The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp Pro

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/arrival-dismissalMastering Day Camp Chaos: Arrival & Dismissal Secrets RevealedHow we start our days at camp sets the machine in motion, in regard to intentionality and building community. How we end is what they remember each day, and is just as important! Today, we’ve got Jordanna from Camp Robin Hood, Ontario, and Phil from the mighty Ramaquois of Rockland County NY - and we’re going to deep dive into what each of our camps do, and why- This is a thick, dense podcast, so get ready to absorb- because BIG camps that can pull this off with precision are amazing to hear about!Highlights:04:13 Transportation Logistics and Challenges08:15 Morning Hype and Community Building13:33 Arrival Procedures at Ramaquois, Liberty Lake, Robin Hood and Crystal Lake34:18 Dismissal Procedures and LogisticsLinks from this Episode:Find these at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/arrival-dismissal-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictJordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin HoodPhil Rainone, Director, Camp Ramaquois-Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:AMSkierAMSkier 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.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/CampMinderCampminder 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 textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/sunrise-campsThe Sunrise Association: Transforming Lives of kids affected by Childhood CancerThe Sunrise Day Camps started as an optimistic idea less than 20 years ago- and has grown into an unbelievably wonderful reality in which 2500 children- cancer patients, survivors, and their siblings- attended day camps last summer for no charge, with no wait lists- ever! Overall, they serve over 60,000 children each year through their day camps, year-round hospital programs and virtual programs. No organization has ever done anything like this in the camp space, their story is super-inspiring, and we can’t wait to share it with you all.Highlights:02:21 The Genesis of Sunrise Association05:05 First Camp and Recruitment Challenges16:50 Eligibility and Long-Term Impact22:46 Hospital Programs and Expansion31:10 Flexible Attendance for Campers34:13 Data Analysis and Communication Strategies39:23 Communication and Enrollment Process41:34 Expanding Camp Locations and Services44:35 Impact of the Pandemic on Camp Operations45:31 Virtual Programming and Hospital Outreach50:44 Fundraising Strategies and Community Support-Links from this Episode:www.sunriseassociation.orgSunrise Association Intro Video - https://www.youtube.com/c/SunriseAssociation-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictAileen Hoffman, Senior Vice President - Strategic Expansion, Sunrise AssociationDeanna Slade, Vice President of Camping and Related Services, Sunrise Association-Sponsors:AMSkierAMSkier 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.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/CampMinderCampminder 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 textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/new-owner-jasonWant to own your own camp? Here is the perfect case study from Jason Samuel! We've had a series of awesome podcasts this season with inspiring stories about making the jump to being a director or even an owner operator. Since we shared the Jonathan Gold podcast with our friends Howie and Kelly on the Camp Owners Pod, they're sharing back another great podcast with Andy’s former camp sidekick Jason Samuel, who recently found his way to becoming a camp owner operator himself.We're proud of you, Jason! This is the Day Camp Pod.Highlights:00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:30 Podcast Overview and Sponsors02:25 Introducing Jason Samuel & Jason's Journey into Camping07:27 The Appeal of Day Camps09:07 Purchasing The Nature Place15:30 Networking and Finding Camps for Sale21:56 Financing the Camp Purchase30:53 Navigating Lease Agreements34:23 Making Improvements and Investments37:26 Transition Challenges and Communication46:42 Lessons Learned and Advice52:46 Rapid Fire Questions-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:Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska CampsKelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines RanchJason Samuel - Owner & Director - The Nature Place-Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:AMSkierAMSkier 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.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/CampMinderCampminder 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.comPlease 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:

