The Day Camp Pod - From 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 Ma...
We’ve Got Mail: The First Annual Day Camp Pod Mail Bag! - The Day Camp Pod #130
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Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mail-bag
Your questions, our answers and plenty of camp stories along the way
As another camp season wraps up, the Day Camp Podcast team is taking time to reflect, laugh and learn alongside the community that’s been with them for seven years. In this special year-end episode, our hosts open their first-ever listener mailbag and respond to real questions from camp professionals. From engaging preschoolers and creating magical moments for young campers to navigating parent ex...
Registration Strategies: Data, Decisions & Doing It Right - with Eric Wittenberg - The Day Camp Pod #129
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https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/doing-it-right
Mastering Day Camp Registration: Expert Tips & Strategies with Eric Wittenberg
Registration season doesn’t have to feel like chaos and this week’s episode of the Day Camp Pod proves it. Hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger sit down with Eric Wittenberg to unpack what really drives successful day camp enrollment. From fine tuning customer experience to making data-informed decisions, Eric shares practical strategies that camps can implement right away. You’ll hear how to strengthen follow-up systems, personalize communication, and adapt to shi...
Thriving in Shared Facilities - with Brianne Feinour and Megan Snape - The Day Camp Pod #128
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/thriving-shared-facilities
A Guide to Communication, Collaboration, and Camp Culture in Shared Spaces
Running a day camp in a shared facility brings both challenges and opportunities. In this episode, guests Brianne Feinour and Megan Snape share what it takes to run vibrant, community focused camps inside schools, fitness centers, and other multi-use spaces. They offer practical strategies for communicating with partners, maximizing limited space, and keeping campers safe and engaged. You’ll hear stories from their programs in Toronto an...
Turn Around Strategies: Managing Leadership Transitions - with Heath Levine and Jonathan Gold - The Day Camp Pod #127
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When a day camp starts to lose its spark, what does it take to bring it back to life? In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, the hosts sit down with Heath Levine from Shibley Day Camp and turnaround expert Jonathan Gold to unpack what really goes into reviving an underperforming camp. From rebuilding a positive culture and engaging the community to tackling staff retention and marketing hurdles, they share real stories and strategies that have helped transform...
Capturing the Sleepaway Spirit Vol. 8 - with Dan Johnson and Dan Weir - The Day Camp Pod #126
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/sleepaway-spirit
What makes sleepaway camp feel so special and how can day camps capture that same magic? In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger are joined by camp pros Dan Johnson and Dan Weir to unpack exactly that. Together, they explore creative ways to bring community, connection, and spontaneous fun into the day camp environment.
Episode Links:
Camp Robin Hood’s Hands are Strong Sin...
Maximize Your Camp: From Summer Days to Year Round Impact - with Peggy Aylmer - The Day Camp Pod #125
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/maximize-your-camp
Expanding reach, building partnerships and creating sustainable revenue
Ever wondered what your camp could become after the last camper goes home for the summer? In this episode, Andy, Jordanna and Sam are joined by Peggy Aylmer, Senior Program Director - Day Camps and Retreats - YMCA Camp Copneconic to dive into how camps can transform their spaces and strengthen their communities year-round. From hosting school groups and family reunions to corporate retreats and even Renaissance...
Summer 2025: Biggest Wins, Challenges, and What's Next - The Day Camp Pod #124
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/summer-2025-debrief
Riding the Post-Summer Vibe: Wins, Wildcards, and What's Ahead
In this episode, Andy, Sam, and Jordanna reflect on the summer of 2025, sharing their biggest wins, unexpected challenges, and key takeaways as they transition into the off-season.
The trio dives into the nuances of camp life after the campers are gone, discussing the "shoulder season" and the unique staffing needs it presents. The conversation touches on the importance of accountability, the evolving relationship w...
Final Thoughts Before Summer ‘25 - The Day Camp Pod #123
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Gearing Up for Glory - Have a great summer, Day Camp Pros!
The countdown to Summer 2025 has begun, and before we immerse ourselves in the smiles and hugs of camp life, we're hitting record one last time! This episode is packed with essential insights as we reflect on our recent advocacy efforts in Washington D.C., revealing how camp leaders are fighting for our industry's future.
We tackle the very real pre-summer...
Staff Accountability - with Erec Hillis and Justin Pritikin - The Day Camp Pod #122
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Raising the Bar: Practical Strategies for Staff Accountability This Summer
This week on The Day Camp Pod, we dive into the essential topic of staff accountability, exploring how to foster a professional environment where team members are responsible and contribute effectively. Hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger welcome Justin Pritikin and Eric Hillis to discuss strategies for setting clear expectations, addressing performance, and empowering leadership staff to hold their teams accountable.
H...
Staff Training with Roz and Jed - with Roz and Jed Buck - The Day Camp Pod #121
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/roz-jed-2025
Maximizing Your Staff Training: Connection Before Content
There are a lot of staff trainers out there in the camp world- But there are very few who actually helmed a large day camp themselves, dealing with the ins and outs, trials and tribulations, and the challenges of training hundreds of seasonal staff. Roz and Jed share tips on creating a dynamic and engaging orientation, balancing structure with organic moments, fostering a positive camp culture, and implementing...
The Kids Aren’t Listening to Me! - with Emily Golinsky - The Day Camp Pod #120
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/kids-arent-listening
"They Just Won't Listen!": Expert Tips for Managing Camper Behavior Challenges
It’s the second week of camp, and you can anticipate a good percentage of your frontline staff going to their supervisors and declaring, “the kids aren’t listening to me!”
What do you do? What do you say? Going backwards, what should you have done during training that would have helped give them better tools? For this universal topic, we bring in Emily...
