Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/turn-around-strategies

When a day camp starts to lose its spark, what does it take to bring it back to life? In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, the hosts sit down with Heath Levine from Shibley Day Camp and turnaround expert Jonathan Gold to unpack what really goes into reviving an underperforming camp. From rebuilding a positive culture and engaging the community to tackling staff retention and marketing hurdles, they share real stories and strategies that have helped transform struggling programs into thriving ones. 

Highlights:

• 03:50 Heath Levine's Camp Journey
• 08:39 Jonathan Gold's Turnaround Insights
• 11:18 Establishing Camp Culture and Values
• 27:06 Marketing and Community Engagement
• 32:17 Flexible Work Schedules and Expectations
• 32:45 The Relevance of Face-to-Face Interaction
• 33:23 Marketing Strategies for Camps
• 34:00 Resurrecting Tamarack: Challenges and Strategies
• 34:57 The Importance of Community Engagement
• 40:51 Balancing Tradition and Innovation
• 52:51 Staff and Camper Retention
• 58:12 The Emotional Challenges of Leadership

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Episode Links:

Camp’s Golden Metric

Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change

Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

With:

• Heath Levine, Director - Shibley Day Camp
• Jonathan Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of Camps

Sponsors:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Campminder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
• Camptivities
  • Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn more at camptivitie

Send us a text

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

What makes sleepaway camp feel so special and how can day camps capture that same magic? In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger are joined by camp pros Dan Johnson and Dan Weir to unpack exactly that. Together, they explore creative ways to bring community, connection, and spontaneous fun into the day camp environment.  

Episode Links:

Camp Robin Hood’s Hands are Strong Sing-a-Long

Liberty Lake Spirit Calendar

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life

Center for Nonviolent Communication

Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
• Dan Weir, Senior Consultant - Immersive1st, Day Camp Community
• Dan Johnson, Day Camp Director - Kennolyn Camps

Sponsors:

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Campminder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
• Camptivities
  • Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn m

Send us a text

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

Expanding reach, building partnerships and creating sustainable revenue

Ever wondered what your camp could become after the last camper goes home for the summer? In this episode, Andy, Jordanna and Sam are joined by Peggy Aylmer, Senior Program Director - Day Camps and Retreats - YMCA Camp Copneconic to dive into how camps can transform their spaces and strengthen their communities year-round. From hosting school groups and family reunions to corporate retreats and even Renaissance fairs, discover creative ways to extend your camp’s impact beyond the traditional summer season.

Highlights:

• 04:03 Diverse Camp Programs
• 06:31 Robinhood Leadership Center
• 10:01 Staffing Challenges and Solutions
• 16:36 Weekend and Seasonal Programs
• 23:06 Event Business at Liberty Lake
• 26:19 The Importance of Full-Time Event Staff
• 27:08 Managing Camp Events and Staff Well-Being
• 27:44 Challenges of Hosting Events at Camps
• 28:22 Feeding Campers and Event Guests
• 29:18 Selecting and Hosting Specialty Camps
• 30:41 Day Camps vs. Sleepaway Camps
• 32:15 Unique Partnerships and Community Engagement
• 34:00 Setting Boundaries and Agreements for Rentals
• 35:52 Handling Medical and Security Needs
• 39:50 Navigating School and Board Requirements
• 43:37 Networking and Learning from Other Camps

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Episode Links:

Camp Robin Hood’s School Programs

Camp Robin Hood’s Rentals and Events

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
• Peggy Aylmer, Senior Program Director - Day Camps and Retreats - YMCA Camp Copneconic

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Sponsors:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Campminder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
• Camptivities
  • Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by

Send us a text

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

Riding the Post-Summer Vibe: Wins, Wildcards, and What's Ahead

In this episode, Andy, Sam, and Jordanna reflect on the summer of 2025, sharing their biggest wins, unexpected challenges, and key takeaways as they transition into the off-season. 

The trio dives into the nuances of camp life after the campers are gone, discussing the "shoulder season" and the unique staffing needs it presents. The conversation touches on the importance of accountability, the evolving relationship with camp parents, and how technology is shaping camp communication and operations. They emphasize the value of showing parents the magic of camp firsthand and the importance of professional development for veteran staff.

Highlights:

• 04:22 Big Wins of the Summer
• 05:13 New Camp Site and Staff Training
• 13:01 Handling Behavioral Challenges
• 15:49 Accountability and Staff Management
• 28:56 The Importance of Professionalism in Staff
• 29:13 Self-Evaluation and Accountability
• 30:16 Staff Absences and Expectations
• 31:44 The Role of Media Teams in Camps
• 37:37 Parent Communication and Expectations
• 44:37 Family Nights and Community Building
• 52:36 Staff Training and Leadership Development
• 56:20 Economic Challenges and Future Trends
• 58:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Episode Links:

Crystal Lake Park District’s Inclusion Chart

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

-

Sponsors:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Campminder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
• Camptivities
  • Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn more at camptivities.com.

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/final-thoughts-25

Gearing Up for Glory - Have a great summer, Day Camp Pros!

The countdown to Summer 2025 has begun, and before we immerse ourselves in the smiles and hugs of camp life, we're hitting record one last time! This episode is packed with essential insights as we reflect on our recent advocacy efforts in Washington D.C., revealing how camp leaders are fighting for our industry's future.

