we all need to be doing at our camps.
More about Danny at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/living-your-core-values
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Links from this show:* DEI at WAIC Board of Directors - (thanks, Danny!)
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Danny Tobin*, Director -* R.M. Pyles Boys Camp**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/appreciating-staff-brandwein
It’s your friend from Chicago…Michael Brandwein!We all want our staff to be professional, and we all want to support them. Great. We also want the pandemic to go away, voting rights, and peace in the middle east…
These situations are HARD, and take creativity beyond what most normal humans and day camp pros are capable of. Well, who is faster than a speeding baseball, and scales tall climbing walls in a single bound- This is a job for Michael Brandwein!
So get yourself a notepad, and new pen, and a hot cup of coffee- Because this, is the Day Camp Pod.
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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Get more Michael! Live 2022 Webinar from ACA-Illinois! Brandwein on Training : The Step-by-Step System for Planning & Presenting Your Best Staff Training Ever * Join Michael and 7 other industry leaders in Go Camp Pro’s 5-Minute Fridays*
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Day Camp Best Practices* Back Next Episode
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Michael Brandwein**, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com/store
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/from-the-mouth-of-babes
Have you asked your camp staff what their summer was really like? Andy and Sam did - and we found out their staff are incredibly honest.For our first podcast of 2022, we’re going to the source- the staff themselves- so you can hear their debrief of last summer, and their thoughts on recruiting future superstars at our camps.
We’re going to warn you now, that Ashley Whittington & Justin Pritikin offer up some sobering realities, alongside some great ideas- so buckle up, buttercup!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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Day Camp Best Practices* Ashley - Give little kids tiny competitive bursts - "I'll time you!" "Who can do this first!" * Justin - Witches - Like the game of "mafia" but set in medieval times except, here's the trick, THERE ARE NO WITCHES. + Other game - running charades relay!
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Ashley Whittington*, Pee Wee Camp Counselor* * Justin Pritikin**, Senior, Villanova
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/2021-resolutions
Here’s how our hosts are (and you can) set yourself up for success in 2022!2021 has come to a close, and Sam, Tiff and Andy have some New Year’s resolutions to make 2022 the best it can be for our camp, and especially our staff. SUPPORT, training, diversifying revenue streams, and more- PLUS, a few program tips at the end.
Thanks to our hosts and for our awesome listeners for making 2021 a GREAT podcasting season!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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Day Camp Best Practices* Sam - Camp reunions and story sharing - ask your alumni how the skills they’ve learned from camp has positively impacted their lives * Andy - Music makers! - Lay instruments out and let kids have at ‘em! * Tiff - Help kids rediscover the parks in their own backyards - “Tour-de-la-parks” or “Beyond the Block!”
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
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Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/extreme-heat-2021
The heat is ON! Here’s how to not just survive, but thrive when the weather is at it’s hottest!2021 was literally the HOTTEST SUMMER OF ALL TIME. The heat is on, people, global warming is real, and it ain’t getting any cooler. We need to do what we can as camp operators to operate in these crazy hot conditions while keeping our campers and staff healthy and happy.
Karyn Miller has been doing it successfully in sunny Arizona, in 122-degree weather even!
Check it out, as she tells us “Nawtheners”, how to get it done.
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Links from this episode:* Water Monster * Oral Rehydraation Salts
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Karyn Miller*, Owner & Director -* Cactus Day Camp**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/dream-big-cannabis
Mary Stein is here to tell us how she dreamed big…and how she was one of the first camps to face marijuana legalization at camp!Mary Stein started a private day camp from scratch in a neighborhood that at first didn’t realize how primed for it, it was. Dream BIG Day Camp worked deals with local schools and marketed with a very small budget to serve over 1000 campers each summer.
Besides that, they are located in Colorado, one of the first states to legalize cannabis- so she’s got a 10-year head start on most of us, in regard to how to frame the legal weed situation with her staff- Get your notepad out, because this is a good one!
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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Day Camp Tip of The WeekSam Thompson - Friday the 13th Event @ Crystal Lake - Big year-round $$$!
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Mary Stein*, Founder -* Dream BIG Day Camp**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/sleepaway-spirit-4
An annual tradition of ours…where we talk about…traditions (and other great stuff!)Every season on this podcast, we discuss the “secret sauce” of camp- with a couple of crossover day camp pros, who have special insight.
Today, we welcome Dave Skolnik from Hampton Day Camp, and Scott Leonard from Pocono Springs and ask the philosophical yet practical question- What is the Sleepaway Camp Spirit, and what are ways we inject it into our Day Camp Programs?
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Review us on iTunes!
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Dave Skolnik, Director - Hampton Country Day Camp * Scott Leonard*, Director,* Pocono Springs Camp**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/staffing-and-reorg
What to do when it feels like you need to rethink EVERYTHING?Summer 2022 is the time.
What more of a kick in the butt do you need? Staff need to be paid equitably, programs need to be rethought, value-added means something totally different nowadays and we need to be ready.
And here’s the thing - PEOPLE WANT CAMP. They need it more than ever.
So demand is up. How do we meet the need?
We need to bring some serious brainpower to this conversation - so why have one Podcast hosting team when you could have TWO!?
Joining Sam and Andy is Kelly Schuna and Howie Grossinger, the co-hosts of Go Camp Pro’s The Camp Owners Podcast.
Together, they will take an initial dive into two of the hottest issues in camp right now - staffing and re-organization.
We can’t wait another second. Let’s dive in.
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Kelly Schuna - Executive Director - Hidden Pines Ranch * Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood*, Partner -* Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/camps-at-school
School’s out. Camp’s in!You can run a great camp program ANYWHERE! If you’ve got the right people, a solid program and a can-do attitude, you’re in.
Running a day camp in a school setting, but it definitely also has some major advantages!
For millions of kids across the world, schools are their camp setting!
Join us for this episode as we sit down with Weston Outlaw and Isaac Brubaker, two incredible directors running camp in a school setting, to hear about how it works they bring the magic of the camp experience into schools.
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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Review us on iTunes!
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Isaac Brubaker*, PREP Program Manager, Day Camp Director -* PREP Camp Patriot * Weston Outlaw*, Director of Auxiliary Programs,* Cranbrook Educational Community**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/2022-staffing-pt1
Was staffing a slog in 2021? We have a cheat code for 2022 - her name is Kim AycockKim Aycock dedicates her life to the ins and outs of camp staffing- Recruitment, Hiring, Retention- All-round Best Practices.
She trains camp staff, she posts great content on social media, she blogs, pods, and leads the ACA “Camp is a Real Job” initiative- which has a ton of online resources.
We plan on having a WHOLE LOT of episodes on Staff this season on the day camp pod, and this is a great first effort-
So stay tuned for some terrific ideas and ways of thinking about what we do with staff in 2022 and beyond.
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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Bonus Links: Kim’s latest blog post with the ACA: Staff Culture: Reclaim Your Purpose, Part 2 * Kim's info*: * Website: www.kimaycock.com * Facebook: @kimdaycock * Instagram: @kim_aycock_ * Pinterest: @kimdaycock * LinkedIn: @kimdaycock
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Kim Aycock, Summer Camp Trainer & Speaker - kimaycock.com**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/multicultural-camp-dcp
Just because your marketing materials say you are multicultural, or diverse, doesn’t mean you are. Here’s how Kevin Gordon did it, and how you can, too.Kevin Gordon is a camp owner and director who started Camp Kupugani from scratch, as a multicultural camp experience, and with a 10-point Kupugani method of character development that will blow you away.
Listen and learn from this uniquely intelligent man, and come away with a whole lot of great ideas that you can implement at your camp.
And FYI- the last 15 minutes of this Podcast are OFF THE HOOK amazing- so make sure you get there and pay attention.
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Bonus Links: Kevin Gordon Bio: https://campkupugani.com/families/meet-camp-directors/ * The Kupugani Method:* https://campkupugani.com/families/kupugani-method/ * Interesting article about bus driver shortage: https://thehustle.co/why-america-has-a-school-bus-driver-shortage/
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Kevin Gordon*, Camp Director -* Camp Kupugani**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/summer-2021-debrief
We’re on the other side of the Summer of 2021 - Let’s unpack it together.How are you?
After a first, or second COVID-summer, many Day Camp Pros are only now coming out of hibernation. It was, to say the least, a tough summer.
But have no fear, the Day Camp Pod is here! Join Andy, Sam and Tiff as they talk about their perspective on the summer and how they, and the industry as a whole need to move forward towards a successful, and calmer 2022.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Day Camp Tip of the WeekSam: Negative Space Tie Dye
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/2021-mental-health
The perfect, and most important way to wrap up our season together - Thanks for being a friend of camps everywhere Dr. G!2020 and 2021 have been quite a shock to our camp community. The clinically inclined would call it trauma. Same as a 9/11, a war, or other experiences that can shake the foundation of our emotions.
While society is slowly emerging from the pandemic- things are getting better, the emotional scars will remain for a long time after. For our camper, their parents, and our staff.
For this, perhaps the most important topic of the year, and our final show of the season, we’re bringing in the heavy artillery - Dr. G, Debi Gilboa, joins us again to help us better understand the lay of the land in the world mental health.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro -
Review us on iTunes!
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Dr. Deborah Gilboa*, “Dr. G”, Parenting & Youth Development & Resiliency Expert -* www.askdoctorg.com**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-not-for-profit-like-for
Welcome to the meshugganah motivator himself, Aaron Greenberg!The not-for-profit camping world has had it tough this past year, with nervous funders, shoe-string budgets, furloughed staff and such. But not as much so with the Jewish Camps that work with Aaron Greenberg. In 2020, Aaron was the meshugganah motivator that got the vast majority of JCC Day Camps to open up across the country.
Part of that comes from his belief that you need to run your non-profit like a for-profit. Andy looks forward to you meeting with his friend Aaron.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
Review us on iTunes!
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Aaron Greenberg**, CEO - Jewish Day Camp Network
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/supporting-trans-campers-staff
We can’t keep doing things the way we’ve been doing them if our goal is to keep all of the campers in our care safe. Welcome, Chris Rehs-Dupin!Day Camps have gone through all kinds of changes through the years. In the 1950s and 60s - the talk was probably about integration at camps. In the 1990s and 2000s we had our first openly gay staff and campers, and today - we are welcoming more and more transgender folks in our community.
Yet most camp directors of a certain age - Boomers and Xers - struggle with the implications. What will the parents say, where will they change, what about the bathrooms, and I can tell you first hand that most of that worry is for naught.
Today, we are lucky to have an expert in the field - Chris Rehs-Dupin, who will give us an inside and out view of transgender campers and staff, and leave us with some tips to help make our camps as truly inclusive as we say they are.
Thanks to Chris for joining us. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider donating to Transplaining at https://www.transplaining.info/one-time-gift.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
Review us on iTunes!
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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Additional Resources - Thanks, Chris!Chris’ Episode Summary - A GREAT Resource!
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Chris T. Rehs-Dupin*, Speaker & Co-Founder -* Transplaining**
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Guest Bio - Chris Rehs-DupinChris Rehs-Dupin spent the majority of his professional career (17 years) in youth development in the outdoors- including 8 years in overnight programming, and 9 years in day programming. Chris is a passionate speaker, trainer, and educator- who has spoken at numerous conferences, camps, and to larger organizations. Participants agree that Chris works to meet them where they are- and educates in the absence of shame.
Chris loves to support camps as they foster gender-inclusive practices. He is available for consulting services, which will directly support a camp’s goals within the context of their community.
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-games-games
Curt “Moose” Jackson is with Sam to share his best games and best gaming practices.This mini-pod is all about games!
Games are the bread and butter of a great camp staff member and you can never have too many favourites.
We’re grateful for Curt to join us on this episode! If you want more Camp Programming goodness, check out his podcast at https://www.summercamppro.com/scp-pod/
In this episode, we cover:
- Why include games in training?
- How do you teach staff, to teach games, to campers
- How can you make your own game?
- What equipment can you provide your counselors to keep in their backpacks?
- “New” games, Inclusive games, transition games.
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Bonus ResourcesSam’s game guide - School Age New Games II
Curt's Hip Pocket Activities Booklet - Thanks, Curt!
Curt is offering a free copy to our listeners. Just use the discount code DAYCAMPPOD (doesn't need to be in caps). It will be good all through May.
Here is the link...
https://patchworkmarketplace.com/product/hip-pocket-activities-booklet-template/
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/circle-taco
Using circles (…and tacos?) to help our campers be their best this summer. Welcome, Emily Golinsky!Most Day Camps fancy themselves masters in the art of Circle Time, but we doubt that most look at it as an act of restorative justice. To quote a golden Bob Ditter metaphor, camp is about making change, and Emily Golinsky is going to walk us through a framework that you are going to want to use with your team this summer, when we start seeing challenging behaviors.
She also has a phenomenal metaphorical take on our lovable, less typical kids involving Tacos that we can’t wait for you to hear.
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: Adding another level of hierarchy to the mix to support the increased needs of campers this summer - “Assistant Division Leader”
Sam: Building a better sprinkler system
Emily: “Kids do well when they can“
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Additional Resources - Thanks, Emily!The Awkward Taco: Social Skills at Camp
Restorative Circles & Circles for Conflict Resolution
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Emily Golinsky*, Trainer, Professional Development Leader & Consultant -* Bright Moose, LLC**
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
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Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-camp-training-dave-malter
Welcome back to the Podcast, Dave Malter!Andy and the great Professor Dave Malter are here to talk about the complexities that will go into training staff to serve kids that have been living in a pandemic for a WHOLE YEAR now.
It’s going to be a different kind of training, so we need to bring in the pros to help us get ready.
Thanks to Professor Dave for coming and sharing his insights.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
YOUR HOST: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUEST: David Malter aka “Professor Dave”, Speaker, Trainer and Consultant -* ProfessorDave.camp**
Andy Pritikin
David Malter - AKA Professor Dave
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/frank-brandwein
Welcome back, Michael Brandwein!Like a day camp guardian angel, Michael Brandwein has been bestowing wisdom upon us for longer than many of our listeners may roam this earth- How does that make you feel, Michael? The defending champion of Day Camp Pod guests returns in our third season to defend his belt- in a unique way that you’ve likely not experienced him before.
Michael, like all of us, is supremely concerned about mental health this camp season- including OUR OWN, and he’s back to share his awesome insight and perspective with us.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
Review us on iTunes!
