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:

Public Relations - with Michael Sacks - The Day Camp Podcast #86 Mar 21, 2023

Show notes

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/public-relations-2023

Sometimes building public relations requires a bit of creativity, or at least some planning ahead. Tune in to hear Michael’s tips and tricks!

Delivering a great summer camp program is paramount to the success of our camps. But what often gets overlooked is the importance of public relations - how we are perceived by the outside world, by the other folks who DON’T attend our camps and don’t really understand what it is that we do. Because those folks determine our reputation and ability to succeed, often just as much if not more than our die-hard camp communities.

So how can we get that word out? Helping us today, is Michael Sacks, a successful PR guy and camp parent, who will bridge the gap for us - 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
With, Michael Sacks, Media Relations Specialist, Head of PR, Communications, & Client Services at Lemon Law.

Sponsors:

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

AMSkier - https://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!

Best Inclusion Practices - with Lydia & Mia - The Day Camp Podcast #85 Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/best-inclusion-practices

“No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive.” – Mahatma Gandhi. Let’s work together to make sure all children get the camp experience they deserve.

Inclusion for our campers with disabilities is one of the biggest topics in all of camping. Our annual episodes are some of our most popular ones, so we’re going to keep the content going!

Today, we’re joined by two camp professionals in the trenches, and look forward to their insight and best practices! This is the Day Camp Pod!
-

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

With special guests,

Mia Ross, Manager of Inclusion at NISRA
Lydia Gartner, Camp Director - Timber Pointe Outdoor Center

Get To Know Our Guests:

Lydia Gartner is the Camp Director at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, which is part of Easterseals Central Illinois. With over 10 years of experience in the medical and disability camp space, Lydia was a Special Education teacher prior to accepting a year-round camp position. She is passionate about creating camp environments and communities where individuals of all abilities are included, empowered, and shown unconditional regard. You can reach Lydia at LGartner@eastersealsci.com

Mia Ross, CTRS, Manager of Inclusion at Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association is driven by working closely with thirteen member districts to ensure participants with disabilities are successful within community programming. Ross actively conducts staff trainings, assessments, observations, site visits, and oversees NISRA’s internship program year-round. You can reach Mia at mross@nisra.org

Sponsors:

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

AMSkier - https://amskier.com/
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Lightning Detection - https://crs4rec.com/product/lightning-detection/

Please review and subscribe!

It’s so easy!
Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Turning Staff “Evaluations” into Mentoring & Developmental Support - with Dr. Daniel Shore and Sara Silverberg - The Day Camp Podcast #84 Feb 21, 2023

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mentoring-and-developmental-support

Investing in your staff is investing in success! Our friends from e21 are here to tell us more.

I don’t know about you, but when it comes time for my middle management to sit down with the front line staff for formal evaluations, I get very nervous about what’s about to happen. Expectations run rampant. Educators who have been evaluated for years by their supervisors all of a sudden fall prey to being too nice, or too harsh.

And at the same time, staff feel that they are superstars, when that’s often not the case. And when it’s over - is there a plan, or just hard feelings?

Today, we’re going to talk with Dr. Daniel Shore and Sara Silverberg from e21 to talk about the ins and outs of this important aspect of the staff experience, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised where it ends up - THIS, is the Day Camp Pod!

Join us as we discuss:

Developmental Check-ins
What effective support looks like
“Trust comes from Truth” - Dr. Daniel Shore
e21.org - check it out!!

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
Tiffany Yvonne, Executive Director - Purposeful Play

With special guests from e21.org

Dr. Daniel Shore, Workplace Researcher, Trainer, Consultant, & Entrepreneur
Sarah Silverberg, People and program development

Sponsors:

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

AMSkier - https://amskier.com/
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Corcls, Kayaks & Boats
- https://crs4rec.com/product-category/water-features/corcls-kayaks-boats/

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!

Training New (Young) Leadership Staff - With Michael Brandwein - The Day Camp Pod #83 Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/training-new-leadership

Even with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, camps are struggling to find staff with experience. Leadership training will be more important than ever this year, so be sure to tune in to hear some advice from the legendary Michael Brandwein!

Hey there Day Camp Pros! We are so grateful to be joined once again by the one and only Michael Brandwein, who will be discussing the ins and outs of elevating our frontline superstars into top-flight Leadership Team members. No easy feat, especially these days!

