The CampHacker Podcast

Camp is “the Anti-AI” and The Nature of Leadership - with Andy Pritikin - Intentional Intentionally Leaders

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-andy-pRaising the Bar: A Masterclass in Camp Intentionality with Andy PritikinIn this episode of Intentionally Intentional Leaders, Matt Wilfrid sits down with Andy Pritikin, a true powerhouse in the summer camp industry. From founding Liberty Lake Day Camp to producing the New Jersey Renaissance Fair and hosting the Day Camp Podcast, Andy has spent decades "sharpening the sword" of youth development.Through the roll of a 20-sided die, Andy shares how his background as a rock musician and a student teacher shaped his belief that leadership is earned through relationships, not titles. We dive deep into why camp is the ultimate antidote to an AI-driven world and how directors can navigate the tricky waters of transparency and candor in a modern camp setting.Key Takeaways include:Earned Respect vs. Authoritarianism: Andy reflects on his early days as a music teacher to explain why "collared shirts and walkie-talkies" don't grant authority. True leadership requires constant deposits into the "relationship piggy bank" with your staff.The Anti-AI Value Proposition: In an age where even a trip to the gym involves earbuds and screens, Andy discusses why camp is uniquely positioned as a "religion of nature." It’s the one place where kids can focus purely on being human.Emotional Safety over "The Trains": Andy shares a profound insight on prioritizing emotional safety and belonging over administrative efficiency. While a schedule is a necessary framework, it should never steamroll the chance for a meaningful, life-changing interaction.Forgiving the Mistakes: From "sunscreen machines" that didn't work to hiring mishaps, Andy shares his mantra: "All you can do is the best you can do." Learn why humility and a "glass-half-full" perspective are essential for a long-term career in camping.-Find full show notes and links for this episode at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-andy-p-Your HostsMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProAndy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp-Thanks to our sponsor!WhereaboutsYour mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io/---Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

The Resilience Report Impact, with Kendra Perkins & Amanda Palmer - CampHacker #226

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/the-resilience-report-Analyzing Hard Numbers and Camp RealitiesJoin Travis, Chris, Kendra Perkins, and Amanda Palmer as they dissect the initial findings from the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic. This episode explores the stark reality of how modern camps are operating, from the "all-or-nothing" nature of psychological safety to the industry's massive blind spot regarding AI and tech adoption. The team moves beyond simply identifying problems to offer tangible frameworks that help directors reclaim their time and build a camp that can survive (and thrive) even when the director isn't in the room.Key takeaways include:The Psychological Safety Polarization: New data reveals a "bimodal" distribution in the industry. Camps either have high levels of staff trust or almost none, with very little middle ground. This suggests that psychological safety is a culture that must be built intentionally or it simply won't exist.The Director Trap: Many camps are dangerously dependent on a single person’s energy and knowledge. Transitioning from a "person-dependent" to a "system-dependent" model is the only way to prevent leadership burnout and ensure long-term operational resilience.The Parent Relationship Reframe: While many directors find parent communication draining, the team argues it is the primary relationship of the job. Systematizing family knowledge and feedback loops is essential for raising the bar on camper care and retention.Tools for Decision Fatigue: Empowering staff requires concrete tools. Frameworks like the Forest Test (Safe? Builds self-esteem? Stewardship? Servant leadership?) allow staff to make high-level decisions without constant oversight.-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro. Contact Email. Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant - Planet Chris Consulting. Contact EmailKendra Perkins, Camp Consultant - Innovative Camp Company. Amanda Palmer, Camp Consultant - Amanda C. Palmer Consulting. Contact Email. -Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRunning camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.---Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Howie Grossinger on Progress, Perfection, and 80 Years of Camp - Intentionally Intentional Leaders