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: Michael’s Multiple Soccer Goals - Kick it up a notch!!!
Sam: Hungry Hippos
Tiff: Big Life Journal & Kindness is Cool Boxes!
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Michael Brandwein**, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com/store
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More from Michael!Michael’s six bestselling books are Training Terrific Staff, Vols. 1 and 2, Skill of the Day: What Great Leaders of Young People Do & Say, Super Staff SuperVision, Learning Leadership: How to Develop Outstanding Teen Leadership Programs at Camp, and his latest, Growing Great Qualities in Kids: The L.A.S.E.R.B.E.A.M. Technique for Bringing Out the Best in Young People. All are available directly at www.michaelbrandwein.com/store
To reach Michael regarding staff and leadership training, virtual and face-to-face, please contact him at mail@michaelbrandwein.com
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Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-camp-activities
SPONSORED CONTENT - Thanks to Camptivities for their support!Day Camp schedules come in all ways shapes and forms, but most of us have the same goals- to create a wide-ranging and engaging program that kids can enjoy and learn from. Set activities, electives, special events.
All present challenges to balance, and there are very few pieces of software that have proven to be able to do it.
Today we talk with Ryan Rosen from Camp Kinneret and Camptivities about all of this, and more.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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YOUR HOST: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUEST: Ryan Rosen, Director - Camp Kinneret & Founder - Camptivities*
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/liquid-sunshine
It’s time to learn to dance in the rain, folks!At day camp we don’t have rainy days, we have Liquid Sunshine, and it’s not raining until we say it is. My brother lives in Seattle, where it rains almost every day, and nobody complains. As we camp directors like to say- “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing.”
Rainy days are more than a weather phenomenon, they are a state of mind, AND… they are an amazing exercise in PREPARATION- Put your galoshes on people, it’s time to get wet!
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro -
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: Lightning Protection (www.bblightning.com) - And cans of soda for prizes
Sam: Picture Scavenger Hunt
Tiff: Do things that adults do- Paint ‘n’ Sip (Paint ‘n’ Pop Tart), Mocktails and Karaoke, Vision Boards, etc.
Cricket: Ask your staff- get ideas from them, use PINTEREST!!!
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Cricket Snearing**, 30 years as Administrative Director and Rockwood Adventures Teen Travel Director at Sesame, Current Summer Ceramics Teacher at Camp Walden, NY
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-advocacy-gold
Welcome back, Jonathan Gold!Review us on iTunes!
Please help us welcome back the man, the myth, the legend, Jonathan Gold to this Day Camp Mini-Pod!
Tune in to hear more about:
- WHY Government advocacy- It’s like an insurance policy- and it’s also a bit pricey.
- Forming your own State Government Advocacy program like we did. www.njcgap.org
- Examples of how it worked for us
- It’s really hard and frustrating, and usually doesn’t work
- Pandemic Open Houses for Recruiting Campers this Summer
- If you want kids to come to you face-to-face in June, their parents are willing to come to you now face-to-face and visit your camp… AND THEY WILL SIGN UP!!!
- You will show them that you know what you’re doing- give them confidence
- And you can figure out how to do it safely and effectively
- www.youcanbook.me
- https://calendly.com/
- Andy’s effective Virtual Open Houses
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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YOUR HOST: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUEST: Jonathan M. Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of Camps*
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/you-can-do-it
A Love Letter for Camps Considering Running in 2021 - from Go Camp ProReview us on iTunes!
If you’re able to run camp this summer, we want to make sure you know you can do it.
This special Go Camp Pro Podcast is for camps out there who are on the fence about running this summer. We support each other in this industry and we believe that it’s on all of us to help each other succeed.
Here’s one of our contributions.
Chris Hudson from Camp Highlight - who did no run in 2020 sits down with Andy Pritikin from Liberty Lake and Kelly Espinosa from Kennolyn Camps, who did run in 2020. Tune in to hear about why camp is more important than ever and learn about Andy and Kelly’s fears, tears and cheers when it comes to running camp during a pandemic.
We don’t know many things right now, but we know that kids will need camp this summer more than ever. They NEED you.
We are in the business of changing children’s lives and they’ve never needed a life-changing moment more than this one.
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Kelly Espinosa**, Day Camp Director - Kennolyn Camps * Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight
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SPONSORS:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mike-stillson
Meet Mike Stillson - A True Day Camp Maverick!Review us on iTunes!
The Camp Industry has some great leaders. We've interviewed a bunch of them, and we’ve got another one for you. Mike Stillson showed tremendous leadership in guiding his organization to open last summer, and continue programming through the offseason.
Regionally, as the reigning President of the Western Association of Independent Camps, he’s been a steady hand in moderating the ins and outs of the pandemic for day and resident camps west of the Rocky Mountains. Nationally he co-founded “Save Next Summer” to help ensure that ALL camps in North America can flourish in 2021.
We can’t wait to introduce you to all to Mike
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro **-
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -**
Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: Automated Marketing Systems
Sam: Pie Irons and Dutch Ovens
Mike: Calendly, COVID Reports & GET VACCINATED
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Mike Stillson*, Executive Director -* Valley Trails Summer Camps**
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-marcy-brower
A spotlight on a wonderful woman in camping, Marcy BrowerReview us on iTunes!
There are some amazing people who blaze a trail for change;
Marcy and Bob founded and operated Circle M Day Camp in Wheeling Illinois for 45 years, one of the first private camps to hire minority staff and enroll minority children.
Her interest in opportunities for children eventually influenced the whole of private camping in the national organization of private camps.
Marcy and Bob founded the Mid states Camping conference in 1993. And Marcy was an American Camp Association Illinois Board member and then served on the National Board and an endless list of committees.
Marcy was active in the civil rights movement and in the struggle for the rights of the LGBTQ community, particularly in ACA. She raised funds for civil rights groups and labor unions by sponsoring folk music concerts on the campgrounds during the 1960s, and marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington in 1963.
Here is an article they wrote in the 1960’s for American Camp Association:
https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/articles/desegregating-circle-m-day-camp-determination-succeed
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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YOUR HOSTS: Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois**
GUESTS: Colette Marquardt, Executive Director of* ACA Illinois**
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/parks-and-rec-pod
The ins and outs of one of the largest groups of day camp providers, Parks & Rec departments!Review us on iTunes!
Municipal Parks and Rec. programs might have more day campers across North America each summer than all the private camps in the United States combined. They are local, convenient, and tax-subsidized affordable.
The multi-tasking people who lead these summer programs are local heroes who put together engaging, memorable experiences with shoe-string budgets, limited facilities, and a WHOLE LOT of creativity that we can all learn from. For all of our Parks & Rec. frontline worker listeners, this episode is for YOU.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro -
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: Pickleball
Sam: Hot Dog Switch
Tiff: Shadow Tag, Water Games
Janet: Camp isn’t about you, it’s about the kids
Mike: Tech tip - Sling work scheduling app
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Janet Dellett*, Director of Parks and Recreation - Middletown Township* * Mike Gianatasio**, Superintendent of Recreation - Berwyn Park District
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-dave-thoensen
A conversation with Andy Pritikin & Dave ThoensenPlease help us welcome Dave Thoensen to this Day Camp Mini-Pod!
Tune in to hear more about:
- Private Day Camp BUSINESS practices
- Fiscal responsibility
- Last summer: PPE purchasing, staffing, parent communication- your amazing resource of same day covid-testing
- Running a Pre-School in a pandemic
- Early Enrollment - creating a buzz, always recruiting
- What camps should be doing NOW- staffing, (
- And shouldn’t be doing- capital improvements)
- Government advocacy - local level - even DIY!
- ACA volunteering
- Why you should open this summer, if you can.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUESTS: Dave Thoensen, Camp Owner/Director -* Tamarak Day Camp**
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/hard-times
It’s not all waterslides and s’mores, folks! Here’s how to persevere through the hard times, to get back to the good ones!The world changed for us all in March 2020, with life, and camp, and business becoming more stressful and challenging than ever before. But “what does not kill us, makes us stronger,” diamonds are formed under pressure, success comes from learning from our failures- We could go on, but you get the point.
Guess what kids, life is tough, running a camp has tremendous challenges, and the more we overcome these challenges, the stronger we become as camp directors, as leaders, and as people.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro -
Episode Resources & LinksJustin Pritikin TedTalk: https://youtu.be/1_UYVew7TEY
Warehouse Fight: https://nbcares.org/
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: cagemask.com - neck gaiter - https://cagemask.com/product-category/neck-gaiter/
Sam: Monday.com
Tiff: FREE stuff: jotforms.com, canva.com
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-scott-brody
How Scott Brody and The ACA supported camps through the dark days of summer 2020.Andy is joined by his longtime friend, colleague and business partner, Scott Brody, who also happens to be the Board Chair of the American Camp Association, with a concentration the past 4 years on Government affairs.
Tune in to hear about Scott and the ACA’s response to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and what they did to literally give camps the playbook to run in a pandemic.
Hear more about:
- How Scott got into camping, and what his current position is important position in this important moment of time.
- What is it about the sleepaway spirit… at Day Camp?
- Explain the extensive work that the ACA has been doing BEHIND THE SCENES, starting with the pandemic response- EHE
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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Relevant Links:* https://www.kenwood-evergreen.com/ * https://www.everwooddaycamp.com/ * https://www.sewataro.com/ * ACA Covid-19 resource page
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUESTS: Scott Brody, Owner & Director - Camps Kenwood & Evergreen*
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/traditions-at-day-camp
Powerful ways to draw kids into the wonder and magic of your Day Camp.Kids love predictability, kids love silliness, kids love TRADITIONS.
Most every camp out there has some kind of traditions that have woven their way into your program or facility- It’s part of the cool, uniqueness that makes your camp… a CAMP!
Some traditions are great, some should be removed, and you don’t have to be a 100-year-old sleepaway camp to have them. You can argue that a brand-new, small indoor day camp can have them, and that they are even more important in that setting.
Today we’re joined by two of the camp industry’s favourite millennials, Jack Schott and Laura Kriegel, who before starting their own program, travelled across the country in search of cool traditions.
Sit back and take notes, because YOUR camp is about to get better, without spending a cent!
Tune in to hear Sam, Tiff, Andy, Laura and Jack pass the mic to share their favourite camp traditions!
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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Episode Resources & LinksFind these at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/traditions-at-day-camp
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Laura Kriegel*, MSW, Co-Founder and Executive Director -* Camp Stomping Ground * Jack Schott*, Co-Founder and Executive Director -* Camp Stomping Ground**
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
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Bonus - Andy and Sam’s Big list of Traditions!Find this at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/traditions-at-day-camp
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/ppp-era-aca
Timely info for American Camps - Jan/Feb 2021For many camps and small businesses in the United States, the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program was a lifesaver- enabling us to keep our best people employed which we navigated the uncharted waters of the covid-19 pandemic.
Starting January 13, the second round of PPP has been made available to qualifying businesses, as well as other resources like the Employer Retention Credit. While most of us may be good at running a summer camp, this other stuff is both supremely important and pretty darn confusing- which is why we have called for an EMERGENCY Podcast with ACA National Chair Scott Brody and the great Steve Baskin - so that we can better grasp the options that can ensure our financial solvency as we enter the 2021 camp season.
Tune in to hear about:
- What we need to know about the PPP situation
- The issues of timing, and filing for forgiveness
- What’s coming down the pike.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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Important Links:* Andrew Ziv’s thorough explanation of ERC & PPP - https://andrewziv.substack.com/p/breaking-down-the-employer-retention * SBA / PPP - https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program * IRS / ERC - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-employee-retention-credit-under-the-cares-act
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUESTS: Scott Brody, Owner & Director - Camps Kenwood & Evergreen * Steve Baskin, Executive Director -* Camp Champions*,* Camp Pinnacle*, Partner -* Everwood Day Camp**
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/preschool-program-2021
They’re the most fun, the most magical, the most squirmy and they’re the future of camp. Here’s how to rock your preschool camp programming!Pre-Schoolers are the little saplings of day camp. Show them and their families a good time, and you have an annuity that can last a decade.
That said, they are completely different on so many levels, compared to elementary and middle schoolers. Today we’ll deep dive into the world of the littlest people in our camps
Tune in to this episode to hear about camp programming, the arts, games, special events, facilitation tricks and MORE - all for the wee ones!
Enjoy!
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro -
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: Skip’s Rubber Duckie idea: Give every kid a rubber duckie, put them in the shallow part of the pool, and tell the kids to go and get them! It will get them right in the pool!
Sam: Perspective training - Line staff up, and every other one kneels down to give the staff the perspective of a pre-schooler looking up with their counsellors. That’s why we get down on one knee!
Tiff: Taking your current curriculum and make it age-appropriate for every level to make sure everyone feels seen and related to.
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Diana Vroman, Elementary Schools Site Director - Crystal Lake Park District**
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Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
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Sam’s Mega-List of Preschool Programming!Found at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/preschool-program-2021
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/dei-at-day-camp-pt2
Here’s part 2 of this important conversation with Dr. Perry and Dr. Ozier.One of the silver linings 2020 has been the awakening of many camp professionals to the glaring lack of diversity in the camp industry.
Besides camps that cater to children living in the inner-city, Summer camp- like many American institutions, has historically been a white proposition. Today we will discuss what we can do within our organizations, to help make change. Thank you for joining us for this important discussion
In this second part of a two-part episode, we cover:
- Goal is uplifting ALL humanity
- Staff training, and ongoing staff stuff through the season (when you see it, say it- see what? say what?)
- How to talk to campers about it- proactively (like on Mondays when laying down the rules), and when kids slip up- how to address it.
- Communicating racism, diversity, tolerance with little kids vs. big kids
- Parent Communications- Website, Parent Resource Guides, what to “say” on a tour
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Episode ResourcesFind all resources: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/dei-at-day-camp-pt1
Positive White Racial Identity Development.pdf
Ali Michael piece: What White Children Need to Know about Race
The Racial Healing Handbook
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Dr. Chanika Perry*, Director of Education Programs -* Hands On Atlanta * Dr. Lance Ozier*, Senior Educational Consultant -* Teaching Matters**
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pr!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/dei-at-day-camp-pt1
The Day Camp world is being reborn after the summer of 2020. Let’s rebuild it into a world of diversity, equity and inclusion.One of the silver linings 2020 has been the awakening of many camp professionals to the glaring lack of diversity in the camp industry.
