Government & Organizations
**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 May.

The Day Camp Pod, from Go Camp Pro. Bringing you the best ideas, strategies and discussions in the Day Camp Industry.

Latest Episodes:

Summer 2021 - aka - What the HECK just happened!? - The Day Camp Pod #58 Sep 21, 2021

Show notes

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/summer-2021-debrief

We’re on the other side of the Summer of 2021 - Let’s unpack it together.

How are you?

After a first, or second COVID-summer, many Day Camp Pros are only now coming out of hibernation. It was, to say the least, a tough summer.

But have no fear, the Day Camp Pod is here! Join Andy, Sam and Tiff as they talk about their perspective on the summer and how they, and the industry as a whole need to move forward towards a successful, and calmer 2022.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro

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
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Day Camp Tip of the Week

Sam: Negative Space Tie Dye
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YOUR HOSTS:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District

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/

2021 Mental Health Check-Up - with Dr. G - The Day Camp Pod #57 May 25, 2021

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/2021-mental-health

The perfect, and most important way to wrap up our season together - Thanks for being a friend of camps everywhere Dr. G!

2020 and 2021 have been quite a shock to our camp community. The clinically inclined would call it trauma. Same as a 9/11, a war, or other experiences that can shake the foundation of our emotions.

While society is slowly emerging from the pandemic- things are getting better, the emotional scars will remain for a long time after. For our camper, their parents, and our staff.

For this, perhaps the most important topic of the year, and our final show of the season, we’re bringing in the heavy artillery - Dr. G, Debi Gilboa, joins us again to help us better understand the lay of the land in the world mental health.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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Review us on iTunes!
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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
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YOUR HOSTS:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Dr. Deborah Gilboa, “Dr. G”, Parenting & Youth Development & Resiliency Expert - www.askdoctorg.com

Sponsors:

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

AM Skier Insurance http://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!

Mini-Pod - Running Your Not-For-Profit like a For-Profit - with Aaron Greenberg - The Day Camp Pod May 18, 2021

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-not-for-profit-like-for

Welcome to the meshugganah motivator himself, Aaron Greenberg!

The not-for-profit camping world has had it tough this past year, with nervous funders, shoe-string budgets, furloughed staff and such. But not as much so with the Jewish Camps that work with Aaron Greenberg. In 2020, Aaron was the meshugganah motivator that got the vast majority of JCC Day Camps to open up across the country.

Part of that comes from his belief that you need to run your non-profit like a for-profit. Andy looks forward to you meeting with his friend Aaron.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro

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
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YOUR HOSTS:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Aaron Greenberg, CEO - Jewish Day Camp Network

Sponsors:

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

AM Skier Insurance http://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!

Supporting Trans Campers and Staff - with Chris Rehs-Dupin - The Day Camp Pod #56 May 11, 2021

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/supporting-trans-campers-staff

We can’t keep doing things the way we’ve been doing them if our goal is to keep all of the campers in our care safe. Welcome, Chris Rehs-Dupin!

Day Camps have gone through all kinds of changes through the years. In the 1950s and 60s - the talk was probably about integration at camps. In the 1990s and 2000s we had our first openly gay staff and campers, and today - we are welcoming more and more transgender folks in our community.

Yet most camp directors of a certain age - Boomers and Xers - struggle with the implications. What will the parents say, where will they change, what about the bathrooms, and I can tell you first hand that most of that worry is for naught.

Today, we are lucky to have an expert in the field - Chris Rehs-Dupin, who will give us an inside and out view of transgender campers and staff, and leave us with some tips to help make our camps as truly inclusive as we say they are.

Thanks to Chris for joining us. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider donating to Transplaining at https://www.transplaining.info/one-time-gift.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro

Review us on iTunes!
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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

Additional Resources - Thanks, Chris!

Chris’ Episode Summary - A GREAT Resource!

