It's time for Magnus to die -- yay! Magnus dies heroically (or not so heroically, depending on who you ask...) and wakes up in a magical afterlife hotel. We meet a whole new cast of characters and deep dive into Norse Mythology. The Nanny Goat breaks our brains a bit. Is it mead? Or is it actually yogurt? Asking the important questions. Magnus meet…

We are thrilled to be back and finally starting Magnus Chase! We hope this episode can bring you some joy amidst whatever is going on in your life/the world/etc. We admit it -- we didn't believe all of you about Magnus Chase. But these books are GOOD. We meet our hero, Magnus and get to see our fav, Annabeth Chase. We learn a bit about Norse mythol…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/assemblies Camp Assemblies - The Secret Sauce of Camp Spirit Join us for an exciting episode of The Day Camp Pod where we discover how to bring the magic of sleepaway camp to your day camp. Hosts Andy Pritikin and Sam Thompson welcome two experienced camp directors: S…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/in-the-city From Idea to 750 Campers: Eileen Price's Inspiring Experience with In the City Camps Join the hosts of the Day Camp Pod from Go Camp Pro as they sit down with Eileen Price, the visionary behind In the City Camps in Atlanta, Georgia. Discover how Eileen's j…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/scenario-planning-101 Exploring Camp Futures: Key Drivers and Scenario Planning In this episode of Camp Ahead, hosts Joe, Jess, and KJ expand on the idea of scenario planning as an essential tool for thinking about the future. They discuss key drivers such as climate cha…

CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, we are discussing the adult novel, Blood of Hercules, after it went viral on PJO/mythology twitter. This book contains mature adult sexual themes, so if you are a younger listener or are uncomfortable with said themes, this episode is not for you (and we'll see you when we do Magnus Chase!). BLOOD OF HERCULES by Ja…

Send us a text A new show from Go Camp Pro! Camp Ahead! Subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts! --- Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/intro-to-mental-time-travel Welcome to Camp Ahead: The Futurology of the Summer Camp Industry In this inaugural episode of the Camp Ahead podca…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/data-staffing The Staffing Puzzle: Day Camp Experts Share Trends and Tips In this episode of The Day Camp Pod from Go Camp Pro, host Andy Pritikin and co-host Sam Thompson, alongside Dan Weir, Jack Schott, and Justin Pritikin, dive into the critical topic of staffing …

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/trust-2025 Navigating Parenting and Camp Management Post-Pandemic In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, hosted by Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, Jaime Pickles, and Kelly Jones, the panel tackles the evolving challenges of parenting and camp management post-pandemic. They…

Hecate arrives home, and Percy tells her everything that happened. She doesn’t punish him because he brought her a new puppy (fair enough). Percy convinces Hecate to reopen her magic school, much to Eudora’s excitement. Annabeth, Juniper, and Grover join the Jackson-Blofis household for dinner and they have a nice heartwarming ending. Juniper says …

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/start-from-scratch-2024 From Passion to Reality: Starting and Running a Successful Day Camp In this episode of The Day Camp Pod, hosts Andy Pritikin and Sam Thompson delve into the world of starting and running a successful day camp. Featuring guests Corey Kalman, who…

We are joined once again by friend of the podcast, Ishanie, to talk about some of the final chapters of this book! The fight with Peter and his ghosts is in full swing. The eels save the day, and somehow, milk is brought up. Again. We realize Peter is probably in Elysium (it's rigged!). Once again, we get confused by the timeline and by the referen…

Finally, we learn the truth about Sally. It's not as exciting as we were theorizing. Turns out, Sally met Hecate before, when she was a child! Percy gets some more background on the magic school from his mom and from his school counselor, and we learn that apparently the end of magic school was linked to WW1? Also, we decide that magic school is fo…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/ownership-gold Inside the Camp Ownership World: Success Stories and Challenges Join Andy, Sam, and Justin Pritikin as they delve into the inspiring story of Jonathan Gold, a successful operator of three large private day camps in New Jersey. In this episode, Jonathan …

It's been a rough week, y'all. Here is a podcast episode to hopefully bring some joy to your lives. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover get hit with beast breath, and turn into strange animal hybrids. Percy bonds with Gale and learns her backstory, which prompts Erin to do a deep dive on witch-hunting in Ancient Greece. Manasa finds a disturbing owl-human …

Manasa attempts to redeem herself post-milk debacle. She stands by her original theory. We discuss how this book sounds a lot younger in tone, and in themes. Percy and Grover continue their search for Gale throughout perfume departments, and Annabeth arrives to help them out and provide the brain cell. They find Gale, who is being metaphorically mi…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/eddie-norgard Navigating the Challenges of Camp Management while Fostering Creativity and Growth Eddie Norgard is a golden example of how hard work, creativity, and purpose can propel a talented young person in the camp industry. Eddie is a super-successful YMCA profe…

We are very sleep deprived in this one, so topics somehow include the recession, the U.S. education system, and...milk? After getting Hecuba home, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover turn to finding Gale. We learn some more about Hecate's magic school and Sally's potential connection to it. Percy and Grover have a nice bonding moment, and Grover almost die…

We start off this episode by being really confused about the timeline, thanks to some great points from listeners re: Percy's comments about Leo. Rick definitely doesn't know his own timeline. In these chapters, the gang is on the hunt for Hecuba this week, who is having a grand old time terrorizing Greek businesses. They fight undead warriors and …

