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https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/onboarding-part2

Creating a positive first time camper experience takes thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a team that’s ready to make every family feel welcome. In part 2, Jackie Port and Maria Horner share practical strategies for preparing new campers and their families, from preview days and staff briefings to dedicated camper ambassadors and early parent follow ups. Learn how to get the right information into the right hands, ease first day nerves, and build consistent onboarding practices that help families feel confident choosing your camp!

• 01:33 Preview Day Blueprint
• 04:25 Buses Ease Anxiety
• 05:51 Meet and Greet Options
• 07:05 Open House Booths
• 09:51 Camper Profiles and AI
• 15:21 Briefing Frontline Staff
• 17:15 Reports and New Camper Flags
• 19:00 Staff Briefing Rhythm
• 20:34 Sharing Info With Discretion
• 20:53 Helping First Time Parents
• 24:19 Mental Health Forms
• 27:23 First Day Check Ins
• 29:06 Ambassadors For New Campers
• 31:27 Surveys And Metrics
• 33:51 Consistent Session Onboarding

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

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• Jackie Port, Assistant Director - Camp Ramaquois
• Maria Horner, Executive Director - Catalina Island Camps

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
  • Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn 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

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!

Send us Fan Mail

https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/onboarding-part1

A great first time camper experience can be the difference between a one summer family and a family that returns year after year. In Part 1 of this two part conversation, your hosts are joined by Jackie Port and Maria Horner to explore practical ways to welcome new campers, build parent confidence, and create a sense of belonging from the very first interaction. From personalized communication and thoughtful welcome packages to setting realistic expectations and helping families navigate the bumps along the way, this episode is packed with strategies you can put into practice. Tune in to discover how intentional onboarding can turn first time families into lifelong camp community members!

• 00:00 Why First Timers Matter
• 07:04 Camp Is A Business
• 09:21 Retention And Metrics
• 12:29 Care Package Welcome
• 16:33 Day Camp Onboarding Tactics
• 19:01 Segmenting New Families
• 22:27 Personal Emails Build Trust
• 24:35 Lead Liaison Routing
• 25:25 Instant Brochure Automation
• 26:21 Segmentation And Hype Emails
• 28:27 First Time Family Outreach
• 29:37 Keeping Big Camps Personal
• 30:04 Calls Versus Emails
• 32:48 Preschooler Prep Events
• 34:14 Setting Parent Expectations
• 35:17 Struggle Plus Support
• 39:34 Parent Education And Reunions
• 43:32 Director Authority And Trust

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

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• Jackie Port, Assistant Director - Camp Ramaquois
• Maria Horner, Executive Director - Catalina Island Camps

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
  • Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn 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

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!

Send us Fan Mail

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/summer-2026

In this Summer 2026 debrief, Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger look back at the wins, challenges, and unexpected lessons from another summer at camp. From smoother transportation and stronger staff growth to wildfire smoke, extreme heat, staffing challenges, and evolving parent expectations, this episode gets real about what worked and what needs to change. You’ll hear practical ideas for improving operations, strengthening staff culture, gathering better family feedback, and preparing for increasingly unpredictable weather. If you’re already thinking about next summer, this conversation is packed with lessons worth bringing into your fall planning.

• 02:12 Sam’s Summer Wins
• 03:12 Busing And Parking
• 04:28 Pandemic Changes Stick
• 05:53 Wagon Water Bottle Hack
• 09:16 Wildfire Smoke Pivot
• 10:05 Heat And AC Debate
• 11:33 Parents Value Camp More
• 14:58 First Time Families Focus
• 16:14 Jordanna Runs Camp Solo
• 21:09 Andy’s Generational Shift
• 23:13 Leading Through Change
• 27:16 Accountability And Fear
• 28:25 Staff Identity And Ecosystem
• 30:39 Gossip And Body Talk
• 31:35 Background Checks Gray Areas
• 33:21 Heat Protocols And Inspections
• 38:10 Wildfire Smoke Closure Call
• 39:44 Refunds Credits And Policy Updates
• 43:05 Climate Risks And Shelter Planning
• 47:05 Emergency Response And 911 Reflections
• 51:36 Fall Planning And Feedback Loops
• 57:00 Lost And Found Science

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

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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
  • Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn 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

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!

