The Day Camp Pod - From Go Camp Pro Early Childhood Programming - with Lauren Dermody and Dave Thoensen - The Day Camp Pod #134
Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/preschool
Managing Preschool Day Campers: Tips, Strategies and Success Stories
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
Your Hosts:
- Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
- Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
- Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
Your Guests:
- Lauren Dermody, Staffing Coordinator - Elmwood Day Camp
- Dave Thoensen, Camp Owner/Director - Tamarak Day Camp
Sponsors:
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
- AMSkier