

The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp Pro
Go Camp Pro
The Day Camp Pod is for day camp leaders who want real answers and practical advice. Each episode covers how to build a resilient camp, face daily challenges, and support every camper. Our hosts and guests are experienced camp directors who believe in problem-solving, teamwork, and helping staff grow. We talk about staff training, making camps more welcoming for everyone, and building strong connections with parents. If you want to learn how empathy and creativity make camps better, and how to keep your camp strong during tough times, you’ll find new ideas here twice a month from Actober to May.The Day Camp Pod, from Go Camp Pro. Bringing you the best ideas, strategies and discussions in the Day Camp Industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 5min
Staff With Additional Needs - with Allison Krabill & Jordanna Grossinger - The Day Camp Pod #102
Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/additional-needs-staffA 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!-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 DistrictAllison Krabill, Executive Director - The Summer Camp SocietyJordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin HoodSponsors: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!

Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 2min
Maximizing the Use of Your Summer Staff - with Thomas Coffey & Matt Kaufman - The Day Camp Pod #101
Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/maximizing-summer-staffIncrease 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!-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 DistrictThomas Coffey, Director - Southhampton Camp & ClubMatt Kaufman, Director - Camp RamaquoisSponsors: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!

Feb 24, 2024 • 58min
Random Acts of Ice Cream - with Dave Boyle & Meagan Springer - The Day Camp Pod #100
Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/random-acts-ice-creamLooking to appreciate and recognize your staff better? Come listen and learn from the best in the business!One of the best parts of attending the CODA and ACA National Conference is meeting super smart day camp pros from all over the country, and I am so happy that we can share the genius of Dave Boyle and Meaghan Springer from Camp Cristina, of the Tampa YMCA.These two are awesome, and geysers of knowledge which they are eager to share with us, especially in the realm of staff recognition and appreciation. So get your notepad out, and get comfy - 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 DistrictDave Boyle, Executive Director - YMCA Camp CristinaMeagan Springer, Operations Director - YMCA Camp CristinaSponsors: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!

Feb 6, 2024 • 54min
Full-Time Pipeline & Transitioning Leadership - with Sam Borek & Gregg Licht - The Day Camp Pod #99
Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/transitioning-leadershipNo one becomes a director overnight. Taking over an existing camp operation is no small feat, and today we’re joined by two seasoned, self-made camp professionals who have each had unique challenges. It’s a great podcast for anyone looking to one day become a day camp operator, as we also explore the challenges of just getting into the camp director pipeline. Prepare yourself, people - 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 Borek, Owner - Woodmont Day CampGregg Licht, Director - Elmwood Day CampSponsors: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!

Jan 9, 2024 • 48min
Managing Parents Working at Camp - with Joe Smith & Jay Milde - The Day Camp Pod #98
Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/parents-at-campHiring parents as staff can be a double-edged sword…There’s no better way to get adult staff to buy into your camp and your culture than to have their kids attending camp, and drinking your kool-aid. That said, there’s a lot of ins and outs, a lot of positives and a lot of negatives. And, it’s sort of a Day Camp thing - so let’s explore it with our guests Joe Smith, and Jay Milde. 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 DistrictJoe Smith, Executive Director - Spark Day CampJay Milde, Associate Director & Director of Staffing - Breezemont Day CampBonus Link:Working at Liberty Lake with Your Kids in Camp (PDF Download)-Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/ Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/CRS - Kangaroo Jumper: https://crs4rec.com/kangaroo-jumper/ -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!

Dec 19, 2023 • 47min
Camper Recruitment & Retention - with Travis Allison & Joanna Warren Smith - The Day Camp Pod #97
Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/recruitment-and-retentionDo you know what keeps your campers coming back? Getting campers through the door and keeping them there is an art form of empathy, creativity, and execution. Today we speak with two experts in the field who have literally created a playbook that can be utilized and appreciated by day camp pros, young and old… 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-Get your own copy of the Camper Recruitment & Retention Playbook!https://campmarketingbook.com/ -YOUR HOSTS:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictTravis Allison - Co-Founder & Consultant - Go Camp ProJoanna Warren Smith - Camp Consultant Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/ Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/CRS - Shade structures: https://crs4rec.com/product/shade/ -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!

Dec 5, 2023 • 1h 1min
Grout is Great: The “In-Between Times” - with Michael Brandwein - The Day Camp Pod #96
Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/in-between-momentsBlocks are good, but it’s the grout that holds everything together.At Day Camp, we spend the majority of our planning time working on our militaristic program grids of athletics, arts, swim, etc. But the day camp day ALSO includes the “in-between moments.” These can be boring wastes of time, or create exciting and memorable CAMPY opportunities that kids will remember far longer than the ball they hit, or the bracelet they wove.Let’s ask Michael Brandwein how HE feels about this - because I’m sure he’s got some thoughts and ideas… 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-Get more Michael!Webinar, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, March 26 & 27, 2024: Brandwein on Training: The Step-by-Step System for Planning & Presenting Your Best Staff Training EverWebinar, Friday, May 17, 2024: Brandwein on Super Staff SuperVision: The Quick Course on Outstanding Skills to Coach, Motivate, & Bring Out the Best in Staff-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-Books mentioned in podcast:Skill of the Day: What Great Leaders of Young People Do & SayTraining Terrific Staff Vol. 2Super Staff SuperVisionAvailable at www.michaelbrandwein.com/store-Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.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!

Nov 21, 2023 • 1h 2min
The Staff Experience - with Jack Schott & Justin Pritikin - The Day Camp Pod #95
Jack Schott and Justin Pritikin discuss the staff experience at camps, highlighting the need for more support and attention. They explore the importance of staff ratio, introducing Camptivities as a solution for scheduling challenges. They address pain points and pressure points in the camp program and discuss ways to make staff feel valued and appreciated. Recognizing and praising staff members at camp is emphasized, along with teaching independence and prioritizing staff in camps.

Nov 7, 2023 • 1h 1min
Crisis Management & Debrief - with Dave Thoenson & Joel Bennett - the Day Camp Pod #94
Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/crisis-management When it comes to crisis, prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent.With all the crazy stuff going on in our country and the world, camp directors often have to become crisis managers. One of our friends, Dave Thoenson from Tamarack Day Camp outside of Chicago, joins us to debrief his experience from the Highland Park parade shooting in the Summer of 2022. We also welcome Joel Bennett who was at the parade with his family and saw the situation from the perspective as a camp parent and an ACA accreditation visitor. This, is the Day Camp Pod!This podcast discusses the incident and fallout of a mass shooting, which was unsettling to the hosts and guests and will likely be so to the listeners. This is an important topic, so we encourage you to listen and to be prepared for what’s to be discussed.-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 DistrictWith,Dave Thoensen, Camp Owner/Director - Tamarak Day CampJoel Bennett, Owner - Joel Bennett Consulting-Sponsors:Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.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!

Oct 26, 2023 • 57min
Summer 2023 Debrief - with Dr. Kelly Jones - the Day Camp Pod #93
Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/summer-2023-debriefWhat lessons can we learn from summer 2023?Summer 2023 is in the books, and we not only survived, but we thrived - very much like it’s 2019 again… Our super-thoughtful friend from the West Coast, Kelly Jones, joins us to talk about last summer, and we’ll try hard not to just talk about staff stuff, but that seems to be what people want to hear… 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 DistrictWith,Kelly 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:Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.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!