Besides camps that cater to children living in the inner-city, Summer camp- like many American institutions, has historically been a white proposition. Today we will discuss what we can do within our organizations, to help make change. Thank you for joining us for this important discussion
In this first part of a two-part episode, we cover:
- Developmental appropriateness-
- inappropriate, but age-appropriate- use as teachable moments- don’t dismiss.
- “Got it from parents”
- NAMING defensiveness-
- “Not seeing race”
- Avoiding the topic
- How do we show off- How do we represent camp validity to all people
- Not avoiding… accepting, knowing what the community values.
- Step 1- Hiring diverse staff
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Episode ResourcesFind all resources: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/dei-at-day-camp-pt1
Positive White Racial Identity Development.pdf
Ali Michael piece: What White Children Need to Know about Race
The Racial Healing Handbook
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Dr. Chanika Perry*, Director of Education Programs -* Hands On Atlanta * Dr. Lance Ozier*, Senior Educational Consultant -* Teaching Matters**
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/essence-of-camp
When you take away all of your camp’s window-dressing, what’s left? Andy and Liz Kimmelman dig into it on this Mini-Pod.Every camp we’ve spoken to that opened during Summer 2020 quickly realized that all the bells and whistles they’ve accumulated over the years were insignificant, as their downscaled, back-to-basics programming was embraced and enjoyed by the campers and staff in ways like we’ve never seen before. For camp directors like Liz and Andy Kimmelman, and myself to a degree, this was a welcome awakening for the future of our camps. THIS, is the Day Camp Pod!
Tune in to hear about:
- Nicknames...
- Summer 2020 reckoning
- Why do you think this happened?
- Opportunities for Autonomy, mastery and connection!
- Do you think that people (including parents) will remain content to keep it simple?
- Why do you think this happened?
- Changes we made that we will keep
- Website revisions
- Advice to our day camp colleagues
- Unplug, outdoor, explore, play more
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUESTS: Liz Kimmelman - Owner/Director - Camp Tumbleweed*
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mark-transport
We’re always doing a bit of a turnaround at camp, so let’s hear from a Day Camp Pro who’s a…well…pro at it!Review us on iTunes!
Being successful in the camp industry these days calls for strong, courageous leadership- and on Long Island, Mark Transport has made himself known amongst his camp peers, local and state government, and in the media.
In this episode, we cover:
- Mark’s camp origin story, from dentist to resident camp to day camp
- Sleepaway Camp Spirit
- Transitioning school kids into camp kids
- Being a Turnaround Expert
- Facility
- Not seeing the problems
- Change is essential
- Mark’s Experience Running Camp Summer 2020
- Using the Media
- Talking in front of the camera
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: A tip from Joanna Warren Smith - teach your staff to answer the phone intentionally - ex. “Liberty Lake, this is Andy speaking!”
Sam: Use kernels of corn instead of live bait for fishing programs.
Mark: 1. Your camp is evaluated by how nice your bathroom is
- Directors- GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY- do frontline work, builds morale
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Mark Transport*, Owner/Director -* Crestwood Country Day Camp**
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/perseverance-in-day-camping
We will persist. Kids need camp too much for us to give up.Review us on iTunes!
The last 8 months have been emotionally trying for all of us- Whether you opened in 2020, or chose not to open, this has been a rite of passage like none other- with no self-help books or TedTalks to lead the way.
In these times of uncertainty, we must find it in ourselves to have the grit and resilience that we preach to our camp community each summer- Dalia Librus is an Israeli Day Camp director who has had to run camp through other kind of tough situations that can give us all a little perspective these days.
Tune in to hear about:
- Dalia’s fascinating origin story - convincing her school to start a summer camp program
- What day camp is like in Israel- in times of war and civil unrest
- Not just rain clouds up in the sky!!!
- Perseverance and Grit- and learning to deal with tough situations, as they become normalized.
- Such parallels to Covid-19, summers 2020/2021
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUESTS: Dalia Librus*, Director of External Programs - American International School in Israel
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/sleepaway-spirit-pt3
“The Mont-sters of Day Camp” are here for our annual episode on harnessing the spirit of overnight camp at your day camp!If YOU have experienced both day camp AND resident camp, agree that a great day camp captures the “Sleepaway Camp” Spirit- This episode, our third annual episode on this topic, attempts to solve the riddle of WHAT IS the Sleepaway Camp Spirit, and what can we do in our meager little day camp setting between the limited hours, staff going home every night, and kids ratting us out to their parents- The answer, we can do a whole lot.
In this episode, we cover:
- What do people who don’t know day camp, not understand about the culture?
- What are we even talking about - sleepaway camp spirit?
- What concepts are we able to “bring over” from the overnight camp experience?
- What cool things our camps do to give that vibe
- Challenges to achieve this - Staff that go home at night, parents who interrogate their kids every afternoon, etc.
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: Games like capture the flag and other wide games that kids sometimes don’t get to do in a day camp experience.
Sam T: Find a giant cardboard distributor - backdrops, cardboard regatta, photo boards, the possibilities are ENDLESS!
Tiff: Run a New Years eve slumber party - ginger ale, ball drop, toast at noon, pyjamas, movies, popcorn, the whole 9-yards!
Sam B: 6 Team Olympics in One Day - use stories to fuel the excitement
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Sam Borek, Camp Owner/Director - Woodmont Day Camp * Gordon Josey*, Owner/Director -* Breezemont Day Camp**
- SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Here are some art projects that teens will actually enjoy!Review us on iTunes!
On this mini-pod, Sam sits down with Cricket to tell you about some of their favourite art projects that are winners with teens!
And since it’s hard to do an audio-only show of crafts, here is a write-up of the crafts!
Thanks, Sam and Cricket!
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
YOUR HOST: Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois**
GUEST: Cricket Snearing*, 30 years as Administrative Director and Rockwood Adventures Teen Travel Director at Sesame, Current Summer Ceramics Teacher at Camp Walden, NY
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/2021-staff-recruitment-and-retention
We’re not exactly sure what the summer of 2021 will look like, but we know we’ll need a great team of staff! Here’s how to get them on board, and keep them around!As we navigate the pandemic waters, the staffing landscape has skewed a bit. Some might say that potential staff are more available than ever. But are they willing to work at camp? Are their parents willing to allow them to work at camp? And how has the proposition of working at day camp changed.
We have tremendous benefits over most any other summer jobs, and our challenge continues to be figuring out how to translate the camp experience into a language that neophytes can understand and appreciate.
We welcome Kim Aycock and Jolly Corley to the Pod to help share some best practices with our listeners.
In this episode, we cover:
- Recruitment: what advantages do we have within/coming out of a pandemic?
- Internships and travel abroad cancelled or limited
- Utilizing alumni connections
- How to get people back to your camp in 2021, when your camp didn’t run in 2020?
- Staff Culture = Camp Culture
- Panic & being “stuck” is real
- So many questions, so few answers
- Importance of communication/transparency
- Be a Stress Detective
- Return to Your Values (before, current, ideal)
- Why reinvent the wheel - look to great leaders in times of crisis (Winston Churchill) for guidance “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” — Winston Churchill
- Frame the Summer, Invoke Destiny, Define Victory/Success, Redefine Hardship
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: Intentional Staff Bonding - Tie Dye Night
Sam: Mafia Game
Tiff: Survey staff what victory/success looks like at the end of this summer (goals). Cool tool Opinion X helps with surveys: https://www.opinionx.co/
Kim: Disruptus Game(great for ideation, innovation...Disruptus revolves around new ways to create, transform, or improve ideas or objects)
Jolly: Pool Noodle Games for Social Distancing
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Jolly Corley, Speaker and Director - Camp Robindel * Kim Aycock*, Speaker, Trainer, Teacher and* Go Camp Pro Contributor - www.kimaycock.com**
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Find more at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/eleanor-eells
Celebrating a foundational Camp Professional. Tune in to learn about Eleanor Eells and her legacy in camping in part, through Title XX funding.Review us on iTunes!
Eleanor P. Eells was a leader and inspiration within the field of camp throughout her life. She was an active participant in the Settlement House and Social Service Agency camp movements and a pioneer in therapeutic camping. She was one of the founders of the Fund for Advancement of Camping and served as its director through FAC's formative years.
Eleanor Eells had an equally important influence on the American Camp Association. She worked with FAC to support programs such as ACA's 1970s standards research and rewrite; the pilot Camp Director Certification Institute; the Camping Unlimited/Intergrouping Project; ACA's last reorganization; and securing government funding for campership use.
Her greatest contribution was helping individuals and camps start new programs. When these programs were operating, she shared results with countless others.
Eleanor Eells' life was an example for the camp professional. The first recipient of ACA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, Eleanor Eells passed away in her 94th year in Calgary, Alberta.
We’re so excited to welcome Gordie Kaplan to this mini-pod to discuss an extremely important figure in the camping industry, Eleanor Eells!
Tune in to hear about:
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How did you end up working with Eleanor?
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What was the societal problem that the two of you were trying to remedy that led to Title XX?
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Describe Tittle XX?
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Title XX in the COVID year, how we adapted program’s to still serve campers.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
YOUR HOST: Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois**
GUESTS: Gordie Kaplan, Camping Industry Veteran - ACA-IL*
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/blog/women-of-gcp-podcast
What do you call it when you gather a bunch of female camp and podcasting pros in a room? You call it AWESOME.In today’s special crossover episode, Beth Allison from Camp Code hosts a conversation with several of the women who podcast with Go Camp Pro. Today’s episode features Rachel Kent and Cassie Bloy from Beyond Camp, Sam Thompson from the Day Camp Pod, Kelly Schuna from The Camp Owner’s Podcast, and Ruby Compton from Camp Code and Gabrielle Raill from CampHacker and Camp Code.
Listen in as these women discuss their mentors who inspired them in the industry, challenges women face working at camp and advice for new camp pros. Interestingly, all of these women have also attended the Women in Camp Summit in previous years. During the episode, they discuss some of their biggest takeaways from the event as well as what they are most looking forward to for this year’s Live Virtual Summit taking place December 2-3. Find out more about the Women in Camp Summit Live Virtual event at https://www.womenincampsummit.com.
Gabrielle announced this year’s Summit will also feature the first of the “Becoming Allies” series with an event titled “Becoming Allies: Supporting Women in Camp” on December 4. Folks who want to participate in the Allies event can register through this link: https://acai.wildapricot.org/event-4051965
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The Women in Camp Summit needs your support! The planning team for the Summit has set a $7,500 fundraising goal to offer scholarships to attendees and off-set the costs of hosting this unique professional development event. Every dollar counts. Donate today and donate again on the Day of Giving for the Women in Camp Summit on November 24. Donate here: https://acai.wildapricot.org/allies/
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Love this episode?Find more Podcast goodness at gocamp.pro/podcast. Also, if you want to support the work that we do, please consider subscribing to the shows, and leaving us a rating in your favourite Podcast app.
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On This Episode:* Beth Allison, Camp Consultant and Co-Owner - Go Camp Pro * Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau * Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors * Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District * Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch * Cassie Bloy, Consultant & Freelance Camp Director - Stephane Richard Development Consulting * Rachel Kent, Coordinator, Member Risk - Girl Guides of Canada
Find show notes and links at - https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/day-camp-from-scratch
Post-COVID, the world is going to be in need of more connection than ever. What better way is there to connect than at camp? Here’s how to start your own!Review us on iTunes!
If only one out of every six American children attends summer camp programs, there’s a whole lot of potential campers out there, just waiting for YOU to create a day camp closeby to their neighborhood.
So now what? How do you go from that great little idea to a fully functioning day camp that’s signing up campers, hiring staff, and getting ready for opening day? Stay tuned- and we’ll let you know.
In this episode, we cover:
- Location location location!
- Business, marketing and branding plans
- Quick and easy camper registration.
- Set up open house- “Meet the Director” events- Zoom, in-person, etc.
- Create YouTube/Facebook/Instagram videos- Tell them who you are, why you’re doing this, and how awesome it’s going to be!
- How do you ingratiate yourself with the local community and become a partner
- How do you position your proposition? What does the local community need?
- Who is the oversight in your area? DCFS, Health Department, ACA?
- And much much more!
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: Portable Ga-Ga Court- Inflatable, wooden, plastic- whatever. Create “camp” anywhere!
Sam: T-Shirts for winter that say “Ask me about my awesome camp” or follow me to…
Tiff: Google
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/day-camp-kitchen
Happy Kitchen - Happy Camp. Here are some best practices for camp kitchens of all kinds!Review us on iTunes!
Running a food service at your day camp is not typical, and it certainly isn’t in the talent wheelhouse of most camp directors.
But for those who can pull it off, it can be an awesome perk for your camp families- while hopefully not being a huge financial or managerial burden upon you.
We’re joined today by Sam Borek, who honed his kitchen skills at resident camp, and who actually enjoys managing the ins and outs of the day camp kitchen.
Tune in to hear about:
- Determining Menu
- Choosing food vendors
- How do the kids ORDER their meal each day?
- How is it served, non-pandemic, during pandemic (next summer)
- Desserts
- Allergies
- Healthy
- Not Healthy- Snacks, Ice Cream/Ice Pops
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
-
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUESTS: Sam Borek, Camp Owner/Director - Woodmont Day Camp*
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mental-health-2020
Mental Health needs to stay front-of-mind. Now more than ever. Welcome the wonderful Linda Erceg to this episode of The Day Camp Pod!Review us on iTunes!
Mental Health has become one of the biggest issues facing camp professionals - and that was before covid-19 came into our lives.
For summer 2021, we need to be as prepared as possible for the wide array of Mental, Emotional and Social Health issues that will be coming through our doors.
There’s nobody better to discuss this topic with than the wise-woman of camp nursing, and former executive director of the Association of Camp Nurses, the one and only Linda Erceg-
Tune in to this episode to hear about:
- Linda’s many years of experience in camp nursing and working with the ACA on studies regarding healthy camps.
- How and why the study is now focusing on MESH (mental, emotional, social health),
- How did summer 2020 in particular affected both campers and staff?
- How do we best prepare mentally for summer 2021?
- Much, much more!
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
-
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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Day Camp Tip of the WeekAndy: Formal in-takes for campers (load resources onto show notes)
Sam: Self-care slipper socks
Tiff: Feelings Board - Clip “how you’re feeling” each kid in the mornings, kid to kid
Linda: Tips on self-care.
