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Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/intentional-leader

Since the pandemic, many camp leaders have found themselves spending more time managing staff behavior than camper behavior, and it can feel exhausting. In this episode the hosts sit down with renowned educator and camp trainer Michael Brandwein to explore how intentional leadership can replace reactive, panic driven responses. You’ll learn how to develop staff who truly align with your camp’s mission, values and expectations. The conversation is packed with practical coaching techniques, real world examples and mindset shifts that help leaders build accountability without burning out. If you’re looking to strengthen staff training, handle everyday behavior challenges with confidence and create a culture where staff feel both supported and responsible, this is a must listen episode.

• 03:11 Michael Brandwein's Insights on Camp Leadership
• 06:32 The Importance of Continuous Learning
• 11:48 Intentional Staff Development
• 23:26 The Role of Feedback and Coaching
• 30:29 Staff Training Strategies
• 37:06 Key Moments in Day Camp Training
• 37:24 Handling Late Arrivals
• 43:41 The Name Tag Problem
• 46:38 Managing Break Times
• 50:33 Addressing Talking During Sessions
• 58:59 The Importance of Feedback
• 01:06:05 Final Thoughts and Resources

Michael’s Website

Brandwein on Super Staff SuperVision-Online Course

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

• Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer, Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com/store

• 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
• AMSkier
  • AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more at am

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https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/community-engagement

Building Community Partnerships: How Day Camps Can Connect Locally

What if your day camp was known not just as a program, but as a true community partner? In this episode of The Day Camp Pod , guests Marissa Allaben, Ali Rothenberg and Heath Levine join the hosts to discuss how camps can build authentic, local connections that really matter. From partnering with schools and municipalities to showing up at community events and using street teams creatively, this conversation is packed with practical, boots-on-the-ground ideas. The guests share real examples of what’s worked, what takes time and why consistency is key to earning trust. You’ll also hear how social media and in-person outreach can work together to amplify your camp’s presence. If you want your camp to be seen as a giver, not a taker, this episode offers clear inspiration and actionable next steps.

00:00 Introduction: Are You a Giver or a Taker?

04:12 Rolling River Camp's History and Legacy

08:41 Community Engagement and Marketing Strategies

14:06 Building Genuine Relationships in the Community

14:41 Engaging with Schools and Local Organizations

17:11 The Power of Partnerships and Consistency

27:01 The Role of Street Teams in Community Outreach

29:01 Engaging the Community with a Street Team

31:39 The Power of Mascots in Camp Marketing

35:40 Building Relationships Beyond the Screen

41:51 Leveraging Social Media for Camp Promotion

51:36 Holiday Camps: A Gateway to Summer Enrollment

54:04 Final Thoughts and Best Practices

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• 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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• Marissa Allaben, Director - Rolling River Day Camp
• Ali Rothenberg, Associate Director - Rolling River Day Camp
• Heath Levine, Director - Shibley Day Camp

Send us a text

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/mail-bag

As another camp season wraps up, the Day Camp Podcast team is taking time to reflect, laugh and learn alongside the community that’s been with them for seven years. In this special year-end episode, our hosts open their first-ever listener mailbag and respond to real questions from camp professionals. From engaging preschoolers and creating magical moments for young campers to navigating parent expectations and building strong vendor partnerships, the conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can use right away. You’ll also hear honest reflections on what didn’t go as planned and what they’d do differently next time. If you’re looking for fresh ideas, reassurance that you’re not alone and inspiration to strengthen your camp culture year round, this episode is a must listen. Settle in for insight, humor, and a thoughtful close to the camp year.

• 00:31 Listener Mailbag: Holiday Special
• 03:11 External Partners and Vendors at Camp
• 10:55 Regrettable Changes and Lessons Learned
• 21:13 Managing Parent Expectations
• 28:25 Preschool Programming Challenges
• 30:29 Creating Magic for Young Campers
• 31:41 Engaging Activities and Special Events
• 37:39 Managing Parent Expectations
• 42:58 Off-Season Engagement and Camp Culture
• 49:06 Evaluating and Improving Camp Operations

Andy & Eric Wittenberg’s presentation comparing “The Bear” to Summer Camp

Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality

The Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

• 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 camptivitie