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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/scenario-planning-101

Exploring Camp Futures: Key Drivers and Scenario Planning

In this episode of Camp Ahead, hosts Joe, Jess, and KJ  expand on the idea of scenario planning as an essential tool for thinking about the future. They discuss key drivers such as climate change, economics, demographics, technological advancements, and social shifts that can shape the next decade of summer camps. Through imaginative scenario planning, they aim to prepare the industry for both positive and challenging futures. Tune in as they explore the potential impacts of AI, climate mitigation, and more on the world of summer camps.

• 01:46 Recap and Introduction to Scenario Planning
• 05:33 Key Drivers for the Future of Camps: Economic and Staff Considerations
• 07:55 Environmental and Technological Impacts on Camps
• 15:09 Social Drivers and Equity in Future Camps
• 20:33 Imagining Positive Futures: Pronoia vs. Paranoia
• 25:36 The Impact of Camp and Nature
• 26:04 Funding and Philanthropy in Camping
• 29:31 The Value of Experiential Learning
• 30:12 Community and Indigenous Relationships

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Episode Links:

• The Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal:
  • https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/
• https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreator
• https://urgentoptimists.org/

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Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

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Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Send us a text

A new show from Go Camp Pro! Camp Ahead!

Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/intro-to-mental-time-travel

Welcome to Camp Ahead: The Futurology of the Summer Camp Industry

In this inaugural episode of the Camp Ahead podcast, Joe Richards, KJ Williams, and Jess Elfring-Roberts dive into the concept of future-proofing the summer camp industry. They discuss the importance of mental time travel, scenario planning, and preparing for larger global issues like climate change, financial instability, demographics, and migration. The hosts share their personal experiences and outline the goals for the podcast, emphasizing the need for proactive thinking to ensure the long-term success of camps. 

This episode sets the stage for exploring how the camp community can adapt and thrive amidst uncertainties.

• 00:58 Meet the Hosts
• 01:51 The Concept of Future Scenarios
• 03:46 Pandemic Reflections
• 06:43 Proactive vs. Reactive Planning
• 30:08 Thinking Big: Managing Smaller Challenges
• 31:10 Climate Migration and Its Impacts
• 33:12 Demographic Shifts in Camping
• 38:09 The Importance of Collaboration

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Episode Links:

• The Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal:
  • https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/
• https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreator
• https://urgentoptimists.org/

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Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

-

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Send us a text

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

The Staffing Puzzle: Day Camp Experts Share Trends and Tips

In this episode of The Day Camp Pod from Go Camp Pro, host Andy Pritikin and co-host Sam Thompson, alongside Dan Weir, Jack Schott, and Justin Pritikin, dive into the critical topic of staffing for day camps. They explore challenges, share survey data from Dan’s Summer Staffing Analysis Survey, uncover trends, and offer actionable solutions to help you succeed in recruiting and retaining camp staff. Plus, learn about the importance of an effective onboarding process and how the right strategies can make a significant difference. Whether you're facing staffing issues or looking for new ideas, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 

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Survey & Webinar:

Take part in the Summer Staffing Analysis Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/staffingsummer2025

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Dan Weir, Sr. Consultant - immersive1st - Day Camp Community
• Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp
• Jack Schott, Co-Founder - The Summer Camp Society

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Sponsors:

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

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

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Send us a text

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

Navigating Parenting and Camp Management Post-Pandemic

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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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jaime Pickles, Director - Everwood Day Camp
• Kelly Jones - Executive Director and Day Camp Director - Outpost Summer Camps

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Sponsors:

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

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Camptivities
  • Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.com

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Send us a text

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

From Passion to Reality: Starting and Running a Successful Day Camp

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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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Korey Kalman, Founder & Owner - Got Game Sports
• Mario Del Cueto, Camp Director - Mountain Camp Marin

Sponsors:

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

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

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Send us a text

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

Inside the Camp Ownership World: Success Stories and Challenges

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

-

Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jonathan M. Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of Camps
• Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp

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Sponsors:

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

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

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Send us a text

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

Navigating the Challenges of Camp Management while Fostering Creativity and Growth

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

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

-

Links From This Episode:

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

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Eddie Norgard, Summer Camp Professional & Executive Director - YMCA
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddienorgard/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddienorgard/
  • Email: [email protected]

-

Sponsors:

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

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

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Send us a text

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

Navigating the Day Camp Renaissance: Staffing Solutions and Innovations

Summer 24 is in the books, and our September to-do lists have turned into pumpkin spice… 

Time to get the Day Camp Pod back on track for another great season of best practices and unique insights - To get things going, we’re bringing back a few of our all-stars from last season to debrief the past and look a little forward into the unknown- So kick back day campers and let’s do it.

Highlights:

• 05:40 Summer 2024 Reflections
• 08:34 Staffing Challenges and Solutions
• 12:05 Scheduling and Attendance Strategies
• 25:07 Reflecting on Staff Attendance Strategies
• 28:24 Discussing Campers Post-Pandemic Behavior
• 30:50 Parental Involvement and Communication
• 34:41 Staff Training and Support Systems
• 37:05 The Importance of Camp Community
• 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

-

YOUR HOSTS:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Sam Borek, Camp Owner/Director - Woodmont Day Camp
• Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp
• Gregg Licht, Director - Elmwood Day Camp

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Sponsors:

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

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

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/season-6-debrief

The summer is upon us! Join us as we debrief the best Day Camp Pod Tid-Bits from the past eight months.

Season 6 of the Day Camp Pod is winding down as we laser-focus on the daunting job before us. This episode, Sam & I debrief our ACA trip to Washington D.C. and then touch upon this season’s episodes with some important follow-ups. 

We’re so fortunate to be able to speak with so many smart, awesome people, and share valuable wisdom and best practices with the day camp community - So, kick back and enjoy the pod, as we’ll touch most of this season’s episodes - which you want to then go back and re-listen to, or listen for the first time if you haven’t already. THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!

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Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)

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

-

YOUR HOSTS:

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

Sponsors:

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

• AMSkier Insurance  -  https://www.amskier.com/ 
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) -  https://crs4rec.com/
  • CRS - Disc Golf: https://crs4rec.com/disc-golf/ 

-

Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy! 

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp  

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/13-tips

Going full-time is scary! These camp pros have some wise words to help any director find their footing.

The Go Camp Pro team put together a really cool episode in which 13 top tier camp podcasters were asked for an important tip to tell any new camp director this season. Sam and Andy are both on it, it’s short and sweet, and there’s some great nuggets of knowledge. So pass on these wise word to your new full-timers, and for the jaded veterans we bet you will appreciate some of these as well. This, is the DAY CAMP POD!

-

Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)

Review us on iTunes!

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

-

YOUR HOSTS:

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

-

Sponsors:

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

• AMSkier Insurance  -  https://www.amskier.com/ 
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) -  https://crs4rec.com/
  • CRS - Outdoor Playgrounds: https://crs4rec.com/product-category/facility-enhancements/playgrounds/

Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy! 

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp  

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!