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
GUESTS: Linda Ebner Erceg, RN, MS, PHN*
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
It can be done. If you’re running an indoor camp during the COVID-19 pandemic, have no fear, the Day Camp Pod and Melanie Zak Curry are here!Review us on iTunes!
Tune in to this mini-pod to hear about Melanies’s experience and strategies for running camp inside:
- INDOOR CAMP SUCCESS STORY- How they made it happen!
- Militant Staff (paid minimum wage) and cleaning regiment
- Support from executive directors (tell us what you need)
- Created their own protocols early on- which ended up being very similar to what the governor mandated
- Quickly got upgraded filters for AC system, masks, cleaning stuff
- Examined and modified all protocols
- 60% new campers- As most originally signed up campers withdrew, and 40% signed back up.
- COMMUNICATION!
- We were very open and honest with our parents for months leading up to camp. We actually held weekly FACEBOOK LIVE Meetings in our FB camp parent group. This gave parents the opportunity to ask questions in a group setting.
- We also spent months calling everyone to “answer any questions they may have”. These calls were 15 mins to 2 hours each!
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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Bonus ResourcesGeneral Camp Pages:
https://e-sportimeny.com/p/18SJ-HX9/school-break-kings-park
https://e-sportimeny.com/p/18SJ-H0J/sportime-kings-park-summer-camp-2020
Global Sportime Guidelines:
https://www.sportimeny.com/covid19_guide
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUESTS: Melanie Zak Curry, Camp Director - Sportime of Kings Park, NY*
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find more at http://daycamppodcast.com
When’s the right time to think about reenrollment? How do you know they’re ready to come back? Well, it’s at least time to start thinking about it, so let’s get to it.Review us on iTunes!
As Day Camp Professionals, we can come up with the greatest camp programs and initiatives in the world, but it don’t mean a thang, if you don’t have the campers enrolled to fund your warm and fuzzy amazingness.
It’s basic business that it’s way easier and cheaper to enroll LAST YEAR’s families, than it is to find, tour, schmooze and procure totally new campers.
So let’s discuss what camps are doing to retain last year’s campers, and for camps that didn’t open last summer, or camp families that chose not to attend- how to turn 2019 campers into 2021 campers.
Tune in to this episode to hear about:
- Welcoming our guest Andrew “Juice Boy” Yankowitz and hearing about his resilient rise through the ranks to his current role.
- What are the challenges to enrollment after a summer with no camp?
- How do we get families to trust that the summer will go on when the world is in chaos?
- Some great ideas for enrollment in a normal season!
- Much, much more!
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Day Camp Tip of the WeekTiff - Bring a Friend to Camp Program
Sam - A Utility Belt with Cleaning Supplies
Andy - CRS Wave Siren Alert System
Andrew - Visiting Day Free Shirt or Something!
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
GUESTS: Andrew Yankowitz - Owner & Director - Tall Pines Picnics and Retreats*
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Nothing says financial wake-up call like a global pandemic! Andy welcomes back Jonathan M. Gold to the show to help us grasp the things we need to be thinking about in preparing for a tough financial road ahead. Review us on iTunes!
Whether you ran in 2020 or not - we've all got a tough road ahead. We need to be prepared with every scenario, every tip and trick, and every bit of help we can get.
Enter friend of the Pod Jonathan M. Gold - our financial correspondent and climate-watcher.
We welcome Jonathan back to this mini-pod with Andy as they discuss what it's going to take to be able to not only survive 2021, but to thrive long-term.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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Bonus ResourcesJonathan’s Cashflow Chart Video:
https://vimeo.com/465802814
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**
GUESTS: Jonathan M. Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of Camps*
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Find full show notes at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod
What was it like for Day Camps who DIDN’T RUN this summer? Tune in to this episode of The Day Camp Pod with Kelly Schuna and Ben Esposito to find out more!Review us on iTunes!
Summer 2020 was challenging for all, especially for those of us who chose to NOT TO OPEN for a traditional summer of camp. While we have the utmost respect for those camps that found a way to make it happen, today’s podcast is dedicated to our colleagues who had to make a choice they never thought they’d have to make.
This episode, we’re featuring the stories of two terrific camp programs and their thoughtful directors- one from the north, and one from the east.
Tune in to this episode to hear about:
- Welcoming our guests Kelly Schuna and Ben Esposito and learning a bit more about what the Summer of 2020 looked like for them.
- What did the decision-making process look like for Kelly and Ben that lead to them not running this summer?
- How did they communicate their hard decision to their staff and camping community?
- How were they able to make it work? What did staffing, program development and financing look like?
- Much, much more!
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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Day Camp Tip of the WeekTiff - Big Life Journal - Free tips every day on Instagram
Sam - Mask accessories - ribbons, fancy things for their masks- beads, lanyards
Andy - Extra Waterbottle Filling Stations
Ben - Keep connected to the PROPERTY- “everybody is on the facility crew”
Kelly - The Ministers of Fun- give responsibility to staff, to keep things fun!
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YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Tiffany McDuffie*, Executive Director -* Purposeful Play * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District**
GUESTS: Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch * Ben Esposito, Director -* Camp Alvernia**
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
How two camps embraced the eLearning Camp model during the COIVD-19 pandemic. Review us on iTunes!
Welcome to another Day Camp Mini-Pod!
We’re so glad to be bringing you new content every week on the Day Camp Pod.
As a reminder, there will be a full episode every two weeks with some Mini-Pods in-between. A HUGE thanks to our hosts, Sam, Andy and Tiff for this extra push this seasons
On mini-pod, Sam and Sabrina Hinkens share how their camp programs have pivoted to eLearning models in response to the push of virtual schooling.
This is a great conversation not only because of the nuggets about how to run an eLearning camp, but to re-assure camp pros out there that no matter how many years you’ve been in the game, you can make brave shifts into unknown territories in the name of serving your facility and your families.
What do you think of the mini-pod? Please let us know by commenting here and leaving us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
YOUR HOSTS: Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois * Sabrina Hinkens*, Youth Program Supervisor -* Gurnee Park District**
What was it like for Day Camps who ran this summer? Find out on our first episode of season 3 of the Day Camp Pod!Review us on iTunes!
Summer 2020 was a whirlwind for us all, especially for those of us who were able to OPEN our doors to the public. We had to use every ounce of leadership, creativity, perseverance and resilience that we could muster.
While we support our comrades who did not open this past summer, and we will have a podcast just for you - this episode is about how three completely different camp programs were able to find a way to make it happen successfully, in this crazy, historic summer of 2020.
Tune in to this episode to hear about:
- Welcoming our new host, Tiffany McDuffie!
- How Andy, Sam and Tiff turned on the jets when it came to communication with their families and staff teams.
- Some of the various precautions they took to make the summer happen safely
- How did they manage the fear, uncertainty and duty to remain socially responsible that was present this summer?
- What were some of the silver linings of running camp this summer?
- Much, much more!
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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Day Camp Tip of the WeekTiff - Blending in-person and virtual learning for staff training and using Kahoot to keep it interactive and light
Sam - Using rope and pool noodles to help kids understand social distancing
Andy - Running new/returning parent orientations on Zoom and putting them on Youtube
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Bonus Content - Thanks for reading the show notes!Liberty Lake’s COVID-19 Safety Playbook
Producer’s Note: Andy, you ROCK for sharing this so openly with the industry.
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YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Tiffany McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
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Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Crafts that are both in-person and virtual-camp friendly! Thanks, Sam and Diana!Review us on iTunes!
As we truly dig-in to one of the weirdest summers of our time, we wanted to equip you with some crafts and program ideas that will help you run the best program you can, whether it’s virtual or in-person.
And when it comes to incredible Day Camp Programs, who do we turn to? Sam Thompson of course!
Tune in to this mini-pod to hear about some of the best fidget and sensory-friendly crafts that Sam and her co-worker Diana Vroman have found!
HERE’S A PDF WITH SOME OF THE CRAFTS - THANKS FOR THIS, SAM!
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What do you think of the mini-pod? Please let us know by commenting here and leaving us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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YOUR HOSTS: Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois * Diana Vroman, Elementary Schools Site Director - Crystal Lake Park District**
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Thanks for the season, Day Camp friends! Here are our favourite episodes and some goals for your next summer!Review us on iTunes!
It’s been a wonderfully full second season for the Day Camp Pod!
19 full episodes, 5 mini-pods (2 more on the way, still!) and over 10,000 downloads, we’ve certainly come a long way!
On behalf of the team at Go Camp Pro, we’re so grateful for Andy, Sam and Ehren for their radical openness and dedication to sharing the tips and best practices that will make everyone’s Day Camp better.
As well, to our incredible guests, thank you for joining in on the fun! We’re grateful to all of you not only for what you did for us, but in general for making our industry as great as it is.
To wrap this season, our hosts share their favourite episodes and takeaways from Season 2 followed by some goals for the next summer season their camp will be running.
Thanks for the season, friends!
Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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Our Favorite Episodes From Season 2Ehren
Leveraging Your Brand and Knowledge with Audrey Monke
Staff Meetings at Day Camp
Sam
Even More Inclusion - with Lucia Thoensen and Terri Southerland
Specialists and Activity Leaders Working Effectively with Day Camp Staff - with Michael Brandwein
Andy
Treating Your Day Camp Like A Business - With Jonathan Gold
Debriefing Your Summer Season
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YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood - Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
Camp should be for every child. Here’s how to ensure your Day Camp is inclusive for children of all abilities.A lot of camp professionals operate under the belief that every child deserves a week at summer camp. However, when it comes to the execution of that “every” child, we can sometimes fall short when there is a camper who’s needs we feel like we don’t have the means to serve.
What we need to do is shift our paradigm of thinking that inclusion programs at camp are “more work” and think of them as “work worth doing”.
As you’ll hear on this episode, the benefits of an inclusion program stretch far beyond just the individual. From fellow campers, to staff, even directors, everyone has a ton to gain from welcoming campers and adults with differing abilities into your program.
To learn some of the best practices when it comes to inclusive programs, Andy, Sam and Ehren are joined by Lucia Thoensen from Tamarak Day Camp and Country School and Terri Southerland from Liberty Lake.
Tune in to learn:
- Why do inclusion? What are the benefits to your other campers?
- Having conversations with the parents about additional needs before, during, with the child present. What key questions should we ask?
- What information do you share with the other campers/parents?
- Training the whole staff about Inclusion
- What happens if we can't serve a child(he isn't making progress)?
- What happens when they “age out”? What opportunities can we give them?
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK
Terri: Harmony Hut - A calming place for campers who need some time and space.
Lucia: Envelope system for camper behaviour
Ehren: Sensory overload staff training exercise to help build empathy
Sam: Craft for children with fine motor issues. Use egg cartons, plaster of Paris, water and paint and you’ve got some big chunks of paint!
Bonus Resource:Andy’s ACA Presentation with lots of great Liberty Lake intake and scheduling resources:
https://libertylakedaycamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Day-Camp-Inclusion.pdf
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YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood - Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- Lucia Thoensen, Director - Tamarak Day Camp and Country School
- Terri Southerland, Inclusion Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
A glimpse into how things are going to change in the Day Camp world, post-pandemic. Dr. G is back again!A more logistical follow-up to last mini-pod’s conversation with Dr. G.
If you make the decision to run camp in 2020, OR if we’re still here for 2021 (heaven forbid), there’s going to be a lot to think about as we’re preparing to welcome people to our sites.
It’s going to take time, but you definitely want to start with a medical perspective, and that’s why Dr. G is back!
These logistics is definitely one of those “easier said than done” types of things. To help, Dr. Debi Gilboa (yes, THE Dr. G!) talks to Andy about how to authentically remind your staff that they are cared for beyond just their employment status with you.
If you listen to this and feel that you need some more help, Dr. G is offering her help to consult with directors and leadership staff to meet with parents, staff, and families and help foster cultures of emotional resilience. Find out more at askdrg.com.
What do you think of the mini-pod? Please let us know by commenting here and leaving us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp*, past president* ACA NY/NJ*, partner/founder* Everwood Day Camp*, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project* * Dr. Deborah Gilboa*, “Dr. G”, Parenting & Youth Development Expert -* www.askdoctorg.com**
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
LITs, CITs, CILTs, Interns, Future Leaders - whatever you call them, they are the keys to your camp’s future! Here’s how to give them the best day camp experience ever.One of the most difficult parts of directing camp is that it can be hard to really be “in the moment” at camp.
After all, it’s our job to have long term vision. If we’re not thinking a week, month or year ahead of where we are now, we may miss an opportunity, or end up having to scramble down the road.
One of the things that can often be a long term stressor is staffing. If we aren’t putting in a consistent recruiting effort, we could be missing out on a potential all-start candidate.
What if there was a way to find that all-star 4 years in advance? Better yet, what if 4 years down the road, that all-star will know your program like the back of their sweaty, ga-ga ball playing hand?
An effective teen leadership program is like a staffing crystal ball. Not only does it create a successful staff team down the road, but it also gives teens the 21st-century skills that are going to help them for the rest of their lives.
Teen leadership programs are really the best of both worlds - but only if you do them right.
To help you get them right, Andy, Sam and Ehren are joined by Ryan Rosen from Camp Kinneret and Liberty Lake Director, Brandi Carnivale.
Tune in to this episode to hear about:
- Why do a teen leadership program in the first place?
- When is the best time to begin teens on their leadership journey?
- What are some examples of effective structures of teen leadership programs at different camps?
- How to give teens a meaningful experience beyond just the program and counseling work they assist with?
- What are some special moments to add to your program that will make it memorable and truly empower teens to be the world’s leaders of the future?
- Wilderness Trips, Board Breaking, Mentorship and many more gems from our hosts
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK
Sam: Make your own sidewalk chalk
Ehren: Instagram party just for teen campers
Brandi: Board breaking ceremony
Ryan: At the end of every summer, look at what your staff are struggling with, and look back to re-design the leadership program to start emphasizing those skills now.
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YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- Brandi Carnivale-Anderson, Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Ryan Rosen, Director - Camp Kinneret
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ
- AM Skier Insurance
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
Whether it’s this summer or next, we’re going to have to prepare our staff for the opening of Post-Pandemic Day Camp. Dr. G is here to help!The first summer after the 2020 pandemic is going to be a weird one.
