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
Weather, Operations… Steve Maguire! - The Day Camp Pod #133
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Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/weather-operations
Smart Weather Strategies Every Camp Leader Needs Right Now
Extreme weather is no longer the exception, it’s part of the new normal for day camps. In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, “camp weatherman” Steve Maguire breaks down how camp leaders can prepare for heat waves, wildfire smoke, tropical storms and everything in between. From understanding dew point and UV index to using smarter weather tools and creating effective daily weather briefings, this conversation is packed with practical, real world strategies you can actually use. Steve also challenges camps to rethink shade, infrastructure, and staff preparedness in ways that improve safety and the camper experience. If you’re responsible for making weather related decisions at camp, this episode will help you move from reactive to confidently prepared.
- 00:13 Meet Steve Maguire: The Camp Weatherman
- 05:41 Challenges of Extreme Weather at Camps
- 08:56 Importance of Shade and Weather Awareness
- 15:07 Preparing Staff and Campers for Weather
- 22:03 Proactive Measures for Camp Safety
- 27:27 Innovative UV Index and Sunscreen Dispensers
- 28:07 Mandatory Hats and Sunglasses for Safety
- 29:37 Proactive Weather Monitoring Tools
- 32:33 Daily Weather Briefings and Staff Coordination
- 35:49 Evaluating Camp Infrastructure Beyond Buildings
- 37:57 Staffing and Engagement Strategies
- 41:03 Continuous Improvement and Fresh Perspectives
- 50:54 Under-Invested Areas in Camps
Episode Links:
Obsessed with the Weather Podcast
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 Guest:
- Steve Maguire, Speaker, Trainer, Teacher and more - Go Turnstone
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
- AMSkier
- AMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier differe