Fresh Ideas, Creative Choices, and Unforgettable Camp Experiences
How do you keep camp programming fresh while balancing camper choice, group traditions, and the logistics of running a successful day camp? In this episode, Andy, Sam and Jordanna are joined by Sam Borek and Ryan Rosen to explore creative programming approaches, from electives and progressive age-based experiences to immersive special events and campwide themes. They share practical strategies for tracking campers, using data to rethink old traditions, and equipping staff with the tools and resources to bring big ideas to life. If you're ready to move beyond the “same old” schedule and create more intentional, engaging experiences for campers, this is an episode worth a listen!
00:00 Why Programs Must Evolve
02:14 Progressive Group Programming
03:40 Classic Camp With Choice
06:01 Swim Driven Schedules
10:25 Rethinking Traditions
14:23 Electives and Logistics
17:30 Tracking Attendance With Tech
22:20 Creative Electives and Staff Skills
25:57 Special Events Frequency
30:24 Campwide Event Calendar
31:39 Theme Integration Challenge
32:20 All Day Mystery Game
35:56 Intentional Scheduling Tools
37:27 Family Communication Videos
38:50 Explaining Traditions Clearly
40:57 Aspirational Arc By Grade
47:16 Who Designs The Program
52:42 Training Staff With Videos
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Your Hosts:
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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Your Guests:
Sam Borek, Owner/Director - Woodmont Day Camp
Ryan Rosen, Director - Camp Kinneret
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
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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 camptivities.com.
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
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