Summer 2025: Biggest Wins, Challenges, and What's Next - The Day Camp Pod #124

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/summer-2025-debrief

Riding the Post-Summer Vibe: Wins, Wildcards, and What's Ahead

In this episode, Andy, Sam, and Jordanna reflect on the summer of 2025, sharing their biggest wins, unexpected challenges, and key takeaways as they transition into the off-season. 

The trio dives into the nuances of camp life after the campers are gone, discussing the "shoulder season" and the unique staffing needs it presents. The conversation touches on the importance of accountability, the evolving relationship with camp parents, and how technology is shaping camp communication and operations. They emphasize the value of showing parents the magic of camp firsthand and the importance of professional development for veteran staff.

Highlights:

• 04:22 Big Wins of the Summer
• 05:13 New Camp Site and Staff Training
• 13:01 Handling Behavioral Challenges
• 15:49 Accountability and Staff Management
• 28:56 The Importance of Professionalism in Staff
• 29:13 Self-Evaluation and Accountability
• 30:16 Staff Absences and Expectations
• 31:44 The Role of Media Teams in Camps
• 37:37 Parent Communication and Expectations
• 44:37 Family Nights and Community Building
• 52:36 Staff Training and Leadership Development
• 56:20 Economic Challenges and Future Trends
• 58:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Episode Links:

Crystal Lake Park District’s Inclusion Chart

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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:

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) 
  • Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Campminder
  • Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com
• Camptivities
  • Building the perfect camp schedule takes experience — and when a key staff member leaves, that knowledge can disappear. Camptivities protects your institutional camp knowledge and makes sure every camper gets the schedule you promised. Built by camp people, for camp people. Learn more at camptivities.com.