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**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:

Camping “In the City” - with Eileen Price - The Day Camp Pod #113 Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/in-the-city

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 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 Price
02:50 The Birth of Camp in the City
08:53 Camper Choice and Autonomy
12:16 Daily Camp Operations
18:43 Parental Involvement and Camper Independence
21:42 The Importance of Risk-Taking
24:41 Consolidating Camp Locations: Challenges and Decisions
27:26 Expanding Camp Models to New Cities
31:25 Navigating Nonprofit Status and Funding
38:01 Adapting to Post-Pandemic Realities
41:16 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 Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Eileen 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/
Camptivities
- Scheduling 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.com
CampMinder
- Campminder 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

Scenario Planning 101 - Camp Ahead #2 Dec 31, 2024

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/scenario-planning-101

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 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 Planning
05:33 Key Drivers for the Future of Camps: Economic and Staff Considerations
07:55 Environmental and Technological Impacts on Camps
15:09 Social Drivers and Equity in Future Camps
20:33 Imagining Positive Futures: Pronoia vs. Paranoia
25:36 The Impact of Camp and Nature
26:04 Funding and Philanthropy in Camping
29:31 The Value of Experiential Learning
30:12 Community and Indigenous Relationships

Episode Links:

Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ 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.

NEW SHOW - Intro to Mental Time Travel - Camp Ahead #1 Dec 18, 2024

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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 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 Hosts
01:51 The Concept of Future Scenarios
03:46 Pandemic Reflections
06:43 Proactive vs. Reactive Planning
30:08 Thinking Big: Managing Smaller Challenges
31:10 Climate Migration and Its Impacts
33:12 Demographic Shifts in Camping
38:09 The Importance of Collaboration

Episode Links:

Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams - Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Data-Driven Staffing Insights - with Dan Weir, Jack Schott and Justin Pritikin - The Day Camp Pod #112 Dec 17, 2024

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

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 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 Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Dan Weir, Sr. Consultant - immersive1st - Day Camp Community
Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp
Jack 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/
Camptivities
- Scheduling 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.com
CampMinder
- Campminder 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

Winning Parents Trust in 2025 - with Jaime Pickles and Kelly Jones - The Day Camp Pod #111 Dec 10, 2024

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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 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 Communication
09:45 Handling Difficult Parent Situations
13:32 Effective Communication Strategies
16:50 Balancing Information Overload
19:57 The Modern Parent's Dilemma
30:09 The Pressure of Social Media on Parenting
31:53 Distress Tolerance and Unrealistic Expectations
40:24 Importance of Consistency and Policies
45:42 Handling Difficult Conversations and Transparency
49:17 Proactive Communication and Parent Orientation
55:23 Investing in Parent Relations

Your Hosts:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Jaime Pickles, Director - Everwood Day Camp
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:

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/
Camptivities
- Scheduling 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.com
CampMinder
- Campminder 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

Starting a Day Camp from Scratch - with Korey Kalman and Mario Del Cueto - The Day Camp Pod #110 Nov 26, 2024

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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 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 Camp
08:47 Expanding to After-School Programs
12:15 Challenges and Strategies in Camp Management
19:36 Mario's First Summer as a Camp Director
25:23 Building Partnerships for Camp Success
28:10 Creative Marketing Strategies
29:38 Overcoming Initial Challenges
31:39 Continuous Improvement and Staff Training

Your Hosts:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Korey Kalman, Founder & Owner - Got Game Sports
Mario Del Cueto, Camp Director - Mountain Camp Marin

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/
Camptivities
- Scheduling 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.com
CampMinder
- Campminder 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

The Journey of Camp Ownership - with Jonathan Gold - The Day Camp Pod #109 Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

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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 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 Gold
05:29 First Steps in the Camp Industry
13:06 Taking Over Meadowbrook Day Camp
17:46 Acquiring Oak Crest Day Camp
26:17 Expanding to Multiple Camps
27:12 Reviving a Dormant Camp
32:50 Financial Realities of Camp Management
37:11 Entrepreneurial Drive in Camp Ownership

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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

Your Hosts:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Jonathan M. Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of Camps
Justin 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/
Camptivities
- Scheduling 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.com
CampMinder
- Campminder 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

Journeys and Innovation in Day Camp - with Eddie Norgard - The Day Camp Pod #108 Oct 29, 2024

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

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. You’re going to love this guy

Highlights:

01:36 Meet Eddie Norgard
05:44 Journey into the YMCA
08:36 Innovative Camp Solutions
15:03 Building Community Relationships
22:49 Revamping the Counselor Experience
23:49 Empowering Counselors for Success
24:34 The Importance of Camp Culture
25:16 Building Relationships and Loyalty
29:55 Opportunities in the Camp Industry

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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

Links From This Episode:

Find these at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/eddie-norgard

Your Hosts:

Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Eddie Norgard, Summer Camp Professional & Executive Director - YMCA
- LinkedIn: 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/
Camptivities
- Scheduling 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.com
CampMinder
- Campminder 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

2024 Look Back & Forward - with Sam, Justin and Gregg - The Day Camp Pod #107 Oct 15, 2024

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/2024forward

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 back day campers and let’s do it.

Highlights:

05:40 Summer 2024 Reflections
08:34 Staffing Challenges and Solutions
12:05 Scheduling and Attendance Strategies
25:07 Reflecting on Staff Attendance Strategies
28:24 Discussing Campers Post-Pandemic Behavior
30:50 Parental Involvement and Communication
34:41 Staff Training and Support Systems
37:05 The Importance of Camp Community
45:04 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 Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Sam Borek, Camp Owner/Director - Woodmont Day Camp
Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp
Gregg 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/
Camptivities
- Scheduling 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.com
CampMinder
- Campminder 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

Andy & Sam Go to Washington & Season 6 DCP Tid-Bits - The Day Camp Pod #106 Jun 04, 2024

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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 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 Camp
Sam 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 - 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!

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The Day Camp Pod – From Go Camp Pro

From Idea to 750 Campers: Eileen Price's Inspiring Experience with In the City Camps

Your Hosts:

Sponsors:

Exploring Camp Futures: Key Drivers and Scenario Planning

Episode Links:

Our Hosts:

Sponsors:

Welcome to Camp Ahead: The Futurology of the Summer Camp Industry

Episode Links:

Our Hosts:

Sponsors:

The Staffing Puzzle: Day Camp Experts Share Trends and Tips

Survey & Webinar:

Your Hosts:

Sponsors:

Navigating Parenting and Camp Management Post-Pandemic

Your Hosts:

Sponsors:

From Passion to Reality: Starting and Running a Successful Day Camp

Your Hosts:

Sponsors:

Inside the Camp Ownership World: Success Stories and Challenges

Your Hosts:

Sponsors:

Navigating the Challenges of Camp Management while Fostering Creativity and Growth

Links From This Episode:

Your Hosts:

Sponsors:

Navigating the Day Camp Renaissance: Staffing Solutions and Innovations

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

The summer is upon us! Join us as we debrief the best Day Camp Pod Tid-Bits from the past eight months.

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

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