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:

Mini-Pod - 13 Industry Experts, 13 Tips for New Camp Directors - CampHacker & The Day Camp Pod May 28, 2024

Show notes

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 to your new full-timers, and for the jaded veterans we bet you will appreciate some of these as well. This, is the DAY CAMP POD!

Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)

Review us on iTunes!

If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp
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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 - Outdoor Playgrounds: https://crs4rec.com/product-category/facility-enhancements/playgrounds/

Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy!

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Keeping Gen-Z Staff Satisfied & Engaged - With Justin Pritikin - The Day Camp Pod #105 May 21, 2024

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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 giving variations of this session to camp leadership teams across the northeast, and he was generous enough to record a final presentation just for us, the podcast that broke him.

I strongly encourage you to WATCH this presentation with all 296 slides on the GoCampPro YouTube Channel - because while the audio is stellar, the slides put it over the top. Stick around for the last 15 minutes of this podcast as well, as Sam and I will do a little Q & A with Justin. So, kick back and enjoy this super valuable chunk of wisdom that will absolutely help you better understand the inner workings of the Gen-Z Camp Workforce - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!

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:

Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp
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/

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!

Talking Teens - with Jeff Leiken - The Day Camp Pod #104 May 14, 2024

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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 him the camp counselor for camp directors, and we’ve snagged him for the next 45 minutes or so to talk shop about philosophies and best practices with our teenage campers and staff. THIS… IS THE DAY CAMP POD!

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
Jeff Leiken, President - Evolution Mentoring International

Bonus Link: https://www.evolutionmentoring.com/

Sponsors:

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

AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Splashpads & Aquatic Play: https://crs4rec.com/product-category/splashpad/

Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy!

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

Thanks, Camp Pro!

“Yes, Chef!” Camp Leadership Lessons from “The Bear” - with Eric Wittenberg - The Day Camp Pod #103 Apr 30, 2024

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

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 for those of you who missed it.

The FULL VIDEO is on the GoCampPro YouTube Channel with all of our episodes - So check it out, as it’s better with visuals - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!

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
Eric Wittenberg, Founder - Camper Machine, The Camp Stack

Video and audio courtesy of Chris Komjian.

Sponsors:

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

AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/

Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy!

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Staff With Additional Needs - with Allison Krabill & Jordanna Grossinger - The Day Camp Pod #102 Apr 09, 2024

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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 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!

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
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Allison Krabill, Executive Director - The Summer Camp Society
Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

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 - 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!

Maximizing the Use of Your Summer Staff - with Thomas Coffey & Matt Kaufman - The Day Camp Pod #101 Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

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 - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!

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
Thomas Coffey, Director - Southhampton Camp & Club
Matt Kaufman, Director - Camp Ramaquois

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 - 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!

Random Acts of Ice Cream - with Dave Boyle & Meagan Springer - The Day Camp Pod #100 Feb 24, 2024

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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 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!

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
Dave Boyle, Executive Director - YMCA Camp Cristina
Meagan Springer, Operations Director - YMCA Camp Cristina

Sponsors:

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

AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/

Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy!

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Full-Time Pipeline & Transitioning Leadership - with Sam Borek & Gregg Licht - The Day Camp Pod #99 Feb 06, 2024

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Send us Fan Mail

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!

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 Borek, Owner - Woodmont Day Camp
Gregg Licht, Director - Elmwood Day Camp

Sponsors:

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

AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/

Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy!

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Managing Parents Working at Camp - with Joe Smith & Jay Milde - The Day Camp Pod #98 Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

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 Jay Milde. This, is the Day Camp Pod!

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
Joe Smith, Executive Director - Spark Day Camp
Jay Milde, Associate Director & Director of Staffing - Breezemont Day Camp

Bonus 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!

Camper Recruitment & Retention - with Travis Allison & Joanna Warren Smith - The Day Camp Pod #97 Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

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!

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 Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Travis Allison - Co-Founder & Consultant - Go Camp Pro
Joanna 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!

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The Day Camp Pod – From Go Camp Pro

Going full-time is scary! These camp pros have some wise words to help any director find their footing.

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

He’s back! Justin's insight is more important than ever. You won’t want to miss this one!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Summer camps rarely meet their full potential of teen programing. Jeff Leiken is here to help us get into the teen mindset!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Staff training is nearly upon us…will you be ready?

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

A diverse staff team is a stronger staff team.

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Increase your staff efficiency by maximizing your staff’s abilities.

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Looking to appreciate and recognize your staff better? Come listen and learn from the best in the business!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

No one becomes a director overnight.

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Hiring parents as staff can be a double-edged sword…

Please review and subscribe!

Do you know what keeps your campers coming back?

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

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