So kick back and enjoy some lessons from the legend, 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
Tiffany Yvonne, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer and Author
- https://www.michaelbrandwein.com/store

Get More Michael:

BRANDWEIN STAFF TRAINING WEBINAR: Save a ton of planning time and boost the quality of your staff training! Tuesday & Wednesday, March 28 & 29, 2023, 1:00-4:00 p.m. CDT. See PDF Flyer for more info. Register at https://acai.wildapricot.org/event-5064766.

BRANDWEIN SUPERVISOR & LEADERSHIP TEAM TRAINING: Live online Saturday May 13, 10-4:15 p.m. CDT. This is a one-day Quick Course on supervision for both new and experienced people in which participants learn exactly what to say and do to bring out the best in staff and program. See PDF Flyer for more info. Register at https://acai.wildapricot.org/event-5064659

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 - Zoom Floom
- https://crs4rec.com/product-category/facility-enhancements/zoom-floom/

Please review and subscribe!

Hanging with the Counselor’s Counselor - Scott Arizala - The Day Camp Podcast #82 Jan 24, 2023

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

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

Scott is no longer the “cool young buck” of the camp industry. Tune in to hear about the lessons learned from his years of experience!

Scott Arizala is one of the greatest staff trainers that I’ve ever learned from. He’s a master teacher, able to translate big concepts with humor, realism, and story telling. You’ve seen him at ACA National, you’ve seen him at Tri-State, if you’re crazy lucky- you may have even seen him at your Camp.

And if you’ve never experienced Scott, you’re in for a real treat. Damn, Scott, you better live up to this grand intro- 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
Tiffany Yvonne, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
Scott Arizala, Summer Camp Consultant & Trainer - The Camp Counselor
- scott@thecampcounselor.com

Sponsors:

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

Camptivities - https://www.camptivities.com/
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
- CRS - Emergency Alert Systems:
- https://crs4rec.com/product/emergency-alert-systems/

Show Notes Bonus Link:
Fun In The Sun MASTER - Icebreaker games and puzzles

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 - Maximizing the Use of Your Facility - with H Rothenberg - The Day Camp Pod Jan 10, 2023

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/maximizing-use-of-facility

How can you pivot your traditional Day Camp program and facility to help with year-round revenue? Andy and H are here to tell you how!

COVID-19 forced us to be more creative than we’ve ever been before. From program to staffing to facilities, we re-writ the playbook on what is possible to ensure that our camps will be around for years to come.

When it comes to outside the box thinking, there are no two people that you want on your team than Andy Pritikin and H Rothenberg.

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

After School Camp
Corporate/Team Building/Retreats/PARTIES!
Field Trips, Field Days
Scouting / Home School
Rentals
Private Parties
Charity Fundraisers
EVENTS- Renaissance, Circus, Concerts, Wine Tastings…AND MORE!

-
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
“H” Rothenberg, Camp Coach and Director - Triple C Camp

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 - Pedal Carts:
- https://crs4rec.com/product-category/facility-enhancements/pedal-karts/

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!

Day Camp Trends - with Joanna Warren Smith - The Day Camp Podcast #81 Dec 27, 2022

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

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

Joanna has assessed and consulted over 500 camps… ya, you won’t want to miss this one!

There are a lot of Camp Consultants out there, helping nice, well-meaning, camp operators get their act together, and run their camps like businesses, and Joanna Warren Smith is one of the originals. She’s been doing it for as long as I’ve been doing this camp thing which is over 25 years, and she stays on the cutting edge of trends and proactive thinking.

Through surveys, focus groups, visiting camps, and just listening, Joanna is one of the smartest camp minds out there, and I can’t wait for you to meet her - 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
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 - Pedal Carts:
- https://crs4rec.com/product-category/facility-enhancements/pedal-karts/

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!

Incentivizing Staff to Just Show Up - with Ross Coleman and Adam Wallach - The Day Camp Pod #80 Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

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

Front-line workers have certainly felt the pressure these past couple of years. Tune in to hear Ross and Adam’s tips on encouraging staff to keep coming back!

Once upon a time, there were day camp staff that worked the full season, full days, and missing time was a rare occurrence. Today - not so much. With the front-line staff reckoning of the past few years, getting our staff to just show up every day has become more and more of a chore.