Logistics, health procedures, insurance, programming, it will all look different.
One thing that we absolutely can’t miss is how we address the staff that we’re going to be working with this summer.
How we address them, how we listen with them and how we empathize with what they’re going through now, will show your true colours as a camp leader.
We don’t know what their current pandemic normal is and we can’t assume.
We have to remember that no matter their age, our staff need to know that you are there for them and that you have their best interest in mind.
This is definitely one of those “easier said than done” types of things. To help, Dr. Deborah Gilboa (yes, THE Dr. G!) talks to Andy about how to authentically remind your staff that they are cared for beyond just their employment status with you.
If you listen to this and feel that you need some more help, Dr. G is offering her help to consult with directors and leadership staff to meet with parents, staff, and families and help foster cultures of emotional resilience. Find out more at askdrg.com.
What do you think of the mini-pod? Please let us know by commenting here and leaving us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp -
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Dr. Deborah Gilboa*, “Dr. G”, Parenting & Youth Development Expert -* www.askdoctorg.com**
Is your staff training as good as it can be? We’ve brought in the Camp Code pros to help you get it there!We’re releasing this episode in April 2020. Aka one of the most unsettling points in our industry’s history.
Right now, we don’t know if camp will happen.
What we do know is that if (and when) it does, we need our staff to be ready to give kids the most amazing, outdoor, socially non-distanced experience of their lives.
The quality of your staff is the key to camper retention and the quality of the intention that you put into your training is the key to the quality of your staff.
Get it?
So whenever you’re ready to think about your next staff training, this is the episode for you. We’re so excited to welcome Gabrielle Raill and Ruby Compton from the Camp Code Podcast from Go Camp Pro - a podcast entirely dedicated to staff training and leadership development in camp staff.
Tune in to hear about:
- Why staff training starts in the job application and interview
- Why your “why” is absolutely critical to address in staff training
- How to ensure that the new staff feel especially welcome at training
- How online training can both hinder and help your training goals
- Many more GENIUS tidbits from Ruby and Gab
Did we miss something? Please let us know in the comments or by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy to! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK
Andy: Orientation Leaders
Sam: Closing Ceremonies by using the Camp Counsellor Manifesto by Joe Richards
Ehren: Fast-paced pre-camp training with lots of variety in terms of speakers, space, timing and location.
Ruby: We don’t have enough time! Setting staff training objectives clearly and then sticking to them relentlessly
Gabz: Give your Sr. Staff who will lead sessions this session format: Lecture -> Do -> Lecture -> Do -> Review. You can even gather your staff team’s skills to lead some of the “Do” (interactive) parts of the training.
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YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood - Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
- Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors
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SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
How do get virtual training right? Because we may have to be a little “socially distanced” this staff training. A mini-pod from the Day Camp Pod!Hey Day Camp Pod fans!
We’ve received a lot of emails this season about wanting more Day Camp Pod goodness. We’ve heard your cries and are here to deliver!
We’re going to be experimenting with the “mini-pod” a few times before the end of this season. These short (~20min) episodes will appear every other week in between our usual full-length episodes.
In our first mini-pod, Andy is joined by Evan Heltay from Expert Online Training to talk about a subject that is (potentially) more relevant than ever as we work through the COVID-19 era.
Whether you are relying on it, or choosing to do it, virtual training is a great way to give staff some of the information that you may not have time to cover in orientation.
Thanks to Evan for joining us!
What do you think of the mini-pod? Please let us know by commenting here and leaving us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp **-
YOUR HOSTS:**
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ, partner/founder Everwood Day Camp, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project
- Evan Heltay, Co-Founder & Director of Operations, Expert Online Training
Find full show notes, bonus resources and program tips of the week at http://daycamppod.com
Did you know that 5/6 kids in the US don’t go to summer camp? Let’s change that ratio and get those kids to your camp.Did that stat blow you away? For us camp folk, it’s almost unbelievable that we are part of the mere 17% of people that really understand the transformative, wonderful, magical power of a week, month or summer at camp.
What this means, is that unless you have a 100% return rate (you wish!), then this is a prime audience!
The thing is, we are really GOOD at talking to the 17%, but really BAD at talking to the 83%.
We make so many assumptions that people already know what the benefits of camp are. We also assume that they are looking for the type of experience that our core camp families say that they love about our program.
To help us all access that mystical 83%, Sam, Ehren and Andy are joined by Eric and Allison Wittenberg. Eric comes from the Berkshire Soccer Academy and an incredible camp marketing business, CamperMachine. Allison is a longtime membership director and trainer at the American Camp Association, NY/NJ and now working as a consultant herself.
Tune in to hear about:
- How Eric and Allison grew up at camp and found themselves back in the industry
- What is preventing non-camp families from signing up to your camp
- How to switch up your marketing language and messaging to reach families who don’t get camp
- How to analyze your sales funnels to get the best chance of finding something that clicks with new families
- Understanding the difference between your camp’s features and benefits
- Some awesome program tips that will make your camp better THIS summer!
Did we miss something? Please let us know in the comments or by email: **daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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YOUR HOSTS:**
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- Allison Wittenberg, Senior Consultant at Change Impact
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Eric Wittenberg, Chief Marketing Officer, Camper Machine
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Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
-
Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.
It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
Thanks, Camp Pro!
What we know about COVID-19 and how it is affecting summer camps as of March 20th, 2020.
In these interesting, uncertain, wild, scary times, we wanted to keep the camp world up to date with what the leaders in the industry are thinking, saying and doing when it comes to COVID-19 and it’s affect on the summer camp world.
Andy, Sam and Ehren are joined by Joel Bennett, a camp veteran and consultant who recently led an excellent ACA “crucial conversation” webinar about the coronavirus situation. We also have with us Colette Marquardt, the Executive Director of ACA Illinois, and Travis Allison the curator of the Summer Camp Professionals Facebook Page, co-owner of Go Camp Pro and the curator of the Go Camp Pro Coronavirus Slack Group.
In this emergency episode, we discuss:
- Open Houses, Camp Tours, etc. - Everything is on hold
- Effective communication in an era of disinformation with current families, prospective families, hired staff, prospective staff and campers
- Cash flow - marketing, purchasing, staffing, lines of credits, loans, etc.
- What if the Camp Season Doesn’t take place?
- Developing creative solutions for potential staffing challenges.
- Working Remote without Missing a Beat: Best Practices
Did we miss something? Please let us know in the comments or by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro -
DisclaimerThis is not legal advice, nor does it act as a substitute for keeping yourself up to code with your governmental health regulations. Please act with an informed and current perspective.
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Resources Go Camp Pro’s COVID-19 & Camp Master Resource Page * Go Camp Pro’s Camps & COVID-19 (free) Slack team (even if you have an existing Slack account you'll need to create another one for this new Team) * View Joel’s Webinar here*
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Your Hosts Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp * Ehren Gluckstein*, Assistant Director -* Camp Robin Hood - Robin Hood * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District * Joel Bennett, Principal @ Joel Bennett Consulting * Colette Marquardt, Executive Director of ACA Illinois * Travis Allison*, Summer* Camp Consultant - CampHacker.TV, Founder at Go Camp Pro**
What Day Camp Directors need to know about the major trends in the industry.Part of the job of every great Camp Director should be time set aside for big picture thinking. In that time, directors should not only be thinking widely about their organization but the landscape of the industry as a whole.
In many cases, if you are up to date on the latest trends in the industry, there are many things that you can proactively do NOW to set your self up for success LATER.
Your staff, families and campers will thank you for the deep-thinking you did 2 years ago.
On the Day Camp Pod, we usually focus on a specific topic that Day Camps need to know about. For this episode, we are zooming out to give Day Camp Pros some time and space to look broadly at the industry.
To help with that, Sam, Andy and Ehren are joined by some incredible Day Camp Pros that have an incredible vantage-point on the industry. As former staff, directors, owners and now consultants, Jed and Roz Buck (https://www.rozandjed.com) are here to add to a discussion on the hot-topics that you should know about as you prepare for the upcoming season.
Tune in to hear about:
- Jed and Roz’s camp experience, classic camp love-story and how they got to where they are now.
- How the customer-service expectations are changing in our industry
- What camps are doing to assess and change their culture
- Unique perspectives and ideas on staff training and engagement
Did we miss something? Please let us know in the comments or by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro -
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp **-
THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK**
Andy: Doggie Dive
Sam: Handshake - for jobs/internships (https://www.joinhandshake.com) + games laminated on a keyring for staff!
Ehren: Staff scavenger hunt teaming old and new staff, incorporating camp songs and other camp cultural pieces.
Roz: Making the downtime FUN-time! Giving them games intentionality.
Jed: BEFORE orientation actually starts - give the staff something to do- games, anything- make it fun!!!
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YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood - Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- Roz and Jed Buck, Camp Consultants - rozandjed.com
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Summer camps thrive when they are relentlessly driven to serve their mission.Do you have a belief about how the world should be for kids? Do you feel strongly about the types of environments the kids and youth of today should be growing up in? Do you ever wish there was an intentional place that gives kids the space to express their true selves in a welcoming community?
Well, hello!? That place is Summer Camp!
No matter what type of camp we are a part of, we all believe in the common cause of creating a great place for kids to spend their summer.
This episode is for those camps who want to take that universal belief to the next level.
In this episode, we are going to focus in on two mission-driven camps that are so incredibly intentional about carrying out their “why”. Sam and Andy are joined by Tiffany McDuffie from Purposeful Play and Yoni Stadlin from Eden Villiage Camp. Both Tiffany and Yoni are doing some amazing things to serve their mission. This is definitely not an episode to miss!
Tune in to hear about:
- Tiffany’s camp origin story and how she created Purposeful Play
- Yoni’s story and what Eden Village does to serve its mission
- Tips for applying these mission-driven principals to your Day Camp
- Some awesome program tips that will make your camp better THIS summer!
What do you think? Please let us know in the comments or by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK
Andy: Star Points
Sam: Program Assessment Tool - to determine the validity of a program for your mission
Ehren: Facilitator Blueprint
Tiffany: Kobe Bryant Quote: “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they do.”
Yoni: Angel Walk
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- Tiffany McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
- Yoni Stadlin, Founder and Director - Eden Villiage Camp
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com
There are less fish in the camp staff applicant pool than ever, so you need to step up your fishing gameReview us on iTunes!
Many reports have shown that over the next 10 years, fewer and fewer youth 16-24 will be entering the workforce. This rate has already been in decline for the past 20 years and it seems that more and more, Day Camps across North America are feeling the staffing squeeze as the summer creeps ever closer.
The worry of being under-staffed can be utterly consuming for camp directors, especially those who are hiring 400+ staff each season.
Like all things in our industry, we need to adapt to circumstances in order for our camps to thrive and be full of the leaders of tomorrow. That means that this recruiting season, you need to get creative.
To help you find the best ever, Sam and Andy are joined by Mark Hemmerdinger from Crestwood Country Day Camp in Long Island, Ryan Rosen from Camp Kinneret just north of Los Angeles and Jonathan Nyquist, the founder and current CEO of Camp Canada Inc.
Tune in to hear about:
- Strategies for recruiting counsellors from your current camper base
- How to look outside your camp-sphere for new hires
- Tips for standing out at hiring fairs
- The secret to the perfect follow-up with a staff you are interested in.
- What to look for in potential counsellors, activity leaders and administrators
- Much, much, more!
Please let us know in the comments or by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy to! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEKAndy: Mid-Season Staff Training Sam: Bubble Painting Mark: Star of the Week Ryan: Creatively teaching campers the power of voting…by shaving the director’s beard! Jonathan: Themed Bingo
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp**, past president
Ensuring our Day Camps are inclusive for campers, staff and families of all genders.We know the power of a week at camp. A child’s life can be changed for the better simply by spending 5 days at our day camps.
Now that we’re firmly planted in times where most people value inclusion, camp directors know that we need to keep being leaders and a bastion of inclusion in the world. In a lot of cases, camps have done a fairly good job evolving to reflect those inclusive values, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the conversation.
Part of being inclusive is to be constantly be reflecting and re-evaluating our programs, hiring & facilities to ensure that we aren’t creating barriers for people to feel included and welcome at camp.
When it comes to gender, we need to recognize that being inclusive means going just beyond not limiting the programs that boys and girls can take part in. We need to look deeper into things like what programs we are offering, what language we are using every day and even how our staff hiring practices can have some biases in them. What about campers and staff who identify as transgender? How are you evaluating your camp beyond just male and female?
This kind of thing is tricky! It can be hard to navigate, but that’s why you’re here with us on the Pod! To help us all learn, joining Sam, Ehren and Andy on this episode are Leslie Keller from TIC Camps in Maryland, DC & Virginia, and Genna Singer from Camp Settoga and the JCC of Manhattan to discuss with us the ins and outs of gender issues in Day Camp programming and operations.
We know that this isn’t the end of the conversation about Gender and Day Camps. What did we miss? What would you like to hear more about?
Please let us know in the comments or by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEKAndy: “Camp-Paign” 2020
Sam: Negative Space Tye Dye
Ehren: Question Cards
Leslie: Stereotypes vs. Statistics
Genna: Time Capsule/Settoga Moments
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp*, past president* ACA NY/NJ*, partner/founder* Everwood Day Camp*, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project* * Ehren Gluckstein**, Assistant Director -
Welcome back, Michael Brandwein!Your staff being able to work together may be one of the biggest keys to the success of your camp program.
You can have the coolest activities and the best classes around, but if the staff running those areas don’t work well with your camp counsellors, you’re missing out on the full potential of those programs.
It’s understandable why this can be a problem. Your specialists (activity leaders, program staff, etc.) are usually older and may not have as much camp-kid-experience. Your counsellors (group leaders, unit leaders, etc.) are younger and may not understand how they can jump in and properly assist when they don’t have the skills in those programs. When differing experiences and differing expectations meet, you know that it can be a recipe for trouble.
It may manifest in the counsellors not taking the initiative the specialists are looking for, or the specialists treating the counsellors as a glorified babysitter. In any case, communications break down, people get bitter and it causes a big headache for Day Camp directors everywhere.
However, like all staff conflict, it’s often something that we can get ahead of and address in your staff training before the summer even starts!
Staff conflict? Intentional training? Hyper-specific camp problems that seem unsolvable? Are you thinking about who we’re thinking about?
That’s right! He’s back, friends! Joining Sam, Andy and Ehren is the great Michael Brandwein!
Tune in to this episode to hear some of Michael and our host’s best tips, tools and secrets that have helped them teach staff the benefits of truly valuing each other and using their combined skills to make camp programs the best they can be.
Any questions? Ideas for shows? Topics? Guests? Please send them to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK
Andy: Glow and Grow cards, with specialists
Sam: Marble painting, but with toy trucks!
Ehren: Specialty Activity Board
Michael: Follow Sam’s Advice!
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ, partner/founder Everwood Day Camp, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood - Robin Hood Leadership Centre & Corporate Rentals<
Live from the Women In Camp Summit - 2019!
The Women in Camp Summit was held in November of 2019. Female identifying camp professionals from across the industry joined together for three days of networking, discussion, and professional development designed specifically for those who identify as women working in or in support of summer camp.
Our Day Camp Pod host, Sam Thompson put the call out and gathered some incredible women together for some interviews.
Listen in to hear stories, words of wisdom and more from Peg Smith, Cat Curry, Jane Sanborn, Peggy Brothers and Lauren Somogyi.
We'll be back with our regular episodes next Tuesday!
-
YOUR HOSTS: Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois * Peg Smith*, Former ACA CEO* * Cat Vaux Curry*, Director of* Latin 360 * Jane Sanborn, Author, Executive Director at Sanborn Western Camps/Colorado Outdoor Education Center * Peggy Brothers, Director of Camp Programs, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana * Lauren Somogyi*,* Camp Greene Wood**, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
Meetings are important, and they don’t have to be painful!You may have read a ton of material about why meetings are killing businesses or are the worst thing since un-sliced bread. They’re useless, they’re boring, they’re a waste of time and they kill productivity.
That’s not completely, wrong. Meetings CAN be that way, but they don’t have to be. When we have to have meetings, like we do at Day Camp, we should strive to make our meetings the best they can be.
We don’t have staff constantly on email, slack or other digital communication tools. Things come up that can’t be covered in an email round-up at the beginning or end of the day. You may indeed need to cut down your amount of meetings, but for the ones that you need to keep, you should do it right.
We’ve brought some big guns to help you make your meetings more memorable. Andy, Sam and Ehren are joined by THE Chris Thurber and THE Steve Maguire. Yeah, that’s right. Could you imagine a more stellar crew?
Tune in to this episode to find out why meetings should…
- Have a purpose
- Have an agenda
- Only cover what is relevant to everyone who is in the meeting
- NOT be run by a stressed-out Camp Director
- Be friendly, kind and conscience
- Require participants to have a pen and paper
- Switch up the location, format and type (standing, moving, etc.)
- Sometimes have food, water or music as people are coming in
- Be communicated to people who can’t make the meeting (office staff, etc.)
Do your meetings suck? Do they rock? Tell us about them! Let us know in the comments or send us an email to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
Any questions? Ideas for shows? Topics? Guests? Please send them to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEKAndy - Perfect attendance award for your staff - $10 convenience store gift card. Chance to win $100 at the end of the summer
Sam - Scatterball - Tune in to this episode to hear the rules
Ehren - Supervisors sharing moments about how the other staff have made camp better - $10 Coffee Card as a Reward
Chris - Getting campers to help out with admin work! You can make it fun and also optional!
Steve - Shout out to Dan O'Neil- A camp mascot for pick-up and drop-off!
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp*, past president* ACA NY/NJ**, partner/found
An insider look into 3 Non-Traditional Day CampsReview us on iTunes!
How great are camp tours?
Getting the inside scoop on how a fellow camp pro does their “thing” is an absolute blast.
(Ps. there are tons of opportunities to be a volunteer accreditor for your local camping organization. Do tours AND help the industry!
Getting to see “under the hood” isn’t just fun too, it helps us be our best. Even though all of our goals are the same, the nuances of how we get to those goals can always use some outside inspiration.
Even more, when we look outside of the “traditional” way of doing things. To help you find some outside inspiration, Sam, Andy and Ehren are joined by 3 camp pros who are running some unique and awesome day camps. Tune into this episode to learn from Jeff Poole from Second City Improv, Chicago, from Annie Labus, Chicago Botanical Gardens and Scarlett Shankles, Honolulu Zoo Society Zoo Camp.
Tune in to learn about:
- How each of these day camp programs run
- The unique challenges that come with running camps in public spaces
- Pro tips that could only come from people who are running unique programs like theirs
- Staffing, transportation, food, and all the usual Day Camp Pod goodness,
Do you know any awesome camp programs that we should feature in a follow-up episode? Let us know in the comments or send us an email to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
Any questions? Ideas for shows? Topics? Guests? Please send them to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEKAndy: Drumming Programs at your camp - use Home Depot buckets for a low-budget option
Ehren: Visual summaries of the day so that kids can remember and communicate what they did at camp that day
Sam: A “user-guide” for your leadership style. Give this to your leadership staff to fast track them getting to know you. (Thanks for this, Sam!)
Jeff: Using popular or funny names to name kids groups or locations at your camp (ex. the kids at Second City are grouped into Second City alumni (the Colbert’s, the Martins, etc.)
Annie: “Photographer” - Kids go in pairs and observe a nature activity quickly (like a camera), and then share it.
Scarlett: “There’s always tomorrow” reminding staff that they can’t control what happens to them today but to start tomorrow with a clean slate.
Camp begins when kids get on the bus!There are a lot of reasons why Sleepaway and Day camps are the same and 95% of our podcasts are chalked full of ideas that ANY camp director can take to improve their camp.
However, this one is a shout out to every Day Camp Director’s biggest and most unique logistical headache:
THE BUSSESWhether it’s 10 or 100 busses, Day Camp Pros know how much work goes into effectively getting to and from your camp. When you add the prefix bus- to any common camp term like staffing, logistics, hiring, training, programming, it opens up a WORLD of unique and wonderful challenges to address.
Joining Ehren and Andy to get those bums on the bus effectively is Howard Thall from Banner Day Camp, Adam Wallach from Camp Mohawk, and a very special guest - Larry Bell from Camp Robin Hood.
Tune in to hear more about:
- How Day Camp transportation has changed over the last 50 years
- How do you grow transportation to accommodate more campers?
- Logistical tips (routes, pickup & drop off, communication, staffing)
- Bus Programming
- Pricing, surcharges and more!
Do you have a question that we didn’t cover in this episode? Let us know in the comments or send us an email to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
Any questions? Ideas for shows? Topics? Guests? Please send them to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEKThe DCPTOFW (for short) will be back next week!
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp*, past president* ACA NY/NJ**
…Because it IS a business!Don’t get us wrong, camp is the best, most fun, amazing, happy-go-lucky place there is. It has to be that for the staff for the campers, but as a director, if you want your camp to be around of the long run, there’s a more serious side that you need to consider, and that’s the reality of the fact that your camp is a business.
Let’s be clear, we’re not here to tell you that spreadsheets, budgets and financial statements are fun, but they are necessary. As our guest, Jonathan Gold says, “you don’t love putting gas in your car, but you sure need it!”
Along with Jonathan are our regular hosts, Andy, Sam and Ehren to dive deep into taking care of business at your day camp.
Tune into this episode to hear more about:
- Jonathan Gold’s camp origin story
- Jonathan’s camp pyramid of importance from cash flow at the base, all the way up to the easier day to day problems
- How to build a culture of financial prudency among other people that spend money at camp
- The changing landscape of the camping industry and their financial implications
- Practical steps for intentionally planning out your budget and managing cashflow
- Even more practical and important tips…
Do you have a financial tip or question that we didn’t cover in this episode? Let us know in the comments or send us an email to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
Any questions? Ideas for shows? Topics? Guests? Please send them to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK
Andy - Homebase App for hourly employees. Tracking hours, reminders, notes for absences, and transferring it to payroll.
Sam - “Funraising” game - Penny Wars. (You’ll have to listen to this episode to get it)
Ehren - Giving out “fake” money to the staff for shout-outs, buying special snacks or privileges. You can also use them to purchase some program equipment. You can call them “Gluck Bucks” if you want.
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ, partner/founder <
Conquering the dreaded 6th Week Slump“HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED”.
That’s a little bit like how we treat that time mid-way through the summer when things start to drag. You know it when you see it though. The staff start to feel the long days, you are getting tired of the same issue coming up over and over, grumpiness can prevail and the magic of camp loses a little bit of that shine.
You know what, JUST SAY IT! It’s the 6th Week Slump! It happens, people!
If we don’t talk about it, how will we ever address the underlying causes, the effect that it has on morale and how it can burn even the best camp staff out?
After all, the campers deserve your best all summer long. They need your staff to always be at their best and that means you as a director need to effectively prepare for the potential (inevitability) that this mid-summer-blues will rear it’s ugly head.
Now, on a quest to conquer something HUGE like this, you need a team of companions on your side - and we brought out the big guns on this episode! Ehren, Sam and Andy are joined by the brilliant and legendary Steve Magure from Go Turnstone.
Tune in to hear more about:
- Steve Maguire’s camp origin story
- What is the 6th Week Slump? Where does it come from?
- Why does the 6th Week Slump happen to Day Camps all over North America?
- What are some things we can do to prepare ourselves or even prevent the slump from happening?
- If and when it does happen? What can we do to be resilient mid-summer?
- And much more!
Any questions? Ideas for shows? Topics? Guests? Please send them to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK!
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ, partner/founder Everwood Day Camp, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood - Robin Hood Leadership Centre & Corporate Rentals, Volunteer Ontario Camps Association (OCA) annual conference/accreditation visitor
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Su
The Spirit of Overnight Camp…at Day Camp! (Again!)You asked for it and it’s here!
We’re throwing it all the way back to episode 1 of the Day Camp Pod to re-hash one of our most popular topics from the first season.
(Episode 1 - Here)
Our friends from the sleep away camp industry have an amazing thing going for them. Having a kid stay overnight and be fully immersed into the culture and rituals makes it so much easier to get them to buy in and love camp.
We may not have the overnight privilege, but it’s no excuse for making the camp experience anything less than magical for your day campers.
Well… it’s a good thing our industry is built on sharing because within the traditional overnight camp experience are things that your Day Camp can implement very easily!
To give you some inspiration, Ehren, Sam and Andy are joined by 3, Sleep Away Camp turned Day Camp Pros! We’re excited to have Jaime and Dane Pickles from Everwood Day Camp and Eric “Shendy” Shendelman from Shendy’s Swim School join us and share their many years of both overnight and day camp knowledge.
Tune in to hear more about:
- The Pickle’s and Shendy’s Camp Origin Stories
- What exactly is the “sleepaway camp spirit” and how can you bring that to your camp?
- What are the specific ideas that are cost-effective and easy to implement to give your campers an extraordinary day camp experience?
- What do you do during staff training to get your staff to buy-in to the spirit?
- And more!
Any questions? Ideas for shows? Topics? Guests? Please send them to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK!
Andy: Moustache Day!
Sam: Pinterest - For crafts, program ideas and wayyyyy more!
Ehren: Gottcha game at staff training
The Pickles: Minute to Win It Games
Shendy: Milk Carton Bowling
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ, partner/founder Everwood Day Camp, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood - Robin Hood Leadership Centre & Corporate Rentals
A Day Camp Pod Interview with Audrey MonkeSometimes, when comes to selling our camp, we shoot ourselves in the foot. We’re just a little bit too humble. We either don’t want to be too “pushy” or aggressive and we end up undervaluing what we do.
Hello!? We change lives! We give kids the type of community experience that they don’t get ANYWHERE ELSE. You are great, we are great and we need to get those 80% of kids who don’t go to camp, to camp!
You should be shouting it from a milk-crate on the street corner. Except this is 2019 and there are many virtual street corners that you need to be on.
To help you find, and speak from your milk-crate, The Day Camp Pod is joined by Chief Visionary Officer and Gold Arrow Camp, Author, Blogger, Brand Manager and mom, Audrey Monke.
Audrey Monke is the brains behind Sunshine Parenting and the author of Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets from Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults. She joins Andy, Sam and Ehren to talk about:
- Audrey’s camp origin story
- How Audrey used her love of summer camp and entrepreneurial spirit to create Sunshine Parenting
- How to use email newsletters, podcasting and blogging to become your community’s expert on children and youth
- How to capture the attention of your key decision makers: Parents
- And more!
Any questions? Ideas for shows? Topics? Guests? Please send them to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK!
Andy: Teaching American Sign Language (ASL) to your campers, as young at 5 years old!
Sam: Cheese Ball Relay (see pictures below)
Ehren: Playmeo
Audrey: 5 Things Game & Home-made question ball - All you need is a marker, questions, and a beach ball!
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ, partner/founder Everwood Day Camp, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project
Bring up the bad, bring up the good, make next summer better.No matter what time of year it is, if you haven’t intentionally looked back on your past summer season, you need to.
There’s nothing worse than a problem that keeps coming up, summer after summer. You say to yourself, “didn’t we talk about this!?”. Well, did you?
This type of review can be something that can be looked on lightly, or dismissed for putting more effort into marketing for the following season. However, in your marketing, you’re promising this this upcoming summer is going to be the best one yet, right? Well then what better way to commit to improving your program than to hash it out while it’s fresh in your mind?
Whether it’s a CPR (Complete Program Review), Glitch List Review, Better Board, summer reports, or Go Camp Pro’s Back on TRACK review, a tried and true system for making the bad good and the good better, is essential for making things better for the future of your program.
For hashing out the best review systems, Andy and Sam are joined by Will Pierce from Pierce County Day Camps and Howie Grossinger from Camp Robinhood. Tune in to hear more about:
- Ready to use systems for debriefing your summer in October and November
- The do’s and don’ts when it comes to running the debrief meetings effectively
- How to leverage the knowledge of staff of every level through meetings and reports
- How to take what comes up in the feedback and keep people accountable for the changes that need to be made
- And more!
How do you effectively debrief your summer? Let us know in the comments! And, if you have any questions, send us an email at daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK!
Andy: Giant Slide
Sam: Electric Current Contest
Howie: Running the campers around site to give high 5’s to all staff (ESPECIALLY the office & maintenance staff)
Will: Colour Run
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ, partner/founder Everwood Day Camp, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois
- Will Pierce, 4th Generation Owner/Director -
Welcome back to the Day Camp Pod! How was your summer?It’s season 2! We are so excited to get back to another year of the Day Camp Pod!
