We’ve Got Mail: The First Annual Day Camp Pod Mail Bag! - The Day Camp Pod #130

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

Your questions, our answers and plenty of camp stories along the way

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

Episode Links:

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

Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality

The Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality

Your Hosts:

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

Sponsors:

• 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