Weather, Operations… Steve Maguire! - The Day Camp Pod #133
Smart Weather Strategies Every Camp Leader Needs Right Now
Extreme weather is no longer the exception, it’s part of the new normal for day camps. In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, “camp weatherman” Steve Maguire breaks down how camp leaders can prepare for heat waves, wildfire smoke, tropical storms and everything in between. From understanding dew point and UV index to using smarter weather tools and creating effective daily weather briefings, this conversation is packed with practical, real world strategies you can actually use. Steve also challenges camps to rethink shade, infrastructure, and staff preparedness in ways that improve safety and the camper experience. If you’re responsible for making weather related decisions at camp, this episode will help you move from reactive to confidently prepared.
00:13 Meet Steve Maguire: The Camp Weatherman
05:41 Challenges of Extreme Weather at Camps
08:56 Importance of Shade and Weather Awareness
15:07 Preparing Staff and Campers for Weather
22:03 Proactive Measures for Camp Safety
27:27 Innovative UV Index and Sunscreen Dispensers
28:07 Mandatory Hats and Sunglasses for Safety
29:37 Proactive Weather Monitoring Tools
32:33 Daily Weather Briefings and Staff Coordination
35:49 Evaluating Camp Infrastructure Beyond Buildings
37:57 Staffing and Engagement Strategies
41:03 Continuous Improvement and Fresh Perspectives
50:54 Under-Invested Areas in Camps
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Episode Links:
Obsessed with the Weather Podcast
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 Guest:
Steve Maguire, Speaker, Trainer, Teacher and more - Go Turnstone
Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
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