The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp Pro

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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

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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
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at

Send us a text

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]

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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
  • 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/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
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at

Send us a text

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

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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/ 

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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!

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!

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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 - 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!

Send us a text

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

He’s back! Justin's insight is more important than ever. You won’t want to miss this one!

This past Tri-State Camp Conference, our all-star podcast guest, Justin Pritikin presented to a packed room of camp professionals about working with his generation’s workforce. Younger camp pros appreciated his candor in speaking up for them, while older camp directors appreciated his insight - and even offered him jobs. For the past month he has been giving variations of this session to camp leadership teams across the northeast, and he was generous enough to record a final presentation just for us, the podcast that broke him.

I strongly encourage you to WATCH this presentation with all 296 slides on the GoCampPro YouTube Channel - because while the audio is stellar, the slides put it over the top. Stick around for the last 15 minutes of this podcast as well, as Sam and I will do a little Q & A with Justin. So, kick back and enjoy this super valuable chunk of wisdom that will absolutely help you better understand the inner workings of the Gen-Z Camp Workforce - 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:

• Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp
• 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/

-

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!

Send us a text

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

Summer camps rarely meet their full potential of teen programing. Jeff Leiken is here to help us get into the teen mindset!

There are very few camp consultant trainers in our industry over the past quarter century that have had the impact of Jeff Leiken. His impactful sessions at the major camp conferences, and his work with over 300 individual camps have utilized his unique insight on youth development. 

Some call him the camp counselor for camp directors, and we’ve snagged him for the next 45 minutes or so to talk shop about philosophies and best practices with our teenage campers and staff. 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


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YOUR HOSTS:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Jeff Leiken, President - Evolution Mentoring International 

Bonus Link: https://www.evolutionmentoring.com/ 

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 - Splashpads & Aquatic Play: https://crs4rec.com/product-category/splashpad/ 

-

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!

Send us a text

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

Staff training is nearly upon us…will you be ready?

Hulu’s award-winning TV show, THE BEAR teaches valuable lessons from running a restaurant, and turning your staff from good to great - that really resonate to running a summer camp. Eric Wittenberg of CamperMachine and CampStack fame gave this session with me at Tri-State last month and we’ve gotten tons of great feedback, so we thought we’d share it for those of you who missed it. 

The FULL VIDEO is on the GoCampPro YouTube Channel with all of our episodes - So check it out, as it’s better with visuals - 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
• Eric Wittenberg, Founder - Camper Machine, The Camp Stack

Video and audio courtesy of Chris Komjian.

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/

-

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!

Send us a text

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

A diverse staff team is a stronger staff team.

Since 2020, camps have been more and more aware of their staff’s needs - particularly their pay, schedule flexibility, and the amount of burden they carry. But meanwhile, our staff have very similar additional needs as our campers do - and while we’re super patient and accommodating with our campers, we struggle with the balance and concept of accommodating our staff.

We discuss this mental block we seem to have with Allison Krabill and Jordanna Grossinger, and it’s an excellent conversation that’s sure to make you see things a little bit differently - 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
• Allison Krabill, Executive Director - The Summer Camp Society
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

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 - Emergency Alert System: https://crs4rec.com/product/emergency-alert-systems/ 

-

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!

Send us a text

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

Increase your staff efficiency by maximizing your staff’s abilities.

In today’s world of $4000 camp counselors, camps need to do everything possible to be efficient in how we staff our summer programs. We discuss this topic and more with Thomas Coffey from Southampton Day Camp, and the one and only Matt Kaufman from Camp Ramaquois. This topic transcends all camps, especially Sam’s municipal program, where it’s all about efficiencies. So kick back and enjoy it - 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
• Thomas Coffey, Director - Southhampton Camp & Club
• Matt Kaufman, Director - Camp Ramaquois

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 - Emergency Alert System: https://crs4rec.com/product/emergency-alert-systems/ 

-

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!