Creating Traditions @ Day Camp - with Laura Kriegel and Jack Schott - The Day Camp Pod #49
Powerful ways to draw kids into the wonder and magic of your Day Camp.
Kids love predictability, kids love silliness, kids love TRADITIONS.
Most every camp out there has some kind of traditions that have woven their way into your program or facility- It’s part of the cool, uniqueness that makes your camp… a CAMP!
Some traditions are great, some should be removed, and you don’t have to be a 100-year-old sleepaway camp to have them. You can argue that a brand-new, small indoor day camp can have them, and that they are even more important in that setting.
Today we’re joined by two of the camp industry’s favourite millennials, Jack Schott and Laura Kriegel, who before starting their own program, travelled across the country in search of cool traditions.
Sit back and take notes, because YOUR camp is about to get better, without spending a cent!
Tune in to hear Sam, Tiff, Andy, Laura and Jack pass the mic to share their favourite camp traditions!
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Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: daycampquestions@gocamp.pro
Episode Resources & Links
Camp Stomping Ground
In 2015, Laura and Jack founded Camp Stomping Ground. Stomping Ground is a not for profit sleepaway camp dedicated to inspiring the next generation of radically empathetic decision-makers.
https://campstompingground.org/
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Camping Coast to Coast
Two year research project searching for great ideas, inspiring leaders, and intentional communities for young people. Jack and Laura visited 200+ camps in 47 states. See some of their findings.
http://www.campingcoasttocoast.org/
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Inspiring Radical Empathy Podcast
A podcast dedicated to inspiring the next generation of Radically empathetic decision Makers.
https://campstompingground.org/inspiring-radical-empathy-podcast
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Day Camp Tip of the Week
Back next episode!
YOUR HOSTS:
Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie, Executive Director - Purposeful Play
Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
Laura Kriegel, MSW, Co-Founder and Executive Director - Camp Stomping Ground
Jack Schott, Co-Founder and Executive Director - Camp Stomping Ground
Andy Pritikin
Laura Kriegel - MSW
Tiffany Gratton-McDuffie
Jack Schott
Sam Thompson
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
AM Skier Insurance http://www.amskier.com/
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) https://crs4rec.com/
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Thanks, Camp Pro!
Bonus - Andy and Sam’s Big list of Traditions!
Andy’s
Backwards Bridge (thank you Jack & Laura)
Wake-Up Song
Liberty Lake Song
Fuzzies/cerenonies
Color War stuff
Spirit Events- Yacht or Not, Ugly Shorts, Look-a-Like, Camp-a-Palooza, etc.
Family Night, Meet ‘n’ Greet
5-10-15-20 milestone awards
LI-BERTY LA-AKE!
Big Pete
Foundation Celebration
Staff Bingo Night
Joke of the day
Sam’s
Traditions for kids:
1. Floating candle ceremony
2. Overnights/Campfire
3. Capture the flag in the pine forest
4. Jr. Leader skit
5. Tennis/Baseball
6. Cardboard Boat regatta
7. Talent Show
8. Teen Mock Wedding
9. Penny Wars
Traditions for staff
1. Third year jackets
2. Additional T-shirt you earn by doing something good/extra. “My boss thinks I’m kind of a big deal”
3. Concert series
4. After camp volleyball or softball
5. Director breakfast at Andy’s