The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp Pro
The Day Camp Pod is for day camp leaders who want real answers and practical advice. Each episode covers how to build a resilient camp, face daily challenges, and support every camper. Our hosts and guests are experienced camp directors who believe in problem-solving, teamwork, and helping staff grow. We talk about staff training, making camps more welcoming for everyone, and building strong connections with parents. If you want to learn how empathy and creativity make camps better, and how to keep your camp strong during tough times, you’ll find new ideas here twice a month from Actober to May.
The Day Camp Pod, from Go Camp Pro. Bringing you the best ideas, strategies and discussions in the Day Camp Industry.
The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp Pro
Maximize Your Camp: From Summer Days to Year Round Impact - with Peggy Aylmer - The Day Camp Pod #125
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/maximize-your-camp
Expanding reach, building partnerships and creating sustainable revenue
Ever wondered what your camp could become after the last camper goes home for the summer? In this episode, Andy, Jordanna and Sam are joined by Peggy Aylmer, Senior Program Director - Day Camps and Retreats - YMCA Camp Copneconic to dive into how camps can transform their spaces and strengthen their communities year-round. From hosting school groups and family reunions to corporate retreats and even Renaissance fairs, discover creative ways to extend your camp’s impact beyond the traditional summer season.
Highlights:
- 04:03 Diverse Camp Programs
- 06:31 Robinhood Leadership Center
- 10:01 Staffing Challenges and Solutions
- 16:36 Weekend and Seasonal Programs
- 23:06 Event Business at Liberty Lake
- 26:19 The Importance of Full-Time Event Staff
- 27:08 Managing Camp Events and Staff Well-Being
- 27:44 Challenges of Hosting Events at Camps
- 28:22 Feeding Campers and Event Guests
- 29:18 Selecting and Hosting Specialty Camps
- 30:41 Day Camps vs. Sleepaway Camps
- 32:15 Unique Partnerships and Community Engagement
- 34:00 Setting Boundaries and Agreements for Rentals
- 35:52 Handling Medical and Security Needs
- 39:50 Navigating School and Board Requirements
- 43:37 Networking and Learning from Other Camps
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Episode Links:
Camp Robin Hood’s School Programs
Camp Robin Hood’s Rentals and Events
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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
- Peggy Aylmer, Senior Program Director - Day Camps and Retreats - YMCA Camp Copneconic
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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