Send us Fan Mail

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/washington

As conversations around childcare, workforce development and youth mental health continue to grow, summer camp has an important story to tell and this episode takes listeners straight to the front lines of that advocacy work. Andy Pritikin shares an inside look at ACA Hill Day 2026 in Washington, DC, where camp professionals met with lawmakers to push for critical issues like background check access, J-1 visa reform and stronger bipartisan support for camps. Packed with eye-opening stats, real camp stories and practical ways camp leaders can get involved, this episode highlights why advocacy matters now more than ever. If you care about the future of camp and the impact it has on families, communities and the next generation, this is a must listen episode.

• 02:01 Inside Hill Day
• 04:00 Camp Stories
• 05:44 Camp Impact Stats
• 07:35 Childcare Funding
• 09:46 Future Ready Skills
• 12:20 Background Checks CPIA
• 14:34 J-1 Visa Crunch
• 15:20 Camp Caucus Push
• 18:14 Invite Officials
• 19:38 Why Hill Day Matters
• 24:31 Summer Sendoff

EIS State Sheets

BridgeUSA J-1: Exchange Visitors and America’s Summer Camps

Congressional Camp Caucus

Child Protection Improvements Act (CPIA)

Unlocking a Future Where All Children Can Thrive

Michele Branconier - ACA - Senior Director of Volunteerism

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

• 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/
• 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
• AMSkier
  • AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more atamskier.com.

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!

Send us Fan Mail

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/enrollment-cliff

Enrollment isn’t just “feeling” tighter, there’s real data behind the shift, and it’s coming for camps faster than many leaders expect. In this episode, Jake Sorenson and Jonathan Gold break down the demographic cliff, what it means for your program, and why 2028 should already be on your radar. More importantly, they move beyond the problem and offer practical ways to adapt, from rethinking older camper experiences to doubling down on what makes camp truly indispensable. If you want to stay ahead of enrollment challenges (instead of reacting to them), this is a must listen.

• 06:20 Why Data Matters
• 07:13 Median Age Warning Signs
• 09:12 Demographic Cliff Explained
• 13:48 Societal Shifts, Smaller Families
• 16:36 Immigration, Diversity Impact
• 21:07 Regional Differences ,Local Data
• 28:48 Making the Case for Camp
• 30:48 Small Camps Biggest Risk
• 32:38 Be Undeniably Great
• 33:21 Culture Shifts And Shorter Stays
• 34:21 Affordability And Funding Paths
• 37:23 AI Proof Value Pitch
• 38:35 Disaster Planning For Enrollment Drops
• 40:34 Staffing Shifts And Camp Winners
• 43:51 Grandparents And Donor Strategy
• 45:42 Middle School And Teen Opportunity
• 47:41 Modernize Beyond Tradition
• 49:55 Personal Touch Beats Automation

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District

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• Jonathan Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - Arbor Group of Camps
• Jake Sorenson, Founder, Sacred Playgrounds

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/
• 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
• AMSkier
  • AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more atamskier.com.

Send us Fan Mail

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/pause-plan-play

Burnout doesn’t have to be the cost of caring deeply about your work. In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, executive coach Tiffany Yvonne returns to share a powerful framework, “Pause, Plan, Play to Win.”, that helps camp professionals realign their values, reclaim their energy and lead with intention. From navigating high pressure environments to building self trust and resilience, this conversation is packed with practical strategies you can use right away. If you’re feeling stretched thin or ready to lead (and live) more sustainably, this episode is a must listen.

