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Day Camp Survival: Feedback, Neurodiversity, Social Skills & the Coming Enrolment Cliff

What happens when camps are forced to rethink everything from culture to communication and even their core values? In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, the team unpacks key takeaways from the winter conference circuit, tackling big topics like neurodiversity, feedback culture and the looming enrollment cliff. It’s a candid, forward-looking conversation packed with practical ideas to help camp leaders adapt, stay relevant and strengthen relationships with both staff and families. If you’re thinking about what the future of camp really demands, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

02:27 Teaching Staff to Take Feedback

06:52 Neurodiversity and Sensory Needs

11:38 Rethinking Rules and Inclusion

13:49 Generations and Risk Taking

16:02 Sarcasm and Social Connection

22:45 Mingling and Social Skills Training

26:41 Eggshell Topics and Boundaries

31:32 Back to the Big Picture

31:47 Handling Late Staff

34:03 Enrollment Drop Scenario

35:32 Defining Camp Value

38:32 Storytelling And Trust

43:11 Recession And Differentiation

45:28 Relationship Marketing Ideas

47:18 Keep Swinging And Adapt

50:48 Youth Perspectives And Incentives

53:11 Advice For Enrollment Slumps

58:07 AI Tools For Operations

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Episode Links: 

Matt Kaufman’s Newsletter and Book

Dr. Jean Twenge

The Mingle Project

The Plunging Birthrate 

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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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Your Guests:

• Justin Pritikin, Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

Sponsors:

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

• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)
• Campminder
• AMSkier

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