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

Since the pandemic, many camp leaders have found themselves spending more time managing staff behavior than camper behavior, and it can feel exhausting. In this episode the hosts sit down with renowned educator and camp trainer Michael Brandwein to explore how intentional leadership can replace reactive, panic driven responses. You’ll learn how to develop staff who truly align with your camp’s mission, values and expectations. The conversation is packed with practical coaching techniques, real world examples and mindset shifts that help leaders build accountability without burning out. If you’re looking to strengthen staff training, handle everyday behavior challenges with confidence and create a culture where staff feel both supported and responsible, this is a must listen episode.

• 03:11 Michael Brandwein's Insights on Camp Leadership
• 06:32 The Importance of Continuous Learning
• 11:48 Intentional Staff Development
• 23:26 The Role of Feedback and Coaching
• 30:29 Staff Training Strategies
• 37:06 Key Moments in Day Camp Training
• 37:24 Handling Late Arrivals
• 43:41 The Name Tag Problem
• 46:38 Managing Break Times
• 50:33 Addressing Talking During Sessions
• 58:59 The Importance of Feedback
• 01:06:05 Final Thoughts and Resources

Michael’s Website

Brandwein on Super Staff SuperVision-Online Course

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

• Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer, Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com/store

• 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 at am

Send us a text

https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/community-engagement

Building Community Partnerships: How Day Camps Can Connect Locally

What if your day camp was known not just as a program, but as a true community partner? In this episode of The Day Camp Pod , guests Marissa Allaben, Ali Rothenberg and Heath Levine join the hosts to discuss how camps can build authentic, local connections that really matter. From partnering with schools and municipalities to showing up at community events and using street teams creatively, this conversation is packed with practical, boots-on-the-ground ideas. The guests share real examples of what’s worked, what takes time and why consistency is key to earning trust. You’ll also hear how social media and in-person outreach can work together to amplify your camp’s presence. If you want your camp to be seen as a giver, not a taker, this episode offers clear inspiration and actionable next steps.

00:00 Introduction: Are You a Giver or a Taker?

04:12 Rolling River Camp's History and Legacy

08:41 Community Engagement and Marketing Strategies

14:06 Building Genuine Relationships in the Community

14:41 Engaging with Schools and Local Organizations

17:11 The Power of Partnerships and Consistency

27:01 The Role of Street Teams in Community Outreach

29:01 Engaging the Community with a Street Team

31:39 The Power of Mascots in Camp Marketing

35:40 Building Relationships Beyond the Screen

41:51 Leveraging Social Media for Camp Promotion

51:36 Holiday Camps: A Gateway to Summer Enrollment

54:04 Final Thoughts and Best Practices

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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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• Marissa Allaben, Director - Rolling River Day Camp
• Ali Rothenberg, Associate Director - Rolling River Day Camp
• Heath Levine, Director - Shibley Day Camp

Send us a text

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

As another camp season wraps up, the Day Camp Podcast team is taking time to reflect, laugh and learn alongside the community that’s been with them for seven years. In this special year-end episode, our hosts open their first-ever listener mailbag and respond to real questions from camp professionals. From engaging preschoolers and creating magical moments for young campers to navigating parent expectations and building strong vendor partnerships, the conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can use right away. You’ll also hear honest reflections on what didn’t go as planned and what they’d do differently next time. If you’re looking for fresh ideas, reassurance that you’re not alone and inspiration to strengthen your camp culture year round, this episode is a must listen. Settle in for insight, humor, and a thoughtful close to the camp year.

• 00:31 Listener Mailbag: Holiday Special
• 03:11 External Partners and Vendors at Camp
• 10:55 Regrettable Changes and Lessons Learned
• 21:13 Managing Parent Expectations
• 28:25 Preschool Programming Challenges
• 30:29 Creating Magic for Young Campers
• 31:41 Engaging Activities and Special Events
• 37:39 Managing Parent Expectations
• 42:58 Off-Season Engagement and Camp Culture
• 49:06 Evaluating and Improving Camp Operations

Andy & Eric Wittenberg’s presentation comparing “The Bear” to Summer Camp

Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality

The Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality

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

• 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
• 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 camptivitie

Send us a text

https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/doing-it-right

Registration season doesn’t have to feel like chaos and this week’s episode of the Day Camp Pod proves it. Hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger sit down with Eric Wittenberg to unpack what really drives successful day camp enrollment. From fine tuning customer experience to making data-informed decisions, Eric shares practical strategies that camps can implement right away. You’ll hear how to strengthen follow-up systems, personalize communication, and adapt to shifting economic realities without burning out your team. If you want to boost enrollment, improve family relationships, and approach registration with more confidence and clarity, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in and get ready to transform the way you handle camp registration

05:01 The Importance of Customer Experience (CX)

08:11 Trends and Strategies in Camp Registration

15:07 Lead Sources and Follow-Up Strategies

28:30 The Challenge of Outbound Sales in Camps

28:43 Research and Findings on Camp Follow-Ups

29:28 Learning from Other Industries

29:55 The Value of Persistent Follow-Ups

30:51 Comparing Camp Sales to Other Industries

31:30 Understanding the Lifetime Value of a Camper

33:01 Leveraging Data for Better Camp Management

33:49 Exploring Tools for Automation and Efficiency

35:48 The Importance of Enrollment Follow-Up

37:56 Effective Communication Strategies

39:50 State of the Camp Industry

45:24 Adapting to Economic Uncertainty

50:50 Strategies for Increasing Enrolment

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Rand Fishkin

Rand Fishkin on Medium

Dean Jackson

Grant Cardone

Mailbag Episode! Send your questions, thoughts and ideas

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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

