Andy Pritikin - Go Camp Pro's Day Camp Pod podcaster
Andy Pritikin
The Day Camp Pod podcaster
After short careers as a professional musician and public school music teacher, Andy worked alongside camp legends Ben Appelbaum, Skip Vichness, Jeff Ackerman, and Jay Jacobs. Andy founded Liberty Lake Day Camp (NJ) in 2002, co-founded Everwood Day Camp (MA) in 2010, and is a partner at Camp Southwoods (NY) and Sesame Rockwood Camps (PA). Andy was a long time board member of ACA NY-NJ, serving as Professional Development Chair, Tri-State Program Chair, Tri-State Conference Chair, Board Treasurer, and Board President. Andy is co-founder of the NJ Camps state advocacy group, owner/producer of the NJ Renaissance Faire, and the founder and host of the Day Camp Podcast.
At what camp were you a camper?
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac in the Berkshires
What camps have you worked at?
Harbor Hills Day Camp
North Shore Day Camp
Liberty Lake Day Camp
Everwood Day Camp
Why is working at summer camp important to you?
It's a wonderfully rewarding environment and opportunity to teach life skills.
Who is a camp leader you look up to and why?
Ben Appelbaum was an inspirational camp leader who led eight day camps in the NY/NJ area back in the 1980s and 1990s, was President of ACA-NY, and helped found the Tri-State Camp Conference. He had a unique ability to connect and motivate with people, and a phenomenal outlook on life and the impact of the human spirit upon one another.
What was the first time you were noticed and appreciated by an adult that wasn't your parent?
My nursery school teacher- I have some hazy, but positive memories! I became a successful musician early on in life, so I got a lot of positive reinforcement from those involved with me there- music teachers, in particular.
Listen to Andy on The Day Camp Pod.