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Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/conference-debrief

What happens when camps are forced to rethink everything from culture to communication and even their core values? In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, the team unpacks key takeaways from the winter conference circuit, tackling big topics like neurodiversity, feedback culture and the looming enrollment cliff. It’s a candid, forward-looking conversation packed with practical ideas to help camp leaders adapt, stay relevant and strengthen relationships with both staff and families. If you’re thinking about what the future of camp really demands, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

02:27 Teaching Staff to Take Feedback

06:52 Neurodiversity and Sensory Needs

11:38 Rethinking Rules and Inclusion

13:49 Generations and Risk Taking

16:02 Sarcasm and Social Connection

22:45 Mingling and Social Skills Training

26:41 Eggshell Topics and Boundaries

31:32 Back to the Big Picture

31:47 Handling Late Staff

34:03 Enrollment Drop Scenario

35:32 Defining Camp Value

38:32 Storytelling And Trust

43:11 Recession And Differentiation

45:28 Relationship Marketing Ideas

47:18 Keep Swinging And Adapt

50:48 Youth Perspectives And Incentives

53:11 Advice For Enrollment Slumps

58:07 AI Tools For Operations

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Matt Kaufman’s Newsletter and Book

Dr. Jean Twenge

The Mingle Project

The Plunging Birthrate 

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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

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• Justin Pritikin, Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

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

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
• Campminder
• AMSkier

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

It’s so easy! 

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

Thanks, Camp Pro!

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-andy-p

In this episode of Intentionally Intentional Leaders, Matt Wilfrid sits down with Andy Pritikin, a true powerhouse in the summer camp industry. From founding Liberty Lake Day Camp to producing the New Jersey Renaissance Fair and hosting the Day Camp Podcast, Andy has spent decades "sharpening the sword" of youth development.

Through the roll of a 20-sided die, Andy shares how his background as a rock musician and a student teacher shaped his belief that leadership is earned through relationships, not titles. We dive deep into why camp is the ultimate antidote to an AI-driven world and how directors can navigate the tricky waters of transparency and candor in a modern camp setting.

Key Takeaways include:

• Earned Respect vs. Authoritarianism: Andy reflects on his early days as a music teacher to explain why "collared shirts and walkie-talkies" don't grant authority. True leadership requires constant deposits into the "relationship piggy bank" with your staff.
• The Anti-AI Value Proposition: In an age where even a trip to the gym involves earbuds and screens, Andy discusses why camp is uniquely positioned as a "religion of nature." It’s the one place where kids can focus purely on being human.
• Emotional Safety over "The Trains": Andy shares a profound insight on prioritizing emotional safety and belonging over administrative efficiency. While a schedule is a necessary framework, it should never steamroll the chance for a meaningful, life-changing interaction.
• Forgiving the Mistakes: From "sunscreen machines" that didn't work to hiring mishaps, Andy shares his mantra: "All you can do is the best you can do." Learn why humility and a "glass-half-full" perspective are essential for a long-term career in camping.

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Find full show notes and links for this episode at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-andy-p

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• Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

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Whereabouts

Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.

Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io/

Send a text

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/emergency-prep

When it comes to camp leadership, few responsibilities matter more than being prepared for the unexpected. In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, your hosts are joined by Dr. Barry Garst, Tracey Gaslin and Tim Huchton to unpack what true emergency preparedness really looks like in today’s camp environment. From building practical, usable plans to strengthening relationships with local emergency services and empowering staff to think critically under pressure, this conversation is both strategic and deeply actionable. You’ll walk away with research backed insights, real world examples and tangible resources you can bring back to your team immediately. If safety, decisive leadership, and proactive planning are priorities for you, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

04:36 The Importance of Emergency Preparedness

06:14 Developing Practical Emergency Plans

10:01 Tools and Resources for Camps

24:48 Building Relationships with Emergency Services

27:48 Building Local Relationships for Unique Camps

28:56 Involving Local Agencies in Training

31:29 Critical Thinking in Emergency Preparedness

36:25 Empowering Staff with Decision-Making Skills

44:11 Emergency Preparedness Research Project

47:39 Alliance for Camp Health Resources

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The Safety Navigator

MESH(+) Resources

CampWell

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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

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• Tracey Gaslin, CEO - Alliance for Camp Health
• Dr. Barry Garst, Professor and Coordinator, Youth Development Programs - Clemson University
• Tim Huchton, President and CEO - Mo-Ranch

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

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Campminder
  • Visit them today at campminder.com
• AMSkier
  • Learn more at amskier.com.

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

Just click here:

Send a text

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/preschool

Working with preschool day campers requires a completely different playbook and this episode breaks down exactly what that looks like. The hosts and guests dive into the real world challenges of programming, staffing, routines, transportation and parent communication for your youngest campers. You’ll hear practical strategies, thoughtful insights and experienced perspectives that can immediately improve how you support your youngest campers. Whether you’re refining an existing program or launching one for the first time, this conversation offers ideas you can actually use. If you want happier campers, more confident staff and smoother parent relationships, this is an episode worth your time.