With:

• Eric Wittenberg, Founder - Camper Machine, The Camp Stack

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Send us a text

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

Running a day camp in a shared facility brings both challenges and opportunities. In this episode, guests Brianne Feinour and Megan Snape share what it takes to run vibrant, community focused camps inside schools, fitness centers, and other multi-use spaces. They offer practical strategies for communicating with partners, maximizing limited space, and keeping campers safe and engaged. You’ll hear stories from their programs in Toronto and Newtown, PA, along with advice on adapting, growing, and maintaining camp spirit in non-traditional settings. Whether you’re new to shared facilities or looking to strengthen existing partnerships, this episode is packed with clear, actionable insights to help your camp thrive anywhere.

01:33 Megan's Urban Camp in Toronto

03:32 Brianne's Camp in Newtown, PA

05:29 Managing Shared Facilities

12:48 Adapting and Growing

21:18 Safety and Communication Strategies

26:19 Safety Training and Parent Communication

28:23 Bringing Camp Spirit to Non-Traditional Programs

31:48 Creating a Positive Camp Culture

36:20 Support and Collaboration with School Administration

44:41 Staff Training and Adaptability

EPIC - Emerging Professionals in Camping

Slingshot Innovation Academy

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

With:

• Brianne Feinour, Youth and Camp Director - Camp NAC
• Megan Snape, Director, Camps & Slingshot Innovation Academy - Branksome Hall

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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/
• 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
• 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.

Send us a text

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

When a day camp starts to lose its spark, what does it take to bring it back to life? In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, the hosts sit down with Heath Levine from Shibley Day Camp and turnaround expert Jonathan Gold to unpack what really goes into reviving an underperforming camp. From rebuilding a positive culture and engaging the community to tackling staff retention and marketing hurdles, they share real stories and strategies that have helped transform struggling programs into thriving ones.

Highlights:

• 03:50 Heath Levine's Camp Journey
• 08:39 Jonathan Gold's Turnaround Insights
• 11:18 Establishing Camp Culture and Values
• 27:06 Marketing and Community Engagement
• 32:17 Flexible Work Schedules and Expectations
• 32:45 The Relevance of Face-to-Face Interaction
• 33:23 Marketing Strategies for Camps
• 34:00 Resurrecting Tamarack: Challenges and Strategies
• 34:57 The Importance of Community Engagement
• 40:51 Balancing Tradition and Innovation
• 52:51 Staff and Camper Retention
• 58:12 The Emotional Challenges of Leadership

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Camp’s Golden Metric

Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change

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

With:

• Heath Levine, Director - Shibley Day Camp
• Jonathan Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of 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/
• 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
• 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 camptivitie

Send us a text

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

What makes sleepaway camp feel so special and how can day camps capture that same magic? In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, hosts Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger are joined by camp pros Dan Johnson and Dan Weir to unpack exactly that. Together, they explore creative ways to bring community, connection, and spontaneous fun into the day camp environment.

Camp Robin Hood’s Hands are Strong Sing-a-Long

Liberty Lake Spirit Calendar

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life

Center for Nonviolent Communication

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
• Dan Weir, Senior Consultant - Immersive1st, Day Camp Community
• Dan Johnson, Day Camp Director - Kennolyn Camps

• 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
• 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 m

Send us a text

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

Ever wondered what your camp could become after the last camper goes home for the summer? In this episode, Andy, Jordanna and Sam are joined by Peggy Aylmer, Senior Program Director - Day Camps and Retreats - YMCA Camp Copneconic to dive into how camps can transform their spaces and strengthen their communities year-round. From hosting school groups and family reunions to corporate retreats and even Renaissance fairs, discover creative ways to extend your camp’s impact beyond the traditional summer season.

Highlights:

• 04:03 Diverse Camp Programs
• 06:31 Robinhood Leadership Center
• 10:01 Staffing Challenges and Solutions
• 16:36 Weekend and Seasonal Programs
• 23:06 Event Business at Liberty Lake
• 26:19 The Importance of Full-Time Event Staff
• 27:08 Managing Camp Events and Staff Well-Being
• 27:44 Challenges of Hosting Events at Camps
• 28:22 Feeding Campers and Event Guests
• 29:18 Selecting and Hosting Specialty Camps
• 30:41 Day Camps vs. Sleepaway Camps
• 32:15 Unique Partnerships and Community Engagement
• 34:00 Setting Boundaries and Agreements for Rentals
• 35:52 Handling Medical and Security Needs
• 39:50 Navigating School and Board Requirements
• 43:37 Networking and Learning from Other Camps

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Camp Robin Hood’s School Programs

Camp Robin Hood’s Rentals and Events

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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
• Peggy Aylmer, Senior Program Director - Day Camps and Retreats - YMCA Camp Copneconic

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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/
• 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
• 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