• 03:11 From Camp To Corporate
• 04:08 Athletes Under Pressure
• 06:12 Power Of Camp Play
• 09:45 Burnout And Self Care
• 13:56 Camp Is Everywhere
• 15:43 Pause Plan Play Framework
• 20:04 Resilience and Rest
• 21:14 Feelings as Data
• 22:51 Self Trust Decisions
• 27:08 Coaching Framework
• 30:27 Personal Why Story
• 33:44 Retention and Alignment
• 38:14 Camp Skills Beyond Camp

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How a ‘quit list’ can help you play to win - Tiffany’s TED Talk

Coach Tiffany Yvonne - Leadership & Life Coach

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

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• Tiffany Yvonne, CEO, Cultural Strategist, Executive Coach, Speaker - Playmaker Solutions

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/
• 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
• AMSkier
  • AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more atamskier.com.

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://ratet

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to the Day Camp Pod!

Whether you’re joining us in our beginning season, or if you’re reading this in the vast nethers of the future, we’re so glad you’re here!

Open Houses are time and time again, one of the best ways to get the final “yes” from potential camp parents. If done well, parents will register their child, if done REALLY well, they will tell their friends, family and friend’s family that your camp is the place to be this summer.

However, the intentionality required to pull off a great camp open house should not be underestimated. Here to help you steer the ship toward the shores of success are our Day Camp Pod Pros, Andy, Ehren and Sam! Tune in to this episode to hear answers to:

• What’s the goal of your Open House?
• What guideposts do you use for your open houses? Camp Fairs? Price Breaks?
• How can you make an Open House an event all in itself?
• Who are you marketing your camp Open Houses to? How can you specifically recruit them?
• What are you going to do to make your tour stand-out?
• How do you train your staff to give the best tour ever?
• How do you intentionally end your tour?
• What is your client follow-up process like?

Get your pens, paper and Evernote documents out, because this one if FULL of ideas you can implement this season!

Do you have any Open House hacks? Let us know in the comment section!

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DCP - DAY CAMP PROGRAM IDEA OF THE WEEK - LEVEL UP YOUR DAY CAMP!

• Andy - Learn to Ride Bike Elective
• Ehren - Sing your Heart Out Staff Event
• Sam - Service Projects For Campers

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director Liberty Lake Day Camp, past president ACA NY/NJ
• Ehren Gluckstein, Assistant Director, Camp Robin Hood
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor, Crystal Lake Park District-

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

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
• Campminder
• AMSkier

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!

Send us Fan Mail

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/conference-debrief

What happens when camps are forced to rethink everything from culture to communication and even their core values? In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, the team unpacks key takeaways from the winter conference circuit, tackling big topics like neurodiversity, feedback culture and the looming enrollment cliff. It’s a candid, forward-looking conversation packed with practical ideas to help camp leaders adapt, stay relevant and strengthen relationships with both staff and families. If you’re thinking about what the future of camp really demands, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

02:27 Teaching Staff to Take Feedback

06:52 Neurodiversity and Sensory Needs

11:38 Rethinking Rules and Inclusion

13:49 Generations and Risk Taking

16:02 Sarcasm and Social Connection

22:45 Mingling and Social Skills Training

26:41 Eggshell Topics and Boundaries

31:32 Back to the Big Picture

31:47 Handling Late Staff

34:03 Enrollment Drop Scenario

35:32 Defining Camp Value

38:32 Storytelling And Trust

43:11 Recession And Differentiation

45:28 Relationship Marketing Ideas

47:18 Keep Swinging And Adapt

50:48 Youth Perspectives And Incentives

53:11 Advice For Enrollment Slumps

58:07 AI Tools For Operations

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Matt Kaufman’s Newsletter and Book

Dr. Jean Twenge

The Mingle Project

The Plunging Birthrate

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

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• Justin Pritikin, Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

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

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
• Campminder
• AMSkier

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!