• 02:49 Challenges and Strategies for Managing Young Campers
• 06:27 Programming Goals and Activities for Preschoolers
• 10:34 Staffing and Group Management
• 14:06 Daily Schedules and Routines
• 21:30 Parental Communication and Expectations
• 29:50 Parent Visitation Policies
• 31:44 Setting Expectations with Parents
• 32:56 Communicating with Parents
• 36:18 Special Events for Young Campers
• 44:31 Transportation Challenges and Solutions
• 50:55 Program Tips for Preschool Camps

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

• Lauren Dermody, Staffing Coordinator - Elmwood Day Camp
• Dave Thoensen, Camp Owner/Director - Tamarak Day Camp

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors:

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

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*This is a piece of sponsored content by our friends from Camptivities and Whereabouts. We are so grateful for Ryan and the Camptivities team for their support of many Go Camp Pro podcasts and we're excited to bring you this episode to share more about Whereabouts and it's intentional design - Check them out whereaboutsapp.io*

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In this episode, Travis sits down with Ryan Rosen, a 28-year camp veteran and owner of a premier Los Angeles day camp, to discuss the intersection of "tech-free" camp philosophy and high-efficiency logistics. Ryan shares the origin story of Whereabouts, an innovative app designed to bridge the communication gap between parents and camp offices. From the "Spirit of Kaizen" to real-time attendance reconciliation, this conversation explores how small, iterative improvements in camp tech can lead to massive gains in safety, staff sanity, and parent satisfaction.

Key Takeaways include:

• The Spirit of Kaizen: Success isn't always about massive overhauls; it’s about the "incremental improvement" of systems. By questioning why "we’ve always done it this way," directors can identify stagnant procedures - like where T-shirts are handed out or how attendance is taken - and refine them for a better experience.
• Closing the "Lunchtime Gap": Many camps don't fully reconcile bus lists with group rosters until midday. Ryan explains how real-time widgets allow directors to know exactly who is on-site before the morning assembly even ends, meeting modern parent expectations for safety and transparency.
• Passive vs. Active Engagement: There is a fine line between "convenient" tech and "isolating" tech. Ryan discusses moving away from passive check-ins (like unattended QR codes) toward "human-powered" technology that prompts staff with camper birthdays or medical alerts during the check-in process.
• Empowering Gen-Z and Alpha Staff: Modern summer staff are digital natives. Asking them to manage complex paper-and-pen systems often leads to errors. Providing them with intuitive, mobile-first tools like Whereabouts aligns with their skills and reduces operational friction.
• Tech-Enabled Emergency Safety: Beyond daily attendance, the episode highlights the importance of "Emergency Pods." In the event of a wildfire or evacuation, having a cellular-connected system to track which kids are on which bus in real-time is a critical safety upgrade for any modern camp.

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Thanks to Camptivities and Whereabouts for sponsoring!

Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.

Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time - so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out at whereaboutsapp.io

Send a text

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/weather-operations

Extreme weather is no longer the exception, it’s part of the new normal for day camps. In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, “camp weatherman” Steve Maguire breaks down how camp leaders can prepare for heat waves, wildfire smoke, tropical storms and everything in between. From understanding dew point and UV index to using smarter weather tools and creating effective daily weather briefings, this conversation is packed with practical, real world strategies you can actually use. Steve also challenges camps to rethink shade, infrastructure, and staff preparedness in ways that improve safety and the camper experience. If you’re responsible for making weather related decisions at camp, this episode will help you move from reactive to confidently prepared.

• 00:13 Meet Steve Maguire: The Camp Weatherman
• 05:41 Challenges of Extreme Weather at Camps
• 08:56 Importance of Shade and Weather Awareness
• 15:07 Preparing Staff and Campers for Weather
• 22:03 Proactive Measures for Camp Safety
• 27:27 Innovative UV Index and Sunscreen Dispensers
• 28:07 Mandatory Hats and Sunglasses for Safety
• 29:37 Proactive Weather Monitoring Tools
• 32:33 Daily Weather Briefings and Staff Coordination
• 35:49 Evaluating Camp Infrastructure Beyond Buildings
• 37:57 Staffing and Engagement Strategies
• 41:03 Continuous Improvement and Fresh Perspectives
• 50:54 Under-Invested Areas in Camps

Obsessed with the Weather Podcast

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

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• Steve Maguire, Speaker, Trainer, Teacher and more - Go Turnstone

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

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

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

Since the pandemic, many camp leaders have found themselves spending more time managing staff behavior than camper behavior, and it can feel exhausting. In this episode the hosts sit down with renowned educator and camp trainer Michael Brandwein to explore how intentional leadership can replace reactive, panic driven responses. You’ll learn how to develop staff who truly align with your camp’s mission, values and expectations. The conversation is packed with practical coaching techniques, real world examples and mindset shifts that help leaders build accountability without burning out. If you’re looking to strengthen staff training, handle everyday behavior challenges with confidence and create a culture where staff feel both supported and responsible, this is a must listen episode.

