The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp Pro

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Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/summer-2026

In this Summer 2026 debrief, Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger look back at the wins, challenges, and unexpected lessons from another summer at camp. From smoother transportation and stronger staff growth to wildfire smoke, extreme heat, staffing challenges, and evolving parent expectations, this episode gets real about what worked and what needs to change. You’ll hear practical ideas for improving operations, strengthening staff culture, gathering better family feedback, and preparing for increasingly unpredictable weather. If you’re already thinking about next summer, this conversation is packed with lessons worth bringing into your fall planning.

• 02:12 Sam’s Summer Wins
• 03:12 Busing And Parking
• 04:28 Pandemic Changes Stick
• 05:53 Wagon Water Bottle Hack
• 09:16 Wildfire Smoke Pivot
• 10:05 Heat And AC Debate
• 11:33 Parents Value Camp More
• 14:58 First Time Families Focus
• 16:14 Jordanna Runs Camp Solo
• 21:09 Andy’s Generational Shift
• 23:13 Leading Through Change
• 27:16 Accountability And Fear
• 28:25 Staff Identity And Ecosystem
• 30:39 Gossip And Body Talk
• 31:35 Background Checks Gray Areas
• 33:21 Heat Protocols And Inspections
• 38:10 Wildfire Smoke Closure Call
• 39:44 Refunds Credits And Policy Updates
• 43:05 Climate Risks And Shelter Planning
• 47:05 Emergency Response And 911 Reflections
• 51:36 Fall Planning And Feedback Loops
• 57:00 Lost And Found Science

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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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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
  • Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn more at camptivities.com.
• 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: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp‍  ‍

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Send us Fan Mail

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

As conversations around childcare, workforce development and youth mental health continue to grow, summer camp has an important story to tell and this episode takes listeners straight to the front lines of that advocacy work. Andy Pritikin shares an inside look at ACA Hill Day 2026 in Washington, DC, where camp professionals met with lawmakers to push for critical issues like background check access, J-1 visa reform and stronger bipartisan support for camps. Packed with eye-opening stats, real camp stories and practical ways camp leaders can get involved, this episode highlights why advocacy matters now more than ever. If you care about the future of camp and the impact it has on families, communities and the next generation, this is a must listen episode.

• 02:01 Inside Hill Day
• 04:00 Camp Stories
• 05:44 Camp Impact Stats
• 07:35 Childcare Funding
• 09:46 Future Ready Skills
• 12:20 Background Checks CPIA
• 14:34 J-1 Visa Crunch
• 15:20 Camp Caucus Push
• 18:14 Invite Officials
• 19:38 Why Hill Day Matters
• 24:31 Summer Sendoff

EIS State Sheets

BridgeUSA J-1: Exchange Visitors and America’s Summer Camps

Congressional Camp Caucus 

Child Protection Improvements Act (CPIA)

Unlocking a Future Where All Children Can Thrive

Michele Branconier - ACA - Senior Director of Volunteerism

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

• 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 atamskier.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: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp‍  ‍

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Send us Fan Mail

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

Enrollment isn’t just “feeling” tighter, there’s real data behind the shift, and it’s coming for camps faster than many leaders expect. In this episode, Jake Sorenson and Jonathan Gold break down the demographic cliff, what it means for your program, and why 2028 should already be on your radar. More importantly, they move beyond the problem and offer practical ways to adapt, from rethinking older camper experiences to doubling down on what makes camp truly indispensable. If you want to stay ahead of enrollment challenges (instead of reacting to them), this is a must listen.

• 06:20 Why Data Matters
• 07:13 Median Age Warning Signs
• 09:12 Demographic Cliff Explained
• 13:48 Societal Shifts, Smaller Families
• 16:36 Immigration, Diversity Impact
• 21:07 Regional Differences ,Local Data
• 28:48 Making the Case for Camp
• 30:48 Small Camps Biggest Risk
• 32:38 Be Undeniably Great
• 33:21 Culture Shifts And Shorter Stays
• 34:21 Affordability And Funding Paths
• 37:23 AI Proof Value Pitch
• 38:35 Disaster Planning For Enrollment Drops
• 40:34 Staffing Shifts And Camp Winners
• 43:51 Grandparents And Donor Strategy
• 45:42 Middle School And Teen Opportunity
• 47:41 Modernize Beyond Tradition
• 49:55 Personal Touch Beats Automation

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

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• Jonathan Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - Arbor Group of Camps
• Jake Sorenson, Founder, Sacred Playgrounds 

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 AMSkier difference. Learn more atamskier.com.

Send us Fan Mail

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

Burnout doesn’t have to be the cost of caring deeply about your work. In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, executive coach Tiffany Yvonne returns to share a powerful framework, “Pause, Plan, Play to Win.”, that helps camp professionals realign their values, reclaim their energy and lead with intention. From navigating high pressure environments to building self trust and resilience, this conversation is packed with practical strategies you can use right away. If you’re feeling stretched thin or ready to lead (and live) more sustainably, this episode is a must listen.

• 03:11 From Camp To Corporate
• 04:08 Athletes Under Pressure
• 06:12 Power Of Camp Play
• 09:45 Burnout And Self Care
• 13:56 Camp Is Everywhere
• 15:43 Pause Plan Play Framework
• 20:04 Resilience and Rest
• 21:14 Feelings as Data
• 22:51 Self Trust Decisions
• 27:08 Coaching Framework
• 30:27 Personal Why Story
• 33:44 Retention and Alignment
• 38:14 Camp Skills Beyond Camp

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How a ‘quit list’ can help you play to win - Tiffany’s TED Talk

Coach Tiffany Yvonne - Leadership & Life Coach

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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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• Tiffany Yvonne, CEO, Cultural Strategist, Executive Coach, Speaker - Playmaker Solutions

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 AMSkier difference. Learn more atamskier.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: https://ratet

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to the Day Camp Pod!

Whether you’re joining us in our beginning season, or if you’re reading this in the vast nethers of the future, we’re so glad you’re here!

Open Houses are time and time again, one of the best ways to get the final “yes” from potential camp parents. If done well, parents will register their child, if done REALLY well, they will tell their friends, family and friend’s family that your camp is the place to be this summer.

However, the intentionality required to pull off a great camp open house should not be underestimated. Here to help you steer the ship toward the shores of success are our Day Camp Pod Pros, Andy, Ehren and Sam! Tune in to this episode to hear answers to:

• What’s the goal of your Open House?
• What guideposts do you use for your open houses? Camp Fairs? Price Breaks?
• How can you make an Open House an event all in itself?
• Who are you marketing your camp Open Houses to? How can you specifically recruit them?
• What are you going to do to make your tour stand-out?
• How do you train your staff to give the best tour ever?
• How do you intentionally end your tour?
• What is your client follow-up process like?

Get your pens, paper and Evernote documents out, because this one if FULL of ideas you can implement this season!

Do you have any Open House hacks? Let us know in the comment section!

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DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!

• Andy - Learn to Ride Bike Elective
• Ehren - Sing your Heart Out Staff Event
• Sam - Service Projects For Campers

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ
• Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director, Camp Robin Hood
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor, Crystal Lake Park District-

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!

Send us Fan Mail

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!

Send us Fan Mail

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 us Fan Mail

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: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp  

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Send us Fan Mail

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 amskier.com.

Send us Fan Mail

*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