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LITs, CITs, CILTs, Interns, Future Leaders - whatever you call them, they are the keys to your camp’s future! Here’s how to give them the best day camp experience ever.

One of the most difficult parts of directing camp is that it can be hard to really be “in the moment” at camp. 

After all, it’s our job to have long term vision. If we’re not thinking a week, month or year ahead of where we are now, we may miss an opportunity, or end up having to scramble down the road.

One of the things that can often be a long term stressor is staffing. If we aren’t putting in a consistent recruiting effort, we could be missing out on a potential all-start candidate.

What if there was a way to find that all-star 4 years in advance? Better yet, what if 4 years down the road, that all-star will know your program like the back of their sweaty, ga-ga ball playing hand?

An effective teen leadership program is like a staffing crystal ball. Not only does it create a successful staff team down the road, but it also gives teens the 21st-century skills that are going to help them for the rest of their lives.

Teen leadership programs are really the best of both worlds - but only if you do them right.

To help you get them right, Andy, Sam and Ehren are joined by Ryan Rosen from Camp Kinneret and Liberty Lake Director, Brandi Carnivale.

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

• Why do a teen leadership program in the first place?
• When is the best time to begin teens on their leadership journey?
• What are some examples of effective structures of teen leadership programs at different camps?
• How to give teens a meaningful experience beyond just the program and counseling work they assist with?
• What are some special moments to add to your program that will make it memorable and truly empower teens to be the world’s leaders of the future?
• Wilderness Trips, Board Breaking, Mentorship and many more gems from our hosts

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THE DAY CAMP PROGRAM TIP OF THE WEEK 

Sam: Make your own sidewalk chalk

Ehren: Instagram party just for teen campers

Brandi: Board breaking ceremony

Ryan: At the end of every summer, look at what your staff are struggling with, and look back to re-design the leadership program to start emphasizing those skills now.

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YOUR HOSTS:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director - Camp Robin Hood
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Brandi Carnivale-Anderson, Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Ryan Rosen, Director - Camp Kinneret

SPONSORS:

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

• American Camp Association, NY & NJ
• AM Skier Insurance
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)  

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