Today, we explore some proactive initiatives being taken by two of the most creative minds in our field, Ross Coleman and Adam Wallach - 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

With Guests:

Ross Coleman, Owner/Director - Coleman Country Day Camp
Adam Wallach, Owner/Director - Mohawk Day Camp

NOTES AND IDEAS FROM ROSS AND ADAM:

Ross:

We started a weekly attendance raffle in 2021. You are eligible if you do not miss any time the week prior. If you are late, leave early, absent, etc you are not eligible for the drawing.
Those eligible have their names put into our raffle bucket and we pick two winners each Monday morning. I announced the two winners on our camp PA at 9:30 each Monday. Each winner receives $500 on the spot.
There was no mention of money or attendance when I did the announcements. It was framed as the winner of our staff raffle. We saw a significant drop in staff asking to leave for the doctor, road test, etc. It was also a very exciting moment each Monday when we did the announcement.

Adam:

As we increased and adjusted salaries this year, we essentially made $400 of the total salary a bonus. The $400 could be earned at $50 per week. The criteria for earning the bonus were:

Present every day for that week and on time for work
Prepared for work - bathing suit, staff shirt, name is written on staff shirt
In the pool during swims
Actively Participating with your group in activities
No cell phone use.

The bonus was called "Being a Mohawk Professional" and it was a session at training. The bonus was available to general counselors and assistant counselors. (Adding lifeguards for 2023). The specialty staff and group leaders were...

More Young Thoughts with Justin Pritikin - The Day Camp Podcast #79 Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/young-thoughts-with-justin

There is LOTS to learn from our up-and-coming youth! Justin is back to share some key insights of the corporate world from the Gen Z point of view.

Two of our most popular podcasts last year involved the perspectives of the opinionated young man, Justin Pritikin, who graduated college, and unceremoniously left camp this summer to start a corporate-level job with lululemon with whom he had been working with during college.

Back from LA for a few days, we’ve cornered Justin and are ready for his thoughts on what he’s learned in relation to his camp experience, and what camps can do better with Gen Y-Z - 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
Justin Pritikin, Product & Inventory Lead at lululemon

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 - Inflatable Water Products:
- https://crs4rec.com/product-category/water-features/inflatable-water-products

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!

What Can Camp Learn from Corporate America? - with Mario Del Cueto - The Day Camp Pod #78 Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

Send us Fan Mail

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/learn-from-corporate-america

Corporate practices are just as applicable to camps. Tune in to hear Mario’s top three!

Camp is a warm fuzzy place. AND it’s a business. And our friend Jonathan Gold likes to remind us, we have to run a good business FIRST, in order to do the good things that we do. Mario Del Cueto attended and worked at Day Camp, and now works at the Global Management Consulting Firm, Bain and Company.

Mario spent this summer on a project that involved visiting some great camps across the country, and we’re going to ask him what he learned- and what the corporate consulting industry can offer the camp industry - 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
Mario Del Cueto, Consultant at Bain & Co, Author of TheCampConsultant.com

Connect with Mario:

Email: mariodc37@gmail.com
Phone: 818 669 9367
Linkedin
OR in-person at ACA National & ACA Tri-state!

Bonus Link:

https://thecampconsultant.com/2022/10/10/what-camp-can-learn-from-corporate-america/

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 - Concrobium Disinfectant Cleaner: https://crs4rec.com/product/concrobium-disinfectant-cleaner/

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!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Day Camp Pod – From Go Camp Pro

Sometimes building public relations requires a bit of creativity, or at least some planning ahead. Tune in to hear Michael’s tips and tricks!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

“No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive.” – Mahatma Gandhi. Let’s work together to make sure all children get the camp experience they deserve.

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Investing in your staff is investing in success! Our friends from e21 are here to tell us more.

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Even with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, camps are struggling to find staff with experience. Leadership training will be more important than ever this year, so be sure to tune in to hear some advice from the legendary Michael Brandwein!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Scott is no longer the “cool young buck” of the camp industry. Tune in to hear about the lessons learned from his years of experience!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

How can you pivot your traditional Day Camp program and facility to help with year-round revenue? Andy and H are here to tell you how!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Joanna has assessed and consulted over 500 camps… ya, you won’t want to miss this one!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Front-line workers have certainly felt the pressure these past couple of years. Tune in to hear Ross and Adam’s tips on encouraging staff to keep coming back!

YOUR HOSTS:

There is LOTS to learn from our up-and-coming youth! Justin is back to share some key insights of the corporate world from the Gen Z point of view.

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Corporate practices are just as applicable to camps. Tune in to hear Mario’s top three!

YOUR HOSTS:

Sponsors:

Please review and subscribe!

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6