Summer 2026 Debrief - The Day Camp Pod - #141
What Summer 2026 Taught Us - and What Camp Directors Need to Do Next
In this Summer 2026 debrief, Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Jordanna Grossinger look back at the wins, challenges, and unexpected lessons from another summer at camp. From smoother transportation and stronger staff growth to wildfire smoke, extreme heat, staffing challenges, and evolving parent expectations, this episode gets real about what worked and what needs to change. You’ll hear practical ideas for improving operations, strengthening staff culture, gathering better family feedback, and preparing for increasingly unpredictable weather. If you’re already thinking about next summer, this conversation is packed with lessons worth bringing into your fall planning.
02:12 Sam’s Summer Wins
03:12 Busing And Parking
04:28 Pandemic Changes Stick
05:53 Wagon Water Bottle Hack
09:16 Wildfire Smoke Pivot
10:05 Heat And AC Debate
11:33 Parents Value Camp More
14:58 First Time Families Focus
16:14 Jordanna Runs Camp Solo
21:09 Andy’s Generational Shift
23:13 Leading Through Change
27:16 Accountability And Fear
28:25 Staff Identity And Ecosystem
30:39 Gossip And Body Talk
31:35 Background Checks Gray Areas
33:21 Heat Protocols And Inspections
38:10 Wildfire Smoke Closure Call
39:44 Refunds Credits And Policy Updates
43:05 Climate Risks And Shelter Planning
47:05 Emergency Response And 911 Reflections
51:36 Fall Planning And Feedback Loops
57:00 Lost And Found Science
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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:
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