We’ve Got Mail: The First Annual Day Camp Pod Mail Bag! - The Day Camp Pod #130
Your questions, our answers and plenty of camp stories along the way
As another year wraps up, the Day Camp Pod 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
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Episode Links:
Andy & Eric Wittenberg’s presentation comparing “The Bear” to Summer Camp
Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality
The Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality
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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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Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
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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
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.
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