Before we begin, have you filled out our 2019 listener survey? We’d be super-grateful if you would!
As we start the season, we’re looking back on the summer of 2019. The good, the bad, the ugly and the issues that our hosts noticed at their Day Camps this year. Some of these topics will form our line-up of shows for 2019/2020 and some of them are things that you can start thinking about now!
Join our hosts, Andy, Ehren and Sam and hear more about their experiences with...
- How to teach staff of all levels to ask for help when they need it
- Managing last minute staffing changes
- Dealing with the increased needs for staff and programming for children with special needs
- Punch-passes, check-ins, communication and dealing with a family’s wild schedule
- Working with vendors and especially bus companies
- Keeping staff happy through recognition programs
What did you face this summer? What are some things that came up that you would like us to talk about this summer? Let us know in the comments, or send us an email to daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
DAY CAMP TIP OF THE WEEK!
Andy: Colour War For Life!
Sam: Look alike contest
Ehren: Certificates for staff
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ, partner/founder Everwood Day Camp, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood - Robin Hood Leadership Centre & Corporate Rentals, Volunteer Ontario Camps Association (OCA) annual conference/accreditation visitor
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois
The best social media strategies for your day campReview us on iTunes!
If you’re reading this in mid-June, we know you’re busy, so we’ll get right to it.
Social media is here to stay, at least for now. No matter what you personally believe about social media, it’s one of the easiest ways to reach out and directly engage both parents and campers.
It’s not that you should ditch your other marketing efforts, but if you aren’t putting some intentional time into your social media, you are potentially missing out on both new acquisitions and on keeping your current clients excited about next summer.
To help you start, continue or revitalize your social media presence, Andy, Ehren and Sam are joined by Adam Baranker from Jeff Lake Camp and two day camp social media coordinators, Blair from Camp Robin Hood and Shelby from Liberty Lake Day Camp. They are here to give you the e-kick in the pants that you may need to get started now on your strategy for this summer and next off-season.
Tune in to hear about:
- Who is using what? Where are the parents and where are your campers on social media?
- How to talk to your marketing department or social media team about what engages parents and kids the best?
- How to use Instagram stories to sky-rocket your social media engagement
- Why it’s so important to cultivate great photos and videos this summer
- Facebook and Instagram are huge, is it worth exploring Snapchat and other platforms?
- What camps are doing great things on social media and who should you follow?
What are you doing to engage your parents and campers on social media now, and during the summer? Let us know in the comments below!
Day Camp Tip of the Week!
Andy: Staff Weekly Reports - Get the inside scoop on what’s going on at camp. (check out this example from Crystal Lake - Thanks, Sam!)
Sam: Statue Tag
Ehren: Weekly summary sheets that go out to parents to tell them what their kids did while at camp.
Adam: Switching up just the name of some camp favourite activities to keep things fresh!
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Mental Health and YOUR Day Camp StaffAs you prepare for your staff training, you no doubt have heard everyone and their aunt talking about mental health and maybe even mental health issues with camp staff.
If you haven’t, one stat should perk your ears up. About 32 percent of American teens between the ages of 13 and 18 have an anxiety disorder at some point.
Our Gen Z staff are growing up in an anxiety-driven world, with not many coping skills and then are put in to a hugely stressful environment at camp.
We need to help our staff this summer and the Day Camp Pod is here to help you, help your staff have the best summer they can.
We’re bringing out the big guns for this episode. The man, the legend, Bob Ditter, and the woman behind the mentally well staff at Liberty Lake, Cathi Fischer are here alongside Ehren, Sam and Andy to bring you the some very practical tips and training ideas.
Tune in to hear about:
- Where this mental health crisis comes from?
- Why camp seems to trigger anxiety and high stress in staff
- How to educate staff to be able to be normalize stress and learn from stressful moments
- Specific techniques on how to help a staff member in crisis
- How to build in mental health supports into your staffing, training and camp routines
What are you doing this summer to help your staff be the mentally best they can be?
Want more ideas and inspiration on how to handle staff and mental health? - Dr. G is here to help! Episode 5 of First Class Counsellors - Mental Health, Breaks and Self Care for Camp Staff* with guest Dr. G! * Travis Allison’s interview with Dr. G * Check out Dr. G’s “Prescription for Preventing Stressed out Staff. Camp staff, talk to your directors about this and send them these links to check it out.Watch the video here
Find out more here
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp*, past president* ACA NY/NJ*, partner/founder* Everwood Day Camp*, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project* * Ehren Gluckstein*, Assistant Director -* Camp Robin Hood, Director - Robin Hood Leadership Centre & Corporate Rentals*, Volunteer* Ontario Camps Association (OCA) annual conference/accreditation visitor * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crysta**
Getting the best out of your Day Camp staff during staff training.It’s May and that means that it’s time to start thinking about staff training!
When it comes to staff training at day camp, we all know that time is precious. You have basically the same amount of training to cover as our overnight camping colleagues, but with maybe half the time!
On top of that, we are training staff members that are one or two generations away from us that learn, grow and bond much differently than you did back when you were a first year 16 year old counsellor.
It’s hugely challenging, but hugely important and the Day Camp Pod wants to help!
Joining Andy, Sam and Ehren is the brilliant “Professor Dave” Dave Malter who brings his vast camp, training and consulting experience to the pod to give you the inside scoop on how to level up your staff training.
Tune in to hear about:
- How to best engage this generation of camp staff and get them to buy-in to what they’re learning. (hint - you need to ask them)
- Different formats and scheduling ideas for training
- What are the big ticket items and areas of focus to cover
- How to be intentional about what you are including to maximize the little time you may have
- How to foster and build community within the constraints of not being an overnight camp
Our industry is all about sharing, so let’s share! What is your #1 tip for selling your Day Camp? Let us know in the comments!
DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
- Andy: ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE! (see image below)
- Sam: Home made stress-balls - Pom poms in balloons
- Ehren: Cre
Retaining, Engaging and Training Your Day Camp Staff Like A ProSo, we did one episode on Day Camp Staffing, and we said we were going to another one.
Let’s get real, the more Kim Aycock the better, right? How could it be any better?
How about we add in a little DR. G to the mix!
Oh YES! WE DID THAT.
As we inch (leap) closer and closer to the summer, staffing is surely starting to eclipse many of our other responsibilities. Consequently, this can be a little stressful because we may be balancing still filling staff spots while intentionally starting to create and foster community with your new hires.
To help YOU navigate this staff season, The Day Camp Pod’s triumphant trio (Andy, Sam and Ehren) are joined by the brilliant Kim Aycock and the one and only Dr. G!
Listen in to find out about:
- How to keep staff on board and avoid being “ghosted”
- Different platforms and methods to keep staff engaged as the summer gets closer
- Creative ways to help staff get their paperwork and other business items in
- How to use your returning staff to begin creating community with the new staff
- How to begin to invest in your staff’s future and show that you really care about their growth
What are you doing this year to be intentional about retaining quality staff this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
BONUS RESOURCES AND ARTICLES - Because Dr G and Kim are great and they think you’re pretty neat.Kim Aycock’s Resources:* ACA (4 videos + downloadable handouts) * Project Real Job (articles and blogs) * Ghosting * What effective leaders know
Dr. G’s Rx for preventing stressed out staff:Watch the video here
Find out more here
DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP! We’ll be back with the DCP next episode! (Seriously thought, did you check out those resources just above this one?*
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp*, past president* ACA NY/NJ*, partner/founder* Everwood Day Camp*, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project* * Ehren Gluckstein*, Assistant Director -* Camp Robin Hood, Director - Robin Hood Leadership Centre & Corporate Rentals**, Volunteer
Getting bums on the bus. Selling your Day Camp like a pro.Overheard in your camp office:
“Hello? _______ Day Camp how can I help you?”
“Oh, you’re looking to register for this summer?”
“I’m so sorry, but we’re full for this summer. We’ve actually been full since April, but I can absolutely put you on our waiting list if a spot opens up!”
- scene -
How awesome would it be to hear that conversation come from the office?
Whether you’ve heard that in reality or just a far off dream, you know that the only way to make that happen is to put the work in and effectively sell your program. However, one of the tricky blessings that we have as camp pros, is that unlike Apple and Amazon’s army of marketing employees, we do it on our own, likely on an out-dated camp laptop and likely next to a STACK of other work we have on the go.
When it comes to selling your camp like a pro, it would be easy, and maybe even fair, to throw up your hands and turn to a higher power to fill camp. However, not that we can confirm nor deny that a higher power will or won’t help, it’s not as hard as you might think to dip our toe, leg or entire body into the marketing waters.
Enter The Day Camp Pod’s latest guest pro, Laura “Twigs” Johnson! Twigs joins Andy, Sam and Ehren to share her stories and best practices from starting not just one, but FIVE programs all in very short order. Laura and her team work wonders to sell her Leadership Academy programs, and we are so grateful for her openness and willingness to share with all of our listeners. You ROCK Twigs!
Tune in to hear about:
- How to take the leap if you’re thinking of starting a new camp or new program.
- How do you do it on your own? If you don’t go the Not for Profit route, how does this help/hinder growth?
- Treating your summer business like an e-commerce website to maximize exposure and engagement.
- How do you onboard new customers and keep intentionally leading them to the purchase?
- What you can do to simplify your marketing plan and not get lost in the weeds of marketing.
Our industry is all about sharing, so let’s share! What is your #1 tip for selling your Day Camp? Let us know in the comments!
Bonus Content - Get your Day Camp Pod swag!Want to thank Bunkline for hooking us up with Day Camp Pod hoodies - you too are able to create your own Day Camp Pod swag! https://www.bunkline.com/category-s/566.htm - ryan@bunkline.com
DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP! Andy: 4-Square and other “old school” playground games * Sam: “Pac-Man” Tag * Ehren: Tough Mudder * Twigs*: Rock throwing- bought pots and pans, gave different points for different things - KIDS MADE THE RULES!
YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp*, past president* ACA NY/NJ*, partner/founder* Everwood Day Camp*, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project* * Ehren Gluckstein**, Assistant Director -
EVEN MORE Live Interviews From the Tri-State Camp ConferenceTag team back again!
After Tri-State Andy and Ehren came back with almost 2 hours of footage from camp pros attending the conference so we’re giving you even more!
So here you are! More interviews from THE WORLD’S LARGEST gathering of camp pros.
Big ups to Max Claman, Matt Kaufman, Sam Borek, Scott Arizala and Lauren Brandt Schloss for speaking with us for this episode.
We’ll see you next week with a new Day Camp PodYOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp*, past president* ACA NY/NJ*, partner/founder* Everwood Day Camp*, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project* * Ehren Gluckstein*, Assistant Director -* Camp Robin Hood, Director - Robin Hood Leadership Centre & Corporate Rentals*, Volunteer* Ontario Camps Association (OCA) annual conference/accreditation visitor * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois**
SPONSORS:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Live Interviews From the Tri-State Camp ConferenceWe’ve got some more live conference footage for you!
Andy and Ehren were on scene at the WORLD’S LARGEST gathering of camp pros in the Spring of 2019. While they were there, they busted out the microphones, grabbed some nearby camp pros and started recording!
We’re very thankful to Adam Baranker, Professor Dave Malter Erec Hillis, Benjamin Esposito, Deborah Gilboa, MD, aka "Dr. G." and Dave Thoensen for speaking with us for this episode.
We’ll see you next week with Part 2!YOUR HOSTS: Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director -* Liberty Lake Day Camp*, past president* ACA NY/NJ*, partner/founder* Everwood Day Camp*, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project* * Ehren Gluckstein*, Assistant Director -* Camp Robin Hood, Director - Robin Hood Leadership Centre & Corporate Rentals*, Volunteer* Ontario Camps Association (OCA) annual conference/accreditation visitor * Sam Thompson*, Recreation Supervisor -* Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois**
SPONSORS:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Day Camp Ideas and Takeaways from the ACA National and the OCA ConferenceWe’re nearing the end of conference season 2019. If you’re like many other camp pros, you come back from these conferences with pages of notes and a brain full of ideas.
For those of you who weren’t able to make it to some conferences this year, first of all, get it in your budget for next year, then second, tune in to this Day Camp Pod episode!
Andy, Sam and Ehren attended the American Camp Association (ACA) National Conference and the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) provincial conference in the past couple of months. Back with some game, changing ideas, the hosts were chomping at the bit to share with all of you.
Listen in to hear more about:
- Why go to these conferences? Why wouldn’t you just get this information online?
- The Day Camp Cafe with Michael Brandwein
- Inclusion ideas and practices
- New ways to engage staff, campers and families with online survey and polling tools
- Emerging medical concerns and practices in the camp world
- New marketing tips, tools and strategies
- More staff recruiting and retention techniques
Did you attend any other conferences this winter? What did you take away from them? Let us know in the comments!
BONUS NOTES! BECAUSE THOSE OF YOU WHO SCROLL THIS FAR DESERVE A HIGH-FIVE…AND MORE RESOURCES! THANKS FOR THESE, SAM!
Sam’s Notes - Awesome Camp Pros to reach out to!
Things we do well:
- smariebrickley@indyymca.org
Sophie does a great Accommodation Process Form
- rdesmond@brightschool.com
Does wonderful camp programming for early learners, 3-8 year olds
- lsomogyi@girlscoutsgchwi.org
Has great ideas for environmental and conservation stewardship efforts. Such as a Butterfly garden and a compost bin.
- Laurel.zitney@ymcacharlotte.org
Has a camp songs and more resource: ultimatecampresource.com
- shoule@cotesaintluc.org
Does a fun theme day every Friday instead of weekly.
- hammoc@uw.edu
Chad does a lot of online training before camp starts.
- drdebjohnson@gmail.com
She is with Camp Courage USA in Owasso, OK. She incorporates mental health therapy- social/emotional skills, either one on one or in groups with the campers.
- Google bus services in your area or ask principals for contacts for bus options.
- jpoole@secondcity.com
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Staffing Your Day Camp Like A ProWhere are the camp staff?
It’s a question that a lot of camps find themselves asking in the Winter and Spring of 2019. With reports on Generation Z working less and less in highschool and college, it seems that the summer camp world is not invulnerable.
That being said, our industry is full of ingenuity. This apparent staff shortage is a new opportunity for the camp industry to lead the way and recruit the best that this generation has to offer.
