We’ve Got Mail: The First Annual Day Camp Pod Mail Bag! - The Day Camp Pod

Your questions, our answers and plenty of camp stories along the way

As another year wraps up, the Day Camp Pod 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

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

Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality

The Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality

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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:

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Campminder

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Camptivities

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