YOUR HOSTS:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Chris T. Rehs-Dupin, Speaker & Co-Founder - Transplaining

Guest Bio - Chris Rehs-Dupin

Chris Rehs-Dupin spent the majority of his professional career (17 years) in youth development in the outdoors- including 8 years in overnight programming, and 9 years in day programming. Chris is a passionate speaker, trainer, and educator- who has spoken at numerous conferences, camps, and to larger organizations. Participants agree that Chris works to meet them where they are- and educates in the absence of shame.

Chris loves to support camps as they foster gender-inclusive practices. He is available for consulting services, which will directly support a camp’s goals within the context of their community.

Sponsors:

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

AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/

Mini-Pod - Games, Games, and More Games - with Curt Jackson - The Day Camp Pod May 04, 2021

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-games-games

Curt “Moose” Jackson is with Sam to share his best games and best gaming practices.

This mini-pod is all about games!

Games are the bread and butter of a great camp staff member and you can never have too many favourites.

We’re grateful for Curt to join us on this episode! If you want more Camp Programming goodness, check out his podcast at https://www.summercamppro.com/scp-pod/
In this episode, we cover:

Why include games in training?
How do you teach staff, to teach games, to campers
How can you make your own game?
What equipment can you provide your counselors to keep in their backpacks?
“New” games, Inclusive games, transition games.

Bonus Resources

Sam’s game guide - School Age New Games II
Curt's Hip Pocket Activities Booklet - Thanks, Curt!
Curt is offering a free copy to our listeners. Just use the discount code DAYCAMPPOD (doesn't need to be in caps). It will be good all through May.

Here is the link...

https://patchworkmarketplace.com/product/hip-pocket-activities-booklet-template/

Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro

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

Sponsors:

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

AM Skier Insurance http://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!

Restorative Circles and Awkward Tacos - with Emily Golinsky - The Day Camp Pod #55 Apr 27, 2021

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/circle-taco

Using circles (…and tacos?) to help our campers be their best this summer. Welcome, Emily Golinsky!

Most Day Camps fancy themselves masters in the art of Circle Time, but we doubt that most look at it as an act of restorative justice. To quote a golden Bob Ditter metaphor, camp is about making change, and Emily Golinsky is going to walk us through a framework that you are going to want to use with your team this summer, when we start seeing challenging behaviors.

She also has a phenomenal metaphorical take on our lovable, less typical kids involving Tacos that we can’t wait for you to hear.
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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
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Day Camp Tip of the Week

Andy: Adding another level of hierarchy to the mix to support the increased needs of campers this summer - “Assistant Division Leader”

Sam: Building a better sprinkler system

Emily: “Kids do well when they can“
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Additional Resources - Thanks, Emily!

The Awkward Taco: Social Skills at Camp

Restorative Circles & Circles for Conflict Resolution
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YOUR HOSTS:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Emily Golinsky, Trainer, Professional Development Leader & Consultant - Bright Moose, LLC

Sponsors:

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

AM Skier Insurance http://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!

Mini-Pod - Staff Training in 2021 - with Professor Dave Malter - The Day Camp Pod Apr 20, 2021

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-camp-training-dave-malter

Welcome back to the Podcast, Dave Malter!

Andy and the great Professor Dave Malter are here to talk about the complexities that will go into training staff to serve kids that have been living in a pandemic for a WHOLE YEAR now.

It’s going to be a different kind of training, so we need to bring in the pros to help us get ready.

Thanks to Professor Dave for coming and sharing his insights.

Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro

YOUR HOST:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

GUEST:

David Malter aka “Professor Dave”, Speaker, Trainer and Consultant - ProfessorDave.camp

Andy Pritikin

David Malter - AKA Professor Dave

SPONSORS:

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

AM Skier Insurance http://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!

The "Frank" Episode - with Michael Brandwein - The Day Camp Pod #54 Apr 13, 2021

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/frank-brandwein

Welcome back, Michael Brandwein!

Like a day camp guardian angel, Michael Brandwein has been bestowing wisdom upon us for longer than many of our listeners may roam this earth- How does that make you feel, Michael? The defending champion of Day Camp Pod guests returns in our third season to defend his belt- in a unique way that you’ve likely not experienced him before.