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/intentional-campLet’s welcome our friend Michael from Chicago back to the Day Camp Pod!Character and Youth Development are snappy little catchphrases that camp pros love to use. Mostly in their marketing pitches, brochures, and websites. And for at least three decades, Michael Brandwein has been spoonfeeding camp professionals how to not just talk the talk, but how to walk the walk. Yes, I am a convert, and an advocate for what Michael preaches- teaching our campers and staff the skills of life, and doing it in an engaging, upbeat, fun way. He’s the high exalted grandmaster of camp consulting, he’s OUR Fred Rodgers, and he’s back again- THIS, is the Day Camp Pod!-Links from this Episode:Michael’s Book - The Intentional Camp: Putting More Muscle in the Mission of Character & Youth DevelopmentUpcoming Michael Brandwein Seminars Register for Brandwein on Training: The Step-by-Step System for Planning & Presenting Your Best Staff Training EverRegister for Super Staff SuperVision: The Quick Course on Outstanding Skills to Coach, Motivate, & Bring Out the Best in StaffSign Up for More Info About The Brandwein Super Seminar on Dynamic & Intentional Camp Leadership-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictMichael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com-Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:AMSkierAMSkier 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.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/CampMinderCampminder 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 textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/inclusion2025Inclusion Best Practices for Summer CampsAre you looking to create a truly inclusive camp environment where every child feels welcome and supported?  In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, we dive deep into the world of inclusion for special needs campers with expert guests Sabrina Hinkens and Sari Grossinger.Sabrina and Sari share invaluable insights on intake processes, staff training, communication strategies, and the importance of collaboration with families and support agencies. Discover how to navigate the challenges of inclusion, from managing expectations to adapting activities and creating a sense of belonging for all campers.This episode is a must-listen for any camp professional seeking to improve their inclusion practices and create a positive and enriching experience for every child. Tune in to gain practical advice, inspiring stories, and a renewed passion for making your camp a place where everyone shines!-Links from this Episode:Find them at Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/inclusion2025-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictSari Grossinger, Owner/Director Camp Robin Hood, Co-Owner Camp Walden/Madawaska CampsSabrina Hinkens, Youth Program Manager - Gurnee Park District  -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/CamptivitiesScheduling 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.comCampMinderCampminder 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 textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/assembliesCamp Assemblies - The Secret Sauce of Camp SpiritJoin us for an exciting episode of The Day Camp Pod where we discover how to bring the magic of sleepaway camp to your day camp. Hosts Andy Pritikin and Sam Thompson welcome two experienced camp directors: Stacey Kotelov from Banner Day Camp and Dylan Wade from Emerald Cove. Stacey discusses Banner's beloved traditions like the 'Bannerama,' a lively morning and afternoon assembly filled with songs, moments of gratitude, and community-building activities. Dylan shares how Emerald Cove uses 'Amp Up' and 'Amp Down' assemblies to create a strong community through music, skits, and recognizing campers' character. Learn how to involve your staff, make the most of your existing traditions, and create a camp culture where everyone feels included. Listen for advice and examples to help make your day camp experience unforgettable. Tune in now!-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 them at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/assemblies-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictDylan Wade, Camp Director - Emerald Cove Day CampStacy Kotelov - Owner - Banner Day Camp-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/CamptivitiesScheduling 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.comCampMinderCampminder 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 textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/in-the-cityFrom Idea to 750 Campers: Eileen Price's Inspiring Experience with In the City CampsJoin the hosts of the Day Camp Pod from Go Camp Pro as they sit down with Eileen Price, the visionary behind In the City Camps in Atlanta, Georgia. Discover how Eileen's journey began with an idea for a day camp in downtown Atlanta and has grown to serve 750 campers daily. Learn about the unique aspects of In the City Camps, the focus on camper choice, and the integration of cultural values. Eileen shares her challenges, successes, and future plans for expanding the camp, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the day camp industry. Plus, get insights into the strategies and community-building efforts that have propelled In the City Camps forward.Highlights:01:31 Meet Eileen Price02:50 The Birth of Camp in the City08:53 Camper Choice and Autonomy12:16 Daily Camp Operations18:43 Parental Involvement and Camper Independence21:42 The Importance of Risk-Taking24:41 Consolidating Camp Locations: Challenges and Decisions27:26 Expanding Camp Models to New Cities31:25 Navigating Nonprofit Status and Funding38:01 Adapting to Post-Pandemic Realities41:16 Integrating Cultural and Religious Values in Camp-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 CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictEileen Price, CEO - In the City Camps-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/CamptivitiesScheduling 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.comCampMinderCampminder 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 textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/scenario-planning-101Exploring Camp Futures: Key Drivers and Scenario PlanningIn 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 Planning05:33 Key Drivers for the Future of Camps: Economic and Staff Considerations07:55 Environmental and Technological Impacts on Camps15:09 Social Drivers and Equity in Future Camps20:33 Imagining Positive Futures: Pronoia vs. Paranoia25:36 The Impact of Camp and Nature26:04 Funding and Philanthropy in Camping29:31 The Value of Experiential Learning30:12 Community and Indigenous Relationships-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/UOScenarioCreatorhttps://urgentoptimists.org/-Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference CentersJoe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat FacilityKJ 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.

Send us a textA new show from Go Camp Pro! Camp Ahead!Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!---Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/intro-to-mental-time-travelWelcome to Camp Ahead: The Futurology of the Summer Camp IndustryIn 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 Hosts01:51 The Concept of Future Scenarios03:46 Pandemic Reflections06:43 Proactive vs. Reactive Planning30:08 Thinking Big: Managing Smaller Challenges31:10 Climate Migration and Its Impacts33:12 Demographic Shifts in Camping38:09 The Importance of Collaboration-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/UOScenarioCreatorhttps://urgentoptimists.org/-Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference CentersJoe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat FacilityKJ 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.

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/data-staffingThe Staffing Puzzle: Day Camp Experts Share Trends and TipsIn 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. -Survey & Webinar:Take part in the Summer Staffing Analysis Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/staffingsummer2025-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictDan Weir, Sr. Consultant - immersive1st - Day Camp CommunityJustin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day CampJack Schott, Co-Founder - The Summer Camp Society-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/CamptivitiesScheduling 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.comCampMinderCampminder 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