Random Acts of Ice Cream - with Dave Boyle & Meagan Springer - The Day Camp Pod #100
Looking to appreciate and recognize your staff better? Come listen and learn from the best in the business!
One of the best parts of attending the CODA and ACA National Conference is meeting super smart day camp pros from all over the country, and I am so happy that we can share the genius of Dave Boyle and Meaghan Springer from Camp Cristina, of the Tampa YMCA.
These two are awesome, and geysers of knowledge which they are eager to share with us, especially in the realm of staff recognition and appreciation. So get your notepad out, and get comfy - THIS, IS THE DAY CAMP POD!
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YOUR HOSTS:
Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Dave Boyle, Executive Director - YMCA Camp Cristina
Meagan Springer, Operations Director - YMCA Camp Cristina
Andy Pritikin
Sam Thompson
Dave Boyle
Meagan Springer
More About Dave & Meagan:
Dave Boyle is a seasoned professional in youth development, with a career spanning over two decades in camp administration. Since beginning his journey in 1997, Dave has dedicated his life to fostering environments where young people can thrive. As the current Executive Director at a YMCA camp in Tampa, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for making a difference in the lives of the youth he serves.
Dave's career kicked off at Camp Neuman, where his love for camping and youth development first took root. After honing his skills and making a significant impact there until 2003, he took on a new challenge as a wilderness instructor for VisionQuest, a mission-based, for-profit company. Over a decade with VisionQuest, Dave's remarkable leadership qualities and innovative approach led him from the front lines to the chief administrator of residential drug and alcohol programs for adjudicated youth. His work during this period not only changed countless lives but also equipped him with a unique blend of administrative acumen and on-ground experience.
In 2013, Dave returned to his first love—camping—this time with the YMCA, initially in Washington D.C. before moving to Tampa. His tenure at the YMCA has been marked by significant financial and reputational turnarounds of programs, earning him a reputation as a turnaround specialist. Dave's leadership is characterized by a strategic approach to program development, financial stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to creating positive, life-changing experiences for young people.
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Meagan Springer is a YMCA Executive with over ten years of Camp Experience. Meagan specializes in creating Camp cultures that nurture and inspire. She is an in-demand speaker and trainer. Meagan helps others develop strong teams and robust healthy camp and program cultures that attract and retain talent.
Meagan is an experienced social media manager who takes a unique omni-channel approach to staff, camper, and parent engagement.
Episode Summary:
Day Camp Management Insights: The team delved into managing day camps, addressing challenges such as staff incentivization amidst inflation and accommodating large numbers of campers. They also discussed the importance of field trips to enhance camp experiences.
Personal Relationships and Professional Growth: Personal anecdotes were shared regarding collegial conflicts and resolutions, emphasizing long-term partnerships within the camp community. Meagan’s journey from counselor to program director was highlighted, along with Dave’s transition from the UK to the US camping scene.
Enhancing Stakeholder Experience: The importance of customizing experiences for all stakeholders, including parents and staff, was underscored. Strategies for optimizing drop-off/pickup experiences and fostering staff appreciation were explored.
Recognition and Retention Strategies: The team discussed recognition methods like “Staff of the Week” awards and initiatives like the Kindness Ambassador program to improve staff morale and retention rates.
Operational Efficiency and Grown-Up Camps: Operational aspects of year-round facilities were touched upon, including staff recognition methods and the importance of data collection. The conversation concluded with insights into adult camps (“grown-up camps”) and successful event collaborations with local businesses.
Bonus Links:
Staff Incentives On A Budget (PDF Download)
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
AMSkier Insurance - https://www.amskier.com/
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) - https://crs4rec.com/
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