Michael, like all of us, is supremely concerned about mental health this camp season- including OUR OWN, and he’s back to share his awesome insight and perspective with us.
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro

Review us on iTunes!
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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
-

Day Camp Tip of the Week

Andy: Michael’s Multiple Soccer Goals - Kick it up a notch!!!

Sam: Hungry Hippos

Tiff: Big Life Journal & Kindness is Cool Boxes!
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YOUR HOSTS:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com/store

More from Michael!

Michael’s six bestselling books are Training Terrific Staff, Vols. 1 and 2, Skill of the Day: What Great Leaders of Young People Do & Say, Super Staff SuperVision, Learning Leadership: How to Develop Outstanding Teen Leadership Programs at Camp, and his latest, Growing Great Qualities in Kids: The L.A.S.E.R.B.E.A.M. Technique for Bringing Out the Best in Young People. All are available directly at www.michaelbrandwein.com/store

To reach Michael regarding staff and leadership training, virtual and face-to-face, please contact him at mail@michaelbrandwein.com
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Sponsors:

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

AM Skier Insurance http://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!

Mini-Pod - Day Camp Activity Scheduling - Sponsored by Camptivites - The Day Camp Pod Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mini-camp-activities

YOUR HOST:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

GUEST:

Ryan Rosen, Director - Camp Kinneret & Founder - Camptivities

SPONSORS:

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

AM Skier Insurance http://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!

Liquid Sunshine - with Cricket Snearing - The Day Camp Pod #53 Mar 30, 2021

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/liquid-sunshine

It’s time to learn to dance in the rain, folks!

At day camp we don’t have rainy days, we have Liquid Sunshine, and it’s not raining until we say it is. My brother lives in Seattle, where it rains almost every day, and nobody complains. As we camp directors like to say- “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing.”

Rainy days are more than a weather phenomenon, they are a state of mind, AND… they are an amazing exercise in PREPARATION- Put your galoshes on people, it’s time to get wet!

Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
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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
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Day Camp Tip of the Week

Andy: Lightning Protection (www.bblightning.com) - And cans of soda for prizes

Sam: Picture Scavenger Hunt

Tiff: Do things that adults do- Paint ‘n’ Sip (Paint ‘n’ Pop Tart), Mocktails and Karaoke, Vision Boards, etc.

Cricket: Ask your staff- get ideas from them, use PINTEREST!!!
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YOUR HOSTS:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Cricket Snearing, 30 years as Administrative Director and Rockwood Adventures Teen Travel Director at Sesame, Current Summer Ceramics Teacher at Camp Walden, NY

SPONSORS:

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

AM Skier Insurance http://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!

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The Day Camp Pod – From Go Camp Pro

We’re on the other side of the Summer of 2021 - Let’s unpack it together.

Day Camp Tip of the Week

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

The perfect, and most important way to wrap up our season together - Thanks for being a friend of camps everywhere Dr. G!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Welcome to the meshugganah motivator himself, Aaron Greenberg!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

We can’t keep doing things the way we’ve been doing them if our goal is to keep all of the campers in our care safe. Welcome, Chris Rehs-Dupin!

Additional Resources - Thanks, Chris!

YOUR HOSTS:

Guest Bio - Chris Rehs-Dupin

Sponsors:

Curt “Moose” Jackson is with Sam to share his best games and best gaming practices.

Bonus Resources

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Using circles (…and tacos?) to help our campers be their best this summer. Welcome, Emily Golinsky!

Day Camp Tip of the Week

Additional Resources - Thanks, Emily!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Welcome back to the Podcast, Dave Malter!

YOUR HOST:

GUEST:

Please review and subscribe!

Welcome back, Michael Brandwein!

Day Camp Tip of the Week

YOUR HOSTS:

More from Michael!

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

SPONSORED CONTENT - Thanks to Camptivities for their support!

YOUR HOST:

GUEST:

Please review and subscribe!

It’s time to learn to dance in the rain, folks!

Day Camp Tip of the Week

YOUR HOSTS:

Please review and subscribe!

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