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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-andy-p

In this episode of Intentionally Intentional Leaders, Matt Wilfrid sits down with Andy Pritikin, a true powerhouse in the summer camp industry. From founding Liberty Lake Day Camp to producing the New Jersey Renaissance Fair and hosting the Day Camp Podcast, Andy has spent decades "sharpening the sword" of youth development.

Through the roll of a 20-sided die, Andy shares how his background as a rock musician and a student teacher shaped his belief that leadership is earned through relationships, not titles. We dive deep into why camp is the ultimate antidote to an AI-driven world and how directors can navigate the tricky waters of transparency and candor in a modern camp setting.

Key Takeaways include:

• Earned Respect vs. Authoritarianism: Andy reflects on his early days as a music teacher to explain why "collared shirts and walkie-talkies" don't grant authority. True leadership requires constant deposits into the "relationship piggy bank" with your staff.
• The Anti-AI Value Proposition: In an age where even a trip to the gym involves earbuds and screens, Andy discusses why camp is uniquely positioned as a "religion of nature." It’s the one place where kids can focus purely on being human.
• Emotional Safety over "The Trains": Andy shares a profound insight on prioritizing emotional safety and belonging over administrative efficiency. While a schedule is a necessary framework, it should never steamroll the chance for a meaningful, life-changing interaction.
• Forgiving the Mistakes: From "sunscreen machines" that didn't work to hiring mishaps, Andy shares his mantra: "All you can do is the best you can do." Learn why humility and a "glass-half-full" perspective are essential for a long-term career in camping.

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Find full show notes and links for this episode at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-andy-p

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• Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

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Whereabouts

Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.

Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io/

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

When it comes to camp leadership, few responsibilities matter more than being prepared for the unexpected. In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, your hosts are joined by Dr. Barry Garst, Tracey Gaslin and Tim Huchton to unpack what true emergency preparedness really looks like in today’s camp environment. From building practical, usable plans to strengthening relationships with local emergency services and empowering staff to think critically under pressure, this conversation is both strategic and deeply actionable. You’ll walk away with research backed insights, real world examples and tangible resources you can bring back to your team immediately. If safety, decisive leadership, and proactive planning are priorities for you, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

04:36 The Importance of Emergency Preparedness

06:14 Developing Practical Emergency Plans

10:01 Tools and Resources for Camps

24:48 Building Relationships with Emergency Services

27:48 Building Local Relationships for Unique Camps

28:56 Involving Local Agencies in Training

31:29 Critical Thinking in Emergency Preparedness

36:25 Empowering Staff with Decision-Making Skills

44:11 Emergency Preparedness Research Project

47:39 Alliance for Camp Health Resources

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The Safety Navigator

MESH(+) Resources

CampWell

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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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• Tracey Gaslin, CEO - Alliance for Camp Health
• Dr. Barry Garst, Professor and Coordinator, Youth Development Programs - Clemson University
• Tim Huchton, President and CEO - Mo-Ranch

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
  • Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/
• Campminder
  • Visit them today at campminder.com
• AMSkier
  • Learn more at amskier.com.

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

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

Working with preschool day campers requires a completely different playbook and this episode breaks down exactly what that looks like. The hosts and guests dive into the real world challenges of programming, staffing, routines, transportation and parent communication for your youngest campers. You’ll hear practical strategies, thoughtful insights and experienced perspectives that can immediately improve how you support your youngest campers. Whether you’re refining an existing program or launching one for the first time, this conversation offers ideas you can actually use. If you want happier campers, more confident staff and smoother parent relationships, this is an episode worth your time.

• 02:49 Challenges and Strategies for Managing Young Campers
• 06:27 Programming Goals and Activities for Preschoolers
• 10:34 Staffing and Group Management
• 14:06 Daily Schedules and Routines
• 21:30 Parental Communication and Expectations
• 29:50 Parent Visitation Policies
• 31:44 Setting Expectations with Parents
• 32:56 Communicating with Parents
• 36:18 Special Events for Young Campers
• 44:31 Transportation Challenges and Solutions
• 50:55 Program Tips for Preschool Camps

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

• Lauren Dermody, Staffing Coordinator - Elmwood Day Camp
• Dave Thoensen, Camp Owner/Director - Tamarak Day Camp

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors:

• 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

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