Lessons from the Big Camps: Arrival and Dismissal - with Jordanna Grossinger and Phil Rainone - The Day Camp Pod #119
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Mastering Day Camp Chaos: Arrival & Dismissal Secrets Revealed
How 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...
The Amazing Sunrise Day Camps Story - with Aileen Hoffman and Deanna Slade - The Day Camp Pod #118
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The Sunrise Association: Transforming Lives of kids affected by Childhood Cancer
The 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...
The Journey of a New Owner - with Jason Samuel - The Day Camp Pod #117
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/new-owner-jason
Want 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...
The Intentional Camp - with Michael Brandwein - The Day Camp Pod #116
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Let’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 wh...
Every Camper Counts: The Power of Inclusion - with Sari Grossinger and Sabrina Hinkens - The Day Camp Pod #115
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/inclusion2025
Inclusion Best Practices for Summer Camps
Are 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 h...
The Best Day Camp Assemblies - with Stacy Schwartz Kotelov & Dylan Wade - The Day Camp Pod #114
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Camp Assemblies - The Secret Sauce of Camp Spirit
Join 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...
Mergers, Medications, and Mental Health - Exploring Diverse Scenarios - Camp Ahead #3
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Exploring Diverse Scenarios for the Future of Summer Camps | Camp Ahead
In this episode of Camp Ahead, hosts Joe, Jess, and KJ put their scenario planning skills to the test as they discuss diverse future scenarios related to organizational mergers, technology, and mental health, exemplifying the need for camp professionals to be prepared for various possible futures. Along the way you’ll hear some great tips on the benefits of being transparent, intentional and innovative in navigating yo...
Camping “In the City” - with Eileen Price - The Day Camp Pod #113
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From Idea to 750 Campers: Eileen Price's Inspiring Experience with In the City Camps
Join 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...
Scenario Planning 101 - Camp Ahead #2
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Exploring Camp Futures: Key Drivers and Scenario Planning
In 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 a...
NEW SHOW - Intro to Mental Time Travel - Camp Ahead #1
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A new show from Go Camp Pro! Camp Ahead!
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/intro-to-mental-time-travel
Welcome to Camp Ahead: The Futurology of the Summer Camp Industry
In 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...
Data-Driven Staffing Insights - with Dan Weir, Jack Schott and Justin Pritikin - The Day Camp Pod #112
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The Staffing Puzzle: Day Camp Experts Share Trends and Tips
In 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 st...
Winning Parents Trust in 2025 - with Jaime Pickles and Kelly Jones - The Day Camp Pod #111
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/trust-2025
Navigating Parenting and Camp Management Post-Pandemic
In 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...
Starting a Day Camp from Scratch - with Korey Kalman and Mario Del Cueto - The Day Camp Pod #110
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/start-from-scratch-2024
From Passion to Reality: Starting and Running a Successful Day Camp
In 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...
The Journey of Camp Ownership - with Jonathan Gold - The Day Camp Pod #109
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/ownership-gold
Inside the Camp Ownership World: Success Stories and Challenges
Join 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...
Journeys and Innovation in Day Camp - with Eddie Norgard - The Day Camp Pod #108
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Navigating the Challenges of Camp Management while Fostering Creativity and Growth
Eddie 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...
2024 Look Back & Forward - with Sam, Justin and Gregg - The Day Camp Pod #107
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Navigating the Day Camp Renaissance: Staffing Solutions and Innovations
Summer 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...
Andy & Sam Go to Washington & Season 6 DCP Tid-Bits - The Day Camp Pod #106
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/season-6-debrief
The 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...
Mini-Pod - 13 Industry Experts, 13 Tips for New Camp Directors - CampHacker & The Day Camp Pod
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/13-tips
Going 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...
Keeping Gen-Z Staff Satisfied & Engaged - With Justin Pritikin - The Day Camp Pod #105
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/gen-z-staff
He’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 g...
Talking Teens - with Jeff Leiken - The Day Camp Pod #104
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/talking-teens
Summer 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 h...
“Yes, Chef!” Camp Leadership Lessons from “The Bear” - with Eric Wittenberg - The Day Camp Pod #103
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Staff 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...
Staff With Additional Needs - with Allison Krabill & Jordanna Grossinger - The Day Camp Pod #102
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/additional-needs-staff
A 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 bloc...
Maximizing the Use of Your Summer Staff - with Thomas Coffey & Matt Kaufman - The Day Camp Pod #101
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/maximizing-summer-staff
Increase 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 - THI...
Random Acts of Ice Cream - with Dave Boyle & Meagan Springer - The Day Camp Pod #100
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/random-acts-ice-cream
Looking 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...
Full-Time Pipeline & Transitioning Leadership - with Sam Borek & Gregg Licht - The Day Camp Pod #99
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/transitioning-leadership
No 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!
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Managing Parents Working at Camp - with Joe Smith & Jay Milde - The Day Camp Pod #98
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/parents-at-camp
Hiring 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...
Camper Recruitment & Retention - with Travis Allison & Joanna Warren Smith - The Day Camp Pod #97
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/recruitment-and-retention
Do 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!
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Do you...
Grout is Great: The “In-Between Times” - with Michael Brandwein - The Day Camp Pod #96
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/in-between-moments
Blocks 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’...
The Staff Experience - with Jack Schott & Justin Pritikin - The Day Camp Pod #95
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/the-staff-experience
What’s the best way to ensure our staff keep coming back?
Since the staff revolution of summer 2021, most camps have put more focus on the staff experience than ever before. If we’re being honest SOME focus, as opposed to hardly any, as most of us realize that we’ve been taking our workforce for granted. So, less stress, less burden, less responsibilities, with more pay, more support, more attention - AND STILL… It often doesn’t feel lik...