We tackle the very real pre-summer stress, offering perspective on managing the influx of staff applications and adapting to new economic challenges that impact everything from programming budgets to parent enrollment trends. You'll hear about innovative staff training strategies, unexpected ways to boost camp spirit with mascots and special events, and why, despite the hurdles, our work in day camp remains profoundly important. 

This is your essential listen to recharge your motivation and get ready for the incredible season ahead!

Highlights:

• 01:58 Advocacy and Legislative Efforts
• 04:08 Economic Impact and Grants
• 05:46 International Staff and J-1 Visas
• 11:09 Challenges in Camp Operations
• 22:46 Staff Training Innovations
• 28:31 The Impact of Texting at Camp
• 28:55 Improving Staff Communication
• 29:23 Addressing Staff Absenteeism
• 30:47 Preparing for Camp Season
• 33:00 Family Nights and Parent Engagement
• 35:40 Virtual Staff Meetings
• 39:58 New Activities and Special Events
• 49:08 The Importance of Camp Experience
• 53:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

-

Sponsors:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• AMSkier
  • AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Campminder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com

Send us a text

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

Raising the Bar: Practical Strategies for Staff Accountability This Summer

This week on The Day Camp Pod, we dive into the essential topic of staff accountability, exploring how to foster a professional environment where team members are responsible and contribute effectively. Hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger welcome Justin Pritikin and Eric Hillis to discuss strategies for setting clear expectations, addressing performance, and empowering leadership staff to hold their teams accountable. 

Highlights:

• 02:16 Camp Career Accelerator Program
• 04:07 Staff Accountability and High Standards
• 07:52 Challenges in Staff Management
• 10:32 Middle Management Struggles
• 17:50 Training vs. Attitude Issues
• 24:51 Empowering Middle Management
• 30:55 Addressing Staff Performance Issues
• 32:34 Implementing a Point System for Accountability
• 33:26 Balancing Empathy and Accountability
• 41:05 Consequences and Praise Models
• 43:12 Formalizing Feedback and Documentation
• 49:52 Challenges of Middle Management
• 51:58 Intergenerational Perspectives on Leadership

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
• Erec Hillis, Owner and Executive Director - Camp Champions
• Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff, Teen Leadership Coordinator, & Special Events Director - Everwood Day Camp

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Sponsors:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• AMSkier
  • AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Campminder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com

Send us a text

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

Maximizing Your Staff Training: Connection Before Content

There are a lot of staff trainers out there in the camp world- But there are very few who actually helmed a large day camp themselves, dealing with the ins and outs, trials and tribulations, and the challenges of training hundreds of seasonal staff. Roz and Jed share tips on creating a dynamic and engaging orientation, balancing structure with organic moments, fostering a positive camp culture, and implementing ongoing coaching throughout the summer. They also discuss the importance of making staff feel comfortable, the critical role of approachability for leaders, and innovative ideas for in-season staff training. Whether you’re a seasoned camp professional or new to the field, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you enhance your staff training and overall camp experience. Don’t miss it!

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Links from this Episode:

• “The Unofficial Start” Podcast Episode from Roz and Jed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjBG77jsCFY&t=7s

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
• Roz and Jed Buck, Camp Consultants - rozandjed.com
  • [email protected]
  • [email protected]

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Sponsors:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• AMSkier
  • AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Campminder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/kids-arent-listening

"They Just Won't Listen!": Expert Tips for Managing Camper Behavior Challenges

It’s the second week of camp, and you can anticipate a good percentage of your frontline staff going to their supervisors and declaring, “the kids aren’t listening to me!” 

What do you do? What do you say? Going backwards, what should you have done during training that would have helped give them better tools? For this universal topic, we bring in Emily Golinsky, our resident camper behavior expert, who has a bunch of webinars this Spring that we highly recommend to for your leadership team

Highlights:

• 02:09 Understanding Camper Behaviors
• 03:51 The Importance of Building Relationships
• 06:36 Generational Differences in Staff and Campers
• 19:10 Emotional Regulation and Staff Training
• 29:42 The Importance of Structure in Camp Counseling
• 32:46 Gamifying Responses for Better Engagement
• 35:36 Supporting Stressed Counselors
• 46:03 Balancing Individual and Group Needs
• 52:54 Encouraging Unstructured Play
• 56:59 Celebrating Small Wins and Everyday Magic

Links from this Episode:

Find them at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/kids-arent-listening

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
• Emily Golinsky, Trainer, Professional Development Leader & Consultant - Bright Moose, LLC

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Sponsors:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• AMSkier
  • AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• CampMinder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com

Send us a text

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

Mastering Day Camp Chaos: Arrival & Dismissal Secrets Revealed

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

Links from this Episode:

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

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
• Phil Rainone, Director, Camp Ramaquois

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Sponsors:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• AMSkier
  • AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• CampMinder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com

Send us a text

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

The Sunrise Association: Transforming Lives of kids affected by Childhood Cancer

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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Links from this Episode:

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

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Aileen Hoffman, Senior Vice President - Strategic Expansion, Sunrise Association
• Deanna Slade, Vice President of Camping and Related Services, Sunrise Association

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Sponsors:

• AMSkier
  • AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at amskier.com.
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• CampMinder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com