• 03:11 Michael Brandwein's Insights on Camp Leadership 
• 06:32 The Importance of Continuous Learning 
• 11:48 Intentional Staff Development 
• 23:26 The Role of Feedback and Coaching 
• 30:29 Staff Training Strategies 
• 37:06 Key Moments in Day Camp Training 
• 37:24 Handling Late Arrivals 
• 43:41 The Name Tag Problem 
• 46:38 Managing Break Times 
• 50:33 Addressing Talking During Sessions 
• 58:59 The Importance of Feedback 
• 01:06:05 Final Thoughts and Resources

Michael’s Website

Brandwein on Super Staff SuperVision-Online Course

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

• Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer, Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com/store

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

Send a text

https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/community-engagement

Building Community Partnerships: How Day Camps Can Connect Locally

What if your day camp was known not just as a program, but as a true community partner? In this episode of The Day Camp Pod , guests Marissa Allaben, Ali Rothenberg and Heath Levine join the hosts to discuss how camps can build authentic, local connections that really matter. From partnering with schools and municipalities to showing up at community events and using street teams creatively, this conversation is packed with practical, boots-on-the-ground ideas. The guests share real examples of what’s worked, what takes time and why consistency is key to earning trust. You’ll also hear how social media and in-person outreach can work together to amplify your camp’s presence. If you want your camp to be seen as a giver, not a taker, this episode offers clear inspiration and actionable next steps.

00:00 Introduction: Are You a Giver or a Taker?

04:12 Rolling River Camp's History and Legacy

08:41 Community Engagement and Marketing Strategies

14:06 Building Genuine Relationships in the Community

14:41 Engaging with Schools and Local Organizations

17:11 The Power of Partnerships and Consistency

27:01 The Role of Street Teams in Community Outreach

29:01 Engaging the Community with a Street Team

31:39 The Power of Mascots in Camp Marketing

35:40 Building Relationships Beyond the Screen

41:51 Leveraging Social Media for Camp Promotion

51:36 Holiday Camps: A Gateway to Summer Enrollment

54:04 Final Thoughts and Best Practices

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

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• Marissa Allaben, Director - Rolling River Day Camp
• Ali Rothenberg, Associate Director - Rolling River Day Camp
• Heath Levine, Director - Shibley Day Camp

Send a text

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mail-bag

As another camp season wraps up, the Day Camp Podcast team is taking time to reflect, laugh and learn alongside the community that’s been with them for seven years. In this special year-end episode, our hosts open their first-ever listener mailbag and respond to real questions from camp professionals. From engaging preschoolers and creating magical moments for young campers to navigating parent expectations and building strong vendor partnerships, the conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can use right away. You’ll also hear honest reflections on what didn’t go as planned and what they’d do differently next time. If you’re looking for fresh ideas, reassurance that you’re not alone and inspiration to strengthen your camp culture year round, this episode is a must listen. Settle in for insight, humor, and a thoughtful close to the camp year.

• 00:31 Listener Mailbag: Holiday Special
• 03:11 External Partners and Vendors at Camp
• 10:55 Regrettable Changes and Lessons Learned
• 21:13 Managing Parent Expectations
• 28:25 Preschool Programming Challenges
• 30:29 Creating Magic for Young Campers
• 31:41 Engaging Activities and Special Events
• 37:39 Managing Parent Expectations
• 42:58 Off-Season Engagement and Camp Culture
• 49:06 Evaluating and Improving Camp Operations

Andy & Eric Wittenberg’s presentation comparing “The Bear” to Summer Camp

Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality

The Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality

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

• 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.c

Send a text

https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/doing-it-right

Registration season doesn’t have to feel like chaos and this week’s episode of the Day Camp Pod proves it. Hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger sit down with Eric Wittenberg to unpack what really drives successful day camp enrollment. From fine tuning customer experience to making data-informed decisions, Eric shares practical strategies that camps can implement right away. You’ll hear how to strengthen follow-up systems, personalize communication, and adapt to shifting economic realities without burning out your team. If you want to boost enrollment, improve family relationships, and approach registration with more confidence and clarity, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in and get ready to transform the way you handle camp registration

05:01 The Importance of Customer Experience (CX)

08:11 Trends and Strategies in Camp Registration

15:07 Lead Sources and Follow-Up Strategies

28:30 The Challenge of Outbound Sales in Camps

28:43 Research and Findings on Camp Follow-Ups

29:28 Learning from Other Industries

29:55 The Value of Persistent Follow-Ups

30:51 Comparing Camp Sales to Other Industries

31:30 Understanding the Lifetime Value of a Camper

33:01 Leveraging Data for Better Camp Management

33:49 Exploring Tools for Automation and Efficiency

35:48 The Importance of Enrollment Follow-Up

37:56 Effective Communication Strategies

39:50 State of the Camp Industry

45:24 Adapting to Economic Uncertainty

50:50 Strategies for Increasing Enrolment

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Rand Fishkin

Rand Fishkin on Medium

Dean Jackson

Grant Cardone

Mailbag Episode! Send your questions, thoughts and ideas

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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

With:

• Eric Wittenberg, Founder - Camper Machine, The Camp Stack

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