The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp Pro

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

Send us a textFind show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mail-bagYour questions, our answers and plenty of camp stories along the wayAs 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 Special03:11 External Partners and Vendors at Camp10:55 Regrettable Changes and Lessons Learned21:13 Managing Parent Expectations28:25 Preschool Programming Challenges30:29 Creating Magic for Young Campers31:41 Engaging Activities and Special Events37:39 Managing Parent Expectations42:58 Off-Season Engagement and Camp Culture49:06 Evaluating and Improving Camp OperationsEpisode Links:Andy & Eric Wittenberg’s presentation comparing “The Bear” to Summer CampWill Guidara’s Unreasonable HospitalityThe Secret Ingredients of Great HospitalityYour Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictJordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin HoodSponsors: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/CampminderCampminder 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.comCamptivitiesBuilding 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

Registration Strategies: Data, Decisions & Doing It Right - with Eric Wittenberg - The Day Camp Pod #129

Send us a texthttps://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/doing-it-rightMastering Day Camp Registration: Expert Tips & Strategies with Eric WittenbergRegistration 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 registration05:01 The Importance of Customer Experience (CX)08:11 Trends and Strategies in Camp Registration15:07 Lead Sources and Follow-Up Strategies28:30 The Challenge of Outbound Sales in Camps28:43 Research and Findings on Camp Follow-Ups29:28 Learning from Other Industries29:55 The Value of Persistent Follow-Ups30:51 Comparing Camp Sales to Other Industries31:30 Understanding the Lifetime Value of a Camper33:01 Leveraging Data for Better Camp Management33:49 Exploring Tools for Automation and Efficiency35:48 The Importance of Enrollment Follow-Up37:56 Effective Communication Strategies39:50 State of the Camp Industry45:24 Adapting to Economic Uncertainty50:50 Strategies for Increasing Enrolment-Episode Links:Rand FishkinRand Fishkin on MediumDean JacksonGrant CardoneMailbag Episode! Send your questions, thoughts and ideas-Your Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictJordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin HoodWith:Eric Wittenberg, Founder - Camper Machine, The Camp Stack-

Thriving in Shared Facilities - with Brianne Feinour and Megan Snape - The Day Camp Pod #128

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/thriving-shared-facilitiesA Guide to Communication, Collaboration, and Camp Culture in Shared SpacesRunning 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 Toronto03:32 Brianne's Camp in Newtown, PA05:29 Managing Shared Facilities12:48 Adapting and Growing21:18 Safety and Communication Strategies26:19 Safety Training and Parent Communication28:23 Bringing Camp Spirit to Non-Traditional Programs31:48 Creating a Positive Camp Culture36:20 Support and Collaboration with School Administration44:41 Staff Training and AdaptabilityEpisode Links:EPIC - Emerging Professionals in CampingSlingshot Innovation AcademyYour Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictJordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin HoodWith:Brianne Feinour, Youth and Camp Director - Camp NACMegan Snape, Director, Camps & Slingshot Innovation Academy - Branksome Hall-Sponsors: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/CampminderCampminder 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.comCamptivitiesBuilding 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.

Turn Around Strategies: Managing Leadership Transitions - with Heath Levine and Jonathan Gold - The Day Camp Pod #127

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/turn-around-strategiesWhen 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 Journey08:39 Jonathan Gold's Turnaround Insights11:18 Establishing Camp Culture and Values27:06 Marketing and Community Engagement32:17 Flexible Work Schedules and Expectations32:45 The Relevance of Face-to-Face Interaction33:23 Marketing Strategies for Camps34:00 Resurrecting Tamarack: Challenges and Strategies34:57 The Importance of Community Engagement40:51 Balancing Tradition and Innovation52:51 Staff and Camper Retention58:12 The Emotional Challenges of Leadership-Episode Links:Camp’s Golden MetricManaging Transitions: Making the Most of ChangeYour Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictJordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin HoodWith:Heath Levine, Director - Shibley Day CampJonathan Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of CampsSponsors: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/CampminderCampminder 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.comCamptivitiesBuilding 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

Capturing the Sleepaway Spirit Vol. 8 - with Dan Johnson and Dan Weir - The Day Camp Pod #126

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/sleepaway-spiritWhat 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.  Episode Links:Camp Robin Hood’s Hands are Strong Sing-a-LongLiberty Lake Spirit CalendarNonviolent Communication: A Language of LifeCenter for Nonviolent CommunicationYour Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictJordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin HoodDan Weir, Senior Consultant - Immersive1st, Day Camp CommunityDan Johnson, Day Camp Director - Kennolyn CampsSponsors: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/CampminderCampminder 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.comCamptivitiesBuilding 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