Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/arrival-dismissal

How 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

• Find these at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/arrival-dismissal

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• 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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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 a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/sunrise-camps

The 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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• www.sunriseassociation.org
• Sunrise Association Intro Video - https://www.youtube.com/c/SunriseAssociation

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• 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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• 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 a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/trust-2025

In 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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• 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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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

Send us a text

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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General 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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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

• 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/

-

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 a text

Find more at http://daycamppodcast.com

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

Tiff - 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!

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Tiffany McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District

• 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/

-

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 a text

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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Jonathan’s Cashflow Chart Video:

https://vimeo.com/465802814

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

• 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/

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 a text

Find full show notes at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod

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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Tiff - 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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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Tiffany McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District

• 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/

Send us a text

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

• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District, Vice president ACA Illinois
• Sabrina Hinkens, Youth Program Supervisor - Gurnee Park District

Send us a text

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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Tiff - 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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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
• 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/

-

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 a text

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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• 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/

Send us a text

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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Ehren

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/

-

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 a text

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!

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)   

Send us a text

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.

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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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• 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

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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/

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/start-from-scratch-2024

In 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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• 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

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

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

-

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)  

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If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if

Send us a text

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.

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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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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Dr. Deborah Gilboa, “Dr. G”, Parenting & Youth Development Expert - www.askdoctorg.com

Send us a text

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)   

Send us a text

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!

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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:

• 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

Send us a text

Find full show notes, bonus resources and program tips of the week at http://daycamppod.com

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
• 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/

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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 a text

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

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This 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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• 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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• 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

Send us a text

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
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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
-

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/

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

Review 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

Andy: 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

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Lib

Send us a text

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

Andy: “Camp-Paign” 2020

Sam: Negative Space Tye Dye

Ehren: Question Cards

Leslie: Stereotypes vs. Statistics

Genna: Time Capsule/Settoga Moments

• 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

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/ownership-gold

Join 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
• 37:11 Entrepreneurial Drive in Camp Ownership

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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

-

• 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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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

Send us a text

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<

Send us a text

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!

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• 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

Send us a text

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

Andy - 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!

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president

Send us a text

Review 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

Andy: 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.

Send us a text

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:

Whether 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

The DCPTOFW (for short) will be back next week!

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president

Send us a text

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 <

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“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

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

Sometimes, 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
• 
  

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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 - 

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/eddie-norgard

Eddie 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
• 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

-

Find these at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/eddie-norgard

-

• 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

-

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

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

Send us a text

Review 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

Send us a text

As 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?

• 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

• 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 -

Send us a text

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

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So, 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!

• ACA (4 videos + downloadable handouts)

• Project Real Job (articles and blogs)

• Ghosting

• What effective leaders know

Watch the video here

Find out more here

• We’ll be back with the DCP next episode! (Seriously thought, did you check out those resources just above this one?

• 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, Volun

Send us a text

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!

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

• 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!

• 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

• Eh

Send us a text

Tag 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.

• 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

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/

Send us a text

We’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.

• 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

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/

Send us a text

We’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/

Send us a text

Where 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/

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/2024forward

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
• 45:04 Future of Camp Leadership and Branding

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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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• 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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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

Send us a text

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/

Send us a text

One 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/

Send us a text

We 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/