The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp Pro

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/trust-2025Navigating Parenting and Camp Management Post-PandemicIn this episode of the Day Camp Pod, hosted by Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, Jaime Pickles, and Kelly Jones, the panel tackles the evolving challenges of parenting and camp management post-pandemic. They discuss the increasing anxieties parents face today, their heightened expectations, and how these impact their trust and communication with camp professionals. The experts share valuable insights and strategies for improving communication, balancing customer service with boundary setting, and ensuring transparency. Kelly provides exceptional tips for handling first-day jitters, while Jaime highlights the importance of a proactive, empathetic approach to parent relations. This episode is a must-listen for camp directors looking to enhance their parent engagement and provide a better camp experience amid today's challenges.Highlights:05:50 Parental Expectations and Camp Communication09:45 Handling Difficult Parent Situations13:32 Effective Communication Strategies16:50 Balancing Information Overload19:57 The Modern Parent's Dilemma30:09 The Pressure of Social Media on Parenting31:53 Distress Tolerance and Unrealistic Expectations40:24 Importance of Consistency and Policies45:42 Handling Difficult Conversations and Transparency49:17 Proactive Communication and Parent Orientation55:23 Investing in Parent Relations-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictJaime Pickles, Director - Everwood Day CampKelly Jones - Executive Director and Day Camp Director - Outpost Summer 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

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/start-from-scratch-2024From Passion to Reality: Starting and Running a Successful Day CampIn this episode of The Day Camp Pod, hosts Andy Pritikin and Sam Thompson delve into the world of starting and running a successful day camp. Featuring guests Corey Kalman, who started a franchise of sports camps in California, and Mario Del Cueto, who launched a new day camp last summer, the episode covers everything from initial steps and marketing strategies to personalizing the camp experience and building strong community connections. The hosts also share useful tips for aspiring camp directors and emphasize the importance of following your passion and constantly improving your program. Highlights:04:23 Starting a Basketball Camp08:47 Expanding to After-School Programs12:15 Challenges and Strategies in Camp Management19:36 Mario's First Summer as a Camp Director25:23 Building Partnerships for Camp Success28:10 Creative Marketing Strategies29:38 Overcoming Initial Challenges31:39 Continuous Improvement and Staff Training-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictKorey Kalman, Founder & Owner - Got Game SportsMario Del Cueto, Camp Director - Mountain Camp MarinSponsors: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/ownership-goldInside the Camp Ownership World: Success Stories and ChallengesJoin 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 Gold05:29 First Steps in the Camp Industry13:06 Taking Over Meadowbrook Day Camp17:46 Acquiring Oak Crest Day Camp26:17 Expanding to Multiple Camps27:12 Reviving a Dormant Camp32:50 Financial Realities of Camp Management37:11 Entrepreneurial Drive in Camp Ownership-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 DistrictJonathan M. Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of CampsJustin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood 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

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/eddie-norgardNavigating the Challenges of Camp Management while Fostering Creativity and GrowthEddie 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 guyHighlights:01:36 Meet Eddie Norgard05:44 Journey into the YMCA08:36 Innovative Camp Solutions15:03 Building Community Relationships22:49 Revamping the Counselor Experience23:49 Empowering Counselors for Success24:34 The Importance of Camp Culture25:16 Building Relationships and Loyalty29:55 Opportunities in the Camp Industry-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-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictEddie Norgard, Summer Camp Professional & Executive Director - YMCALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddienorgard/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eddienorgard/Email: eddie.norgard@outlook.com-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/2024forwardNavigating the Day Camp Renaissance: Staffing Solutions and InnovationsSummer 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 Reflections08:34 Staffing Challenges and Solutions12:05 Scheduling and Attendance Strategies25:07 Reflecting on Staff Attendance Strategies28:24 Discussing Campers Post-Pandemic Behavior30:50 Parental Involvement and Communication34:41 Staff Training and Support Systems37:05 The Importance of Camp Community45:04 Future of Camp Leadership and Branding-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 DistrictSam Borek, Camp Owner/Director - Woodmont Day CampJustin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day CampGregg Licht, Director - Elmwood 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

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/season-6-debriefThe 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!-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 CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictSponsors: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/ -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 textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/13-tipsGoing 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!-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 CampSam 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 textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/gen-z-staffHe’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!-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 CampAndy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictSponsors: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 textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/talking-teensSummer 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!-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 CampJeff 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 textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/yes-chefStaff 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!-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 CampEric Wittenberg, Founder - Camper Machine, The Camp StackVideo 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!