To help YOU find the best staff this summer, The Day Camp Pod’s triumphant trio (Andy, Sam and Ehren) are joined by the brilliant Kim Aycock and the ingenious Will Pierce from Pierce Country Day Camp. This episode will definitely give you some new ideas to think about and will help you up your staff recruiting game this summer.
Listen in to find out about:
- How to effectively cast the net to catch quality candidates?
- What are some ways to think outside the conventional employees and conventional hiring methods?
- How can we incentivize staff recruiting other staff?
- What internal methods are you doing to “grow” staff starting at a young age?
- How do we work with the current generation of staff to help them see themselves working at camp?
What are you doing this year to be intentional about recruiting quality staff this summer?
DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
- Andy: “For Those Who Work at Camp” incentive shirts (paperwork and orientation attendance)
- Sam: 3rd year jackets, My boss thinks i am kind of a big deal.
- Ehren: “Gluck Bucks”
- Kim: Appreciation Envelopes for Staff (5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace)
- Will: Iced Coffee and Light Breakfast for the staff in the AM
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood, Director
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois
- Kim Aycock, Speaker, Trainer, Teacher and Go Camp Pro Contributor - www.kimaycock.com
- Will Pierce, 4th Generation Owner/Director - Pierce Country Day Camp
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Puttin’ on the Ritz for Day Camp Parents & Families When it comes to marketing your camp, there’s no better strategy than to get people on the property. We take a lot of pride in the site and the work that we do and we know that getting people on site is the way to get them to buy in to your culture and see the true value of their money.
Whether you do it in the spring, summer or year-round, it’s so important that when you can get families in the door, that you are being extra intentional with the time they have with you. From the welcome, to the activities, to the presentations, to the departure, every moment should be considered to help parents understand why your camp is right for their child.
Seem a little daunting? Have no fear, The Day Camp Pod is here! For this topic, Andy, Ehren, Sam are joined by the mysterious “H” Rothenberg from Camp Coach and Triple C Day Camp to give you the inside scoop on how to get the “yes” and the “wow” from families at your visiting day.
Tune in to this episode to find out about:
- Why do these visits? What’s the point?
- How can you make these happen at different points of the year?
- How do you manage the visit if they happen mid-camp day?
- What are some tips to put your best foot forward when parents are on site?
- What are the nitty gritty details that you might not think about, but what you need to do?
How do you wow your families at visitor days? Let us know in the comments below!
DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
- Andy: Ugly Shorts Day with special rituals for winners!
- Ehren: Involving parents and visitors with Colour War
- Sam: Sponge-strip balls for water dodge balls
- H: Rock-throwing range
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ, partner/founder Everwood Day Camp, founder/past president NJ Camps Government Affairs Project
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood, Director - Robin Hood Leadership Centre & Corporate Rentals, Volunteer Ontario Camps Association (OCA) annual conference/accreditation visitor
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois
- “H” Rothenberg, Camp Coach and Director - Triple C Camp
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Why Free Play at Day Camp Makes SenseOne of the challenges of a typical day at day camp is trying to pack every single moment with magic and fun. The consequence of that is that they whole day can become very regimented and schedule driven.
Now, please put your hands down. Yes schedules are good. Yes you need to know generally what happens when. We aren’t going to ask you to get rid of your schedules in favour of free and unstructured play.
However, take a second to consider this. When we turn over the responsibility of the fun-creation to the campers, we get to truly engage their creativity and help them work out the part of their brain that they desperately need for the future. If we regiment every single moment, we don’t allow for a the moments of magic that you, as an old (okay, more experienced…) camp professional could have NEVER thought of!
To help us give some concrete ideas, to a jello-like topic, Andy, Ehren, Michael Brandwein (again!) are joined by Dr. Kelly Jones, co-founder of Outpost Summer Camps. Outpost Summer Camp is focused on relationship building around unstructured play and they make free play work well with 150+ kids. WOW.
Tune in to this episode to find out about:
- Why do Free Play? Why do kids need it?
- What are some of the unfounded fears that people think about when it comes to free play?
- What kind behaviours do you want your staff to show to get the most out of unstructured play?
- What are some different ways that camps implement free and unstructured play?
- How can you begin to implement free and unstructured play THIS SUMMER?
How are you going to bring in some free play to your program this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
- Michael: G3 - Great Greeting Group - Create a council of 2 or 3 staff who create a creative greeting every day.
- Andy: Three Team Colour War
- Ehren: Safari - Kids get to be both the animals AND the tour guides
- Sam: Think Outside the Tie-Dye Box
- Kelly: Group Sneaking - Surprises & Hilarity Ensues
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director Liberty Lake Day Camp, past presidentACA NY/NJ
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director, Camp Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor, Crystal Lake Park District
- Michael Brandwein - Speaker, Trainer - www.michaelbrandwein.com
- Kelly Jones - Executive Director and Day Camp Director - Outpost Summer Camps
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Michael Brandwein Thinks You Can Meet BetterWe get it, your day camp is busy. You’ve got busses coming in, going out, kids going left and right, meals to cook and knees to un-scrape. The last thing you want to do is book time for a meeting with your staff.
And you know what? If your meetings are only about going to be about giving information, or telling the staff where they need to improve, then we wouldn’t want to be there either!
Say it with us, “WE CAN BE BETTER”.
Not only can we make our meetings better this summer, but if we want our camp to be a place where everyone is on the same page, the Day Camp Pod is here to help you completely revamp how people talk and listen to each other at your camp.
Joining Andy, Ehren and Sam is the one, the only Michael Brandwein! Michael has literally written the book on leadership, camp management, staff training and equipping all levels of staff with skills to make the camper experience the best it can be.
We are so grateful to Michael for taking the time to share his best info-giving practices to the entire camp world. You do not want to miss what he has to say. Thank you, Michael!
Tune in to this episode to find out about:
- What’s the whole point of meeting, if not just giving information?
- What can you do to make your meetings more intentional?
- How do you model your meetings to not only give information, but teach and lead by example?
- What tech/non-tech solutions do you do to keep everyone in the know in the day to day?
- How can you incorporate things like rituals, teachable moments, segments and theatrics to make your meetings (and information) memorable?
You can do it! We can’t wait to hear about the awesome things that you are going to do when it comes to communication this summer. What are you going to do? What do you already do? Let us know in the comments below!
DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
- Andy: Tug-of-war in a new medium, every year (mud, pudding, jello!?)
- Sam: Funyak, Power Paddlers, Corcls - Kid-friendly Kayaks.
- Ehren: Music Clump - Scattergories, but with songs!
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director Liberty Lake Day Camp, past presidentACA NY/NJ
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director, Camp Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor, Crystal Lake Park District
- Michael Brandwein - Speaker, Camp Legend -www.michaelbrandwein.com
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Because every kid deserves a camp experience.Would you agree that the world would be a much better place if everybody went to camp?
Of course! We know what camp does for kids. To have a place among a positive community is something that every single kid, no, person desperately needs.
Now, when we say EVERY kid, we mean it! No matter a child’s ability, background, race, gender, sexual orientation, personality or whatever else makes them unique, they deserve the transformative power of a camp experience.
Inclusion programs are becoming more and more prominent in the Day Camp industry, but we need to make sure that we’re doing it right. An inclusion program that is intentional, well thought out and comprehensively welcoming is not easy, but it’s not as hard as you might think.
Cue the Day Camp Pod! On this episode, Andy, Sam and Ehren are joined by THE Sari Grossinger from Camp Robin Hood. Together these Day Camp Pros offer advice and tips and tricks to both the prospective and the full-on inclusive day camps.
Tune in to find out about:
- Why do, don’t and should camps have an inclusion program?
- What are the benefits of an inclusion program?
- How do we hire and train staff to have be inclusive and work with campers with differing abilities?
- How do we work with families who may know a lot, or a little about their child’s needs at camp?
- What are the small, easy, adjustments that you can make to make your camp more inclusive?
We hope that this episode empowers you to get your inclusion on this summer! What do you do (or want to do) this summer to make your camp more inclusive for all kids? Let us know in the comments!
DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
- Andy: L.A.R.P. - Live Action Role Play
- Sam: Tennis/Baseball
- Ehren: Chair Basketball
- Sari: Welcome to Holland Poem and Sequel - staff training - empathy building
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director, Camp Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor, Crystal Lake Park District
- Sari Grossinger - Co-Owner and Director - Camp Robin Hood
BONUS CONTENT - BECAUSE YOU READ THE SHOW NOTES, AND YOU’RE AWESOME.
Sam’s presentation on creating a culture of inclusion. (Thanks, Sam!)
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible!
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Go Big And Campers Won’t Want To Go HomeCamp is full of WOW moments. From drop off to pick-up, we do our best to inject that WOW into every part of the day. However, we, as camp pros, know where we can dial it up to 11.
Special Event Day. Evening Program. Special Afternoon. Whatever you call it, what you do in this 1-7 hour time block can really make that camp session memorable.
Joining our triumphant trio, Andy, Ehren and Sam is the man, the legend, Curt “Moose” Jackson from summercamppro.com to share his insights from pages and pages AND PAGES of blogs and roundtables from him, and other camp pros. Tune in to hear about:
- How easy it can be to program for 300+ kids
- How to start the magic of a special day as soon as kids step on the bus
- The best prizes to give for special event days (psst. the best prizes don’t cost money!)
- Getting the whole staff team involved
- How to do ALL of this and not break the bank
You better believe that this episode is chalked FULL of nuggets. Have a pen and paper handy, because you’ll need it!
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Did you get something from this episode? It’s all about sharing! Let us know in the comments, and please, make sure you give credit to those who are being radically open with their ideas.
DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
- Andy: Look-a-Like Contest
- Sam: Everyday Heroes!
- Ehren: Diorama Delusion
- Moose: Hide the Smurf! - Stump the Counsellors
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director, Camp Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor, Crystal Lake Park District
- Curt “Moose” Jackson - Summer Camp Programming and Patchwork Marketplace
BONUS CONTENT - BECAUSE YOU READ THE SHOW NOTES, AND YOU’RE AWESOME.
Sam’s FULL ON SPECIAL EVENT LAYOUTS!!! (Thanks, Sam!)
Photos from Crystal Lake’s Special Events (Seriously, Sam, you rock!)
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible!
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
The Communication THESE Parents NeedNo matter what type of camp you are, you want to move forward. Especially if it means providing an even better customer service experience for our parents, we need to always be re-evaluating even our most habitual practices.
Communication with our parents during the summer is definitely one of those things. As the boomers and the gen-xers are moving away from our core parent age, our millennial parents have different communication preferences that we should consider before simply saying “nope, we only call”.
One size definitely doesn’t fit all and especially when you consider WHO is making those calls/emails/texts and WHY you are making those calls/emails/texts, and WHEN you are making those calls/emails/texts, you have to do it strategically.
Sharing their way through this changing landscape is the brilliant Matt Kaufman from Camp Ramaquois. Matt joins Andy and Sam to share their techniques, best practices and strategies for in-summer communication. Thanks for joining us, Matt!
What do you think? Do you believe that a radical change in our communication strategy is in the works? Let us know in the comments below!
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DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
- Andy - Puppy Program
- Sam - Minute to win it
- Matt - Service Projects For Campers
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor, Crystal Lake Park District
- Matt Kaufman, Associate Director - Ramaquois Day Camp
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible!
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Make your first impressions, your best impressions.Welcome back to the Day Camp Pod!
Whether you’re joining us in our beginning season, or if you’re reading this in the vast nethers of the future, we’re so glad you’re here!
Open Houses are time and time again, one of the best ways to get the final “yes” from potential camp parents. If done well, parents will register their child, if done REALLY well, they will tell their friends, family and friend’s family that your camp is the place to be this summer.
However, the intentionality required to pull off a great camp open house should not be underestimated. Here to help you steer the ship toward the shores of success are our Day Camp Pod Pros, Andy, Ehren and Sam! Tune in to this episode to hear answers to:
- What’s the goal of your Open House?
- What guideposts do you use for your open houses? Camp Fairs? Price Breaks?
- How can you make an Open House an event all in itself?
- Who are you marketing your camp Open Houses to? How can you specifically recruit them?
- What are you going to do to make your tour stand-out?
- How do you train your staff to give the best tour ever?
- How do you intentionally end your tour?
- What is your client follow-up process like?
Get your pens, paper and Evernote documents out, because this one if FULL of ideas you can implement this season!
Do you have any Open House hacks? Let us know in the comment section!
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DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
- Andy - Learn to Ride Bike Elective
- Ehren - Sing your Heart Out Staff Event
- Sam - Service Projects For Campers
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director, Camp Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor, Crystal Lake Park District
SPONSORS:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible!
- American Camp Association, NY & NJ http://www.acanynj.org/
- AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
- Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
Welcome to the Day Camp Pod!Welcome to The Day Camp Pod! A podcast that focuses purely on the best practices of the Day Camp industry.
On this first episode of The Day Camp Pod, we start with a sampler of the types of questions that matter to the Day Camp Industry. This episode we’ll hear great questions (and even greater answers) to topics surrounding capturing the overnight camp experience, into our day camps. You’ll hear more about…
- How to get past the “excuse” of not being an overnight camp
- How can we embed traditions into our Day Camp Programs? What traditions would you create if you started a camp from scratch?
- How do we introduce “Free Play” or “Free Choice” into the short days of day camp
- What are the big special moments or programs do you inject into your programs?
These ideas, and more, all from your Day Camp Pod Hosts, Andy Pritikin from Liberty Lake Day Camp, Ehren Gluckstein from Camp Robin Hood and Sam Thompson from Crystal Lake Park District!
We hope you enjoy this NEW Podcast, brought to you by Go Camp Pro.
What do you think? Have an idea for another show? Let us know in the comments below!
DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!
Andy - Bees at Camp!
Ehren - The Bus Challenge - An every day challenge on the bus ride to and from camp.
Sam - Fear Factor Challenges
YOUR HOSTS:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ
- Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director, Camp Robin Hood
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor, Crystal Lake Park District
BONUS LINKS & RESOURCES! - BECAUSE PEOPLE WHO READ THE SHOW-NOTES ARE THE BEST!
- Moose, Summer Camp Programming blog about Day Camp/Sleepaway Spirit
- Some games from Crystal Lake’s minute to win it challenges
- Crystal Lake’s Food Fight Set Up: