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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The Summer Camp Society

If you love the Day Camp Pod, we would be grateful if you subscribed and left us a review. It’s SUPER easy, too! Just head to http://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

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

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/

Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy!

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

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