Go Camp Pro

05/22/2026

The Gift of Boredom: Why Uncomfortable "Dead Air" is Your Camp's Secret Weapon

When a camper drops the dreaded "I'm bored", most counselors panic and go into immediate rescue mode, treating it like a programmatic failure. But what if that uncomfortable silence isn't a problem to solve, but a necessary bridge to self-reflection, identity development, and deep human connection? Chris and Ariella unpack the neurobiology of boredom, the vulnerability of phone-free communication, and how camp leaders can intentionally design low-stimulation "green zones" that build true psychological resilience.

Listen today!
https://gocamp.pro/campprogrammingbydesign/boredom

05/21/2026

Preparing for a Successful 2026 Summer Camp Season.
Join Oliver and Matt for the season finale of First Class Counselors as they count down ten essential tips for the upcoming 2026 summer.

Preparing for a Successful 2026 Summer Camp Season Join Oliver and Matt for the season finale of First Class Counselors as they count down ten essential tips for the upcoming 2026 summer. This episode provides a quick reference guide for frontline staff focusing on everything from active supervision

05/20/2026

Creating Camp Culture Before the First Camper Arrives: Inside the Journey of Turning a Camp Dream Into Reality

Launching a brand-new camp from scratch is no small feat, and in the final episode of season 6, Lauren Beckwith and Stacey Levy pull back the curtain on how they turned a shared vision into Camp Eastwood. Drawing on decades of experience at some of the industry’s most respected camps, they share practical insights on everything from designing age appropriate programming to creating culture, traditions and staff systems before the first camper even arrived. Whether you’re dreaming about starting a camp, refreshing your current program, or simply love hearing how great camp ideas come to life, this episode is packed with thoughtful leadership lessons and real world strategy. It’s an inspiring look at what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up and why intentionality matters every step of the way.

Creating Camp Culture Before the First Camper Arrives: Inside the Journey of Turning a Camp Dream Into Reality Launching a brand-new camp from scratch is no small feat, and in the final episode of season 6, Lauren Beckwith and Stacey Levy pull back the curtain on how they turned a shared vision in

05/12/2026

From Capitol Hill to Camp: Why Advocacy Matters More Than Ever for Summer Camps

As conversations around childcare, workforce development and youth mental health continue to grow, summer camp has an important story to tell and this episode takes listeners straight to the front lines of that advocacy work. Andy Pritikin shares an inside look at ACA Hill Day 2026 in Washington, DC, where camp professionals met with lawmakers to push for critical issues like background check access, J-1 visa reform and stronger bipartisan support for camps. Packed with eye-opening stats, real camp stories and practical ways camp leaders can get involved, this episode highlights why advocacy matters now more than ever. If you care about the future of camp and the impact it has on families, communities and the next generation, this is a must listen episode.

Sam & Andy Go to Washington - The Day Camp Pod - #140 Day Camp PodPodcast 12 May Written By Guest User Review us on iTunes! From Capitol Hill to Camp: Why Advocacy Matters More Than Ever for Summer CampsAs conversations around childcare, workforce development and youth mental health continue to grow...

05/07/2026

How Digital Media Shapes Modern Camper Expectations:
The team discusses the transition from traditional play to the watching culture of YouTube emphasizing how counselors can use this knowledge to build connections with campers.

This episode explores the intersection of modern pop culture and the summer camp experience. They discuss the transition from traditional play to the watching culture of YouTube and streaming services, emphasizing how counselors can use this knowledge to build genuine connections with campers.

05/07/2026

Mastering the "Business" of Camp with Jane McCutcheon

Building a thriving summer camp requires more than just "warm and fuzzy" feelings, it demands rigorous professional standards and an intentional focus on safety. Many leaders struggle to balance the magic of the campfire with the hard metrics of a successful operation. This episode breaks down why treating your camp as a high-level business actually protects the heart of your mission.

Listen here:

Mastering the "Business" of Camp with Jane McCutcheon Building a thriving summer camp requires more than just "warm and fuzzy" feelings, it demands rigorous professional standards and an intentional focus on safety. Many leaders struggle to balance the magic of the campfire with

05/05/2026

Enrollment isn’t just “feeling” tighter, there’s real data behind the shift, and it’s coming for camps faster than many leaders expect. In this episode, Jake Sorenson and Jonathan Gold break down the demographic cliff, what it means for your program, and why 2028 should already be on your radar. More importantly, they move beyond the problem and offer practical ways to adapt, from rethinking older camper experiences to doubling down on what makes camp truly indispensable. If you want to stay ahead of enrollment challenges (instead of reacting to them), this is a must listen.

The Day Camp Enrollment Cliff - with Jake Sorenson and Jonathan Gold - The Day Camp Pod #139 Day Camp PodPodcast 5 May Written By Guest User Review us on iTunes! Birth Rate Drops, Demographic Shifts, and How Day Camps Can AdaptEnrollment isn’t just “feeling” tighter, there’s real data behind...

04/23/2026

Understanding the Responsibility and Reality of Summer Camp Leadership Roles.

This episode explores the transition from being a frontline counselor to joining the seasonal leadership team.

Understanding the Responsibility and Reality of Summer Camp Leadership Roles This episode explores the transition from being a frontline counselor to joining the seasonal leadership team. This episode dismantles the myth that leadership is about status or power, instead framing it as a vital shift t

04/22/2026

High Standards, Real Buy In: Feedback Strategies Staff Will Actually Hear and Use

Why do some staff shut down when given feedback and how can leaders break through? In this episode, your hosts sit down with Dave Brown, LCSW, to explore brain-aligned strategies that help young staff actually hear, process, and act on feedback. Listen in as they unpack the “mentor’s dilemma” and share practical tools like transparency statements, belonging stories, and low stakes check-ins that build trust while maintaining high standards. If you’re looking to strengthen your feedback culture without sacrificing relationships, this episode offers clear, actionable approaches you can start using right away.

High Standards, Real Buy In: Feedback Strategies Staff Will Actually Hear and Use Why do some staff shut down when given feedback and how can leaders break through? In this episode, your hosts sit down with Dave Brown, LCSW, to explore brain-aligned strategies that help young staff actually hear,

04/16/2026

Training Your Team to Inspire Confidence in Caregivers.
This episode explores the friction between caregiver expectations and camp realities, emphasizing why trust is the foundation of every interaction.

This episode explores the friction between caregiver expectations and camp realities, emphasizing why trust is the foundation of every interaction. Matt shares insights from his book on the science of belonging while the team discusses practical ways to shield frontline staff from communication fati