Sam Thompson - Go Camp Pro's Day Camp Pod podcaster
Sam Thompson
The Day Camp Pod podcaster
Sam has been a full-time youth development and recreation professional for 40 years. She has worked at Camp Brosius, Shawnee Bluffs, and the Crystal Lake Park Districts. Sam currently serves as the ACA Illinois Board Chair and co-hosts the Day Camp Pod. Under her leadership, the Crystal Lake Park District summer day camp program has been recognized as one of America's Best Summer Camps by Newsweek. Sam is well known for her "do a lot with a little" approach focused on balancing creative programming with organizational growth under financial constraints, parent trust, and staff accountability.
At what camps were you a camper?
Rancho Formosa
4-H camp
Brownie Day Camp
What camps have you worked at?
Camp Brosius
Shawnee Bluffs
Cary and Crystal Lake Park Districts
Why is working at summer camp important to you?
We make a difference in children's lives!
Who is a camp leader you look up to and why?
Bud Fick - He taught me a lot about leadership.
What was the first time you were noticed and appreciated by an adult that wasn't your parent?
4-H camp when I was seven.
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Listen to Sam on The Day Camp Pod.