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-howie-gHigh Expectations, Higher Support: A Masterclass in Legacy Leadership with Howie GrossingerIn this episode of Intentionally Intentional Leaders, host Matt Wilfrid sits down with a living legend of the summer camp world: Howie Grossinger. As the co-owner of Camp Robin Hood and a pillar of the Ontario Camps Association, Howie brings over three decades of wisdom to a conversation that goes far beyond budget lines and schedules.Using the randomness of a 20-sided die, Howie opens up about the moments that shaped him, from a sliding-doors moment where he almost chose dentistry over camp, to the early mentorship of Larry Bell that taught him the weight of responsibility. This episode is a deep dive into what it means to lead with a "safety net" mentality and how to maintain a personal touch in an increasingly digital world.Key Takeaways include:The Power of the Pivot: Howie reflects on his transition from a planned career in health sciences to finding his "blood" in the youth education and camp space. It’s a reminder for camp pros that our "why" often finds us when we’re open to mentorship.Progress Over Perfection in Staffing: In a world obsessed with finding the "perfect fit," Howie argues for choosing coachability and heart over a flawless resume. By acting as a safety net for staff, directors can allow their teams the grace to grow into their roles.Engineering Belonging: While belonging is cultivated through relationships, Howie explains how it can be designed through intentional touchpoints. Whether it’s a personalized video message (using tools like Bonjoro) or a specific arrival system, the "feeling" of camp must be consistent from the first Zoom call to the last bus of the summer.Legacy and Resilience: Celebrating 80 years of Camp Robin Hood, Howie discusses the beauty of generational connection, where grandparents stand on the same docks as their grandchildren, and how leaning on a network of peers is the best defense against industry "despair."High Expectations, High Support: Borrowing from the philosophy of David Yeager, Howie emphasizes that the best leaders don't lower the bar; they simply increase the level of support provided to help their staff clear it.-Your HostsMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProHowie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps-Thanks to our sponsor!WhereaboutsYour mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io---Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

How "Whereabouts" is Solving the Camp Director’s Biggest Headache - with Ryan Rosen

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Clipboards, Kaizen, and Connection: Revolutionizing Camp Attendance with Ryan Rosen*This is a piece of sponsored content by our friends from Camptivities and Whereabouts. We are so grateful for Ryan and the Camptivities team for their support of many Go Camp Pro podcasts and we're excited to bring you this episode and share more about Whereabouts - Check them out whereaboutsapp.io*--In this episode, Travis sits down with Ryan Rosen, a 28-year camp veteran and owner of a premier Los Angeles day camp, to discuss the intersection of "tech-free" camp philosophy and high-efficiency logistics. Ryan shares the origin story of Whereabouts, an innovative app designed to bridge the communication gap between parents and camp offices. From the "Spirit of Kaizen" to real-time attendance reconciliation, this conversation explores how small, iterative improvements in camp tech can lead to massive gains in safety, staff sanity, and parent satisfaction.Key Takeaways include:The Spirit of Kaizen: Success isn't always about massive overhauls; it’s about the "incremental improvement" of systems. By questioning why "we’ve always done it this way," directors can identify stagnant procedures - like where T-shirts are handed out or how attendance is taken - and refine them for a better experience.Closing the "Lunchtime Gap": Many camps don't fully reconcile bus lists with group rosters until midday. Ryan explains how real-time widgets allow directors to know exactly who is on-site before the morning assembly even ends, meeting modern parent expectations for safety and transparency.Passive vs. Active Engagement: There is a fine line between "convenient" tech and "isolating" tech. Ryan discusses moving away from passive check-ins (like unattended QR codes) toward "human-powered" technology that prompts staff with camper birthdays or medical alerts during the check-in process.Empowering Gen-Z and Alpha Staff: Modern summer staff are digital natives. Asking them to manage complex paper-and-pen systems often leads to errors. Providing them with intuitive, mobile-first tools like Whereabouts aligns with their skills and reduces operational friction.Tech-Enabled Emergency Safety: Beyond daily attendance, the episode highlights the importance of "Emergency Pods." In the event of a wildfire or evacuation, having a cellular-connected system to track which kids are on which bus in real-time is a critical safety upgrade for any modern camp.---Thanks to Camptivities and Whereabouts for sponsoring!Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time - so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out at whereaboutsapp.io---Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Winning over Parents, with Dan Weir and Suzanne Ross - CampHacker #225

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/winning-over-parents-Adapting to New Parent ExpectationsModern parents view summer camp as a significant investment, rather than a simple recreational activity. This episode breaks down why safety and skill-building now outperform traditional marketing. It offers practical advice on removing camp jargon and using professional tones to build lasting trust with protective families. You will learn how to win over parents by focusing on their child’s personhood during every interaction, from the first tour to the final checkout.Key Takeaways:Prioritize Skill Building Over Recreation. Parents today view summer programs as a financial investment toward the future of their child. To compete with travel sports you must articulate the specific developmental gains and educational value your camp provides.Focus on the Child to Win the Parent. Trust is established when directors engage directly with the child during recruitment. Making a genuine connection with a camper signals to the parent that your organization is observant and capable of providing emotional safety.Eliminate Barriers Created by Jargon. Internal nicknames and camp shorthand make new families feel like outsiders. Using clear and descriptive language ensures that every family feels the program was designed specifically for their needs.-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant. Contact EmailDan Weir, Camp Consultant Immersive1st, Day Camp CommunitySuzanne Ross, Camp Safety Network Consultant. Contact Email   -  Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRunning camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis