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

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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• 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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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

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

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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
• Roz and Jed Buck, Camp Consultants - rozandjed.com
  • [email protected]
  • [email protected]

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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/kids-arent-listening

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

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

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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
• Emily Golinsky, Trainer, Professional Development Leader & Consultant - Bright Moose, LLC

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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/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/new-owner-jason

 We've had a series of awesome podcasts this season with inspiring stories about making the jump to being a director or even an owner operator. Since we shared the Jonathan Gold podcast with our friends Howie and Kelly on the Camp Owners Pod, they're sharing back another great podcast with Andy’s former camp sidekick Jason Samuel, who recently found his way to becoming a camp owner operator himself.

We're proud of you, Jason! This is the Day Camp Pod.

Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction to the Episode
• 00:30 Podcast Overview and Sponsors
• 02:25 Introducing Jason Samuel & Jason's Journey into Camping
• 07:27 The Appeal of Day Camps
• 09:07 Purchasing The Nature Place
• 15:30 Networking and Finding Camps for Sale
• 21:56 Financing the Camp Purchase
• 30:53 Navigating Lease Agreements
• 34:23 Making Improvements and Investments
• 37:26 Transition Challenges and Communication
• 46:42 Lessons Learned and Advice
• 52:46 Rapid Fire Questions

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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

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• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Jason Samuel - Owner & Director - The Nature Place

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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

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:

Send us a text

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

Character and Youth Development are snappy little catchphrases that camp pros love to use. Mostly in their marketing pitches, brochures, and websites. And for at least three decades, Michael Brandwein has been spoonfeeding camp professionals how to not just talk the talk, but how to walk the walk. Yes, I am a convert, and an advocate for what Michael preaches- teaching our campers and staff the skills of life, and doing it in an engaging, upbeat, fun way. He’s the high exalted grandmaster of camp consulting, he’s OUR Fred Rodgers, and he’s back again- THIS, is the Day Camp Pod!

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• Michael’s Book - The Intentional Camp: Putting More Muscle in the Mission of Character & Youth Development
• Upcoming Michael Brandwein Seminars 
  • Register for Brandwein on Training: The Step-by-Step System for Planning & Presenting Your Best Staff Training Ever
  • Register for Super Staff SuperVision: The Quick Course on Outstanding Skills to Coach, Motivate, & Bring Out the Best in Staff
  • Sign Up for More Info About The Brandwein Super Seminar on Dynamic & Intentional Camp Leadership

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com

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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/inclusion2025

Are you looking to create a truly inclusive camp environment where every child feels welcome and supported?  In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, we dive deep into the world of inclusion for special needs campers with expert guests Sabrina Hinkens and Sari Grossinger.

Sabrina and Sari share invaluable insights on intake processes, staff training, communication strategies, and the importance of collaboration with families and support agencies. Discover how to navigate the challenges of inclusion, from managing expectations to adapting activities and creating a sense of belonging for all campers.

This episode is a must-listen for any camp professional seeking to improve their inclusion practices and create a positive and enriching experience for every child. Tune in to gain practical advice, inspiring stories, and a renewed passion for making your camp a place where everyone shines!

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Find them at Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/inclusion2025

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Sari Grossinger, Owner/Director Camp Robin Hood, Co-Owner Camp Walden/Madawaska Camps
• Sabrina Hinkens, Youth Program Manager - Gurnee Park District  

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

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Camptivities
  • Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
• CampMinder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com

Send us a text

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

Join us for an exciting episode of The Day Camp Pod where we discover how to bring the magic of sleepaway camp to your day camp. Hosts Andy Pritikin and Sam Thompson welcome two experienced camp directors: Stacey Kotelov from Banner Day Camp and Dylan Wade from Emerald Cove. Stacey discusses Banner's beloved traditions like the 'Bannerama,' a lively morning and afternoon assembly filled with songs, moments of gratitude, and community-building activities. Dylan shares how Emerald Cove uses 'Amp Up' and 'Amp Down' assemblies to create a strong community through music, skits, and recognizing campers' character. Learn how to involve your staff, make the most of your existing traditions, and create a camp culture where everyone feels included. Listen for advice and examples to help make your day camp experience unforgettable. Tune in now!

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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

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Find them at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/assemblies

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Dylan Wade, Camp Director - Emerald Cove Day Camp
• Stacy Kotelov - Owner - Banner Day Camp

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

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Camptivities
  • Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com
• CampMinder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/in-the-city

Join the hosts of the Day Camp Pod from Go Camp Pro as they sit down with Eileen Price, the visionary behind In the City Camps in Atlanta, Georgia. Discover how Eileen's journey began with an idea for a day camp in downtown Atlanta and has grown to serve 750 campers daily. Learn about the unique aspects of In the City Camps, the focus on camper choice, and the integration of cultural values. Eileen shares her challenges, successes, and future plans for expanding the camp, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the day camp industry. Plus, get insights into the strategies and community-building efforts that have propelled In the City Camps forward.

Highlights:

• 01:31 Meet Eileen Price
• 02:50 The Birth of Camp in the City
• 08:53 Camper Choice and Autonomy
• 12:16 Daily Camp Operations
• 18:43 Parental Involvement and Camper Independence
• 21:42 The Importance of Risk-Taking
• 24:41 Consolidating Camp Locations: Challenges and Decisions
• 27:26 Expanding Camp Models to New Cities
• 31:25 Navigating Nonprofit Status and Funding
• 38:01 Adapting to Post-Pandemic Realities
• 41:16 Integrating Cultural and Religious Values in Camp

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If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Eileen Price, CEO - In the City Camps

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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