Early Childhood Programming - with Lauren Dermody and Dave Thoensen - The Day Camp Pod #134
Managing Preschool Day Campers: Tips, Strategies and Success Stories
Working with preschool day campers requires a completely different playbook and this episode breaks down exactly what that looks like. The hosts and guests dive into the real world challenges of programming, staffing, routines, transportation and parent communication for your youngest campers. You’ll hear practical strategies, thoughtful insights and experienced perspectives that can immediately improve how you support your youngest campers. Whether you’re refining an existing program or launching one for the first time, this conversation offers ideas you can actually use. If you want happier campers, more confident staff and smoother parent relationships, this is an episode worth your time.
02:49 Challenges and Strategies for Managing Young Campers
06:27 Programming Goals and Activities for Preschoolers
10:34 Staffing and Group Management
14:06 Daily Schedules and Routines
21:30 Parental Communication and Expectations
29:50 Parent Visitation Policies
31:44 Setting Expectations with Parents
32:56 Communicating with Parents
36:18 Special Events for Young Campers
44:31 Transportation Challenges and Solutions
50:55 Program Tips for Preschool Camps
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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:
Lauren Dermody, Staffing Coordinator - Elmwood Day Camp
Dave Thoensen, Camp Owner/Director - Tamarak Day Camp
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
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