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/2024forward Navigating the Day Camp Renaissance: Staffing Solutions and Innovations Summer 24 is in the books, and our September to-do lists have turned into pumpkin spice… Time to get the Day Camp Pod back on track for another great season of best practices and uniqu…

Grover... you've really done it this time. We return to our roots, aka, making fun of Grover. Also Erin has a new microphone and it becomes her whole personality. Grover explodes the house because he has no self control, and the pets escape. If Manasa was Percy, she'd have to go on a lot of walks. Mrs. O'Leary shows up (we all missed her very much)…

Today's episode is all about pet ownership. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover enter their domestic pet-sitting era at Hecate's mansion, and last almost a whole day before chaos breaks out. Erin thinks that Hecate is actually a very good dog (and polecat) mom. The trio learns that walking a polecat and a hellhound is not for the faint of heart. Manasa dee…

WE’RE BAAAAAACK! This week we’re talking all things Wrath of the Triple Goddess, but first, we have some yapping to do. We discuss all the new casting announcements for the show, and the TSATS sequel. Erin and Manasa realize they are Mark and Rick. Then we dive into the chapters and learn the Percy is a fall girlie. Is Annabeth a natural people per…

This week, we're predicting the plot of Wrath of the Triple Goddess (out September 23, 2024!!!). But of course, we can't do things normally, because we're Camp Half-Pod. We turn our predictions into a competitive BINGO game, and you can play along and make your own BINGO sheet if you want! This is the free BINGO generator we used: https://myfreebin…

We are finally caught up on all PJO-universe books! Round of applause for Camp Half-Pod. This week, we are discussing the final chapters of Chalice of the Gods. Percy completes his quest, and we learn what clotted cream is (it’s a big day for all of us). The book wraps up nicely with some Sally, Paul, and Annabeth time. We wonder how Poseidon calls…

This week we are joined by our friend Ishanie! Ishanie, long time Percy Jackson fan and person who knew us in high school, gets to hear us get low key emotional about growing old. Percy faces Geras, the god of old age (our predictions were right!!). We come down firmly against loin cloths. Manasa wishes Geras wore a cute old man sweater. Erin reads…

This one starts off strong, with Percy enchanting a bunch of snakes with a rainbow (the snakes say gay rights!). They complete their quest for Iris, and in exchange learn about a mysterious Gary (not the snail), who has likely stolen the cup. Percy gives relationship advice to Grover. Erin still thinks Grover is a bad boyfriend. Sally announces her…

This week we are joined by our new friend Mal from Demigod Debut Podcast to talk all about The River Elisson and Yonkers. Mal confesses to crimes almost immediately. Erin thinks Grover is a bad boyfriend again. What was the point of Blanche? We’re not sure. Mal, a New York resident, gives us some context on Yonkers. We give Percy a new name. He is …

Did you know there is deep lore about Hebe and lettuce? Well, you do now! Tune in to learn about how lettuce might be Hebe’s real dad. Also, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover fight some chickens as 8 year olds (classic shenanigans). We get some insight on a normal demigod week. We lament growing older and sound like we’re pushing 60 despite not even bein…

We are so excited to start Chalice of the Gods with you all and get back to reading about Percy, Annabeth, and Grover! We start off with chapters 1-6, and celebrate the return of first person Percy. There are some real sweet Percabeth moments in these first few chapters. Also, Sally Jackson. Percy embarks on his new quest, with the help of his best…

It is time for our long awaited bonus episode - that’s right, we’re going to put Erin through Tartarus. Thanks to Manasa’s coding and Sammie’s video editing, we are bringing you this brand new Camp Half-Pod VIDEO experience!! If you are listening on Spotify, we definitely recommend watching the video. If you are listening elsewhere, never fear! The…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/season-6-debrief The summer is upon us! Join us as we debrief the best Day Camp Pod Tid-Bits from the past eight months. Season 6 of the Day Camp Pod is winding down as we laser-focus on the daunting job before us. This episode, Sam & I debrief our ACA trip to Washing…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/13-tips Going full-time is scary! These camp pros have some wise words to help any director find their footing. The Go Camp Pro team put together a really cool episode in which 13 top tier camp podcasters were asked for an important tip to tell any new camp director t…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/gen-z-staff He’s back! Justin's insight is more important than ever. You won’t want to miss this one! This past Tri-State Camp Conference, our all-star podcast guest, Justin Pritikin presented to a packed room of camp professionals about working with his generation’s …

Camp Half-Pod completes another book! We are wrapping up The Sun and The Star this week with the final chapters. Nico realizes that he can leave behind his trauma baby demons. They defeat Nyx with the help of Nyx's own children. Bob gets to see the sky again! The cacodemons are rebranded as the Cocoa Puffs, which Manasa low-key hates and Erin loves…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/talking-teens Summer camps rarely meet their full potential of teen programing. Jeff Leiken is here to help us get into the teen mindset! There are very few camp consultant trainers in our industry over the past quarter century that have had the impact of Jeff Leiken.…

We lose our minds a bit in this one. Nico and Will finally reach Nyx’s house! It’s made of bugs! Manasa accuses Nyx of being poor and boring, and not able to afford real walls. Manasa also projects onto Dr. Thorn this week, in a turn of events nobody saw coming. Bob is being kept in a Bob Pod in the Bug House. Is Nico the star? Or is he actually th…

We are joined once again by repeat guest Robert of TheDamMemePage to discuss chapters 33-38! Will fights off evil dogs while Nico befriends a mania. We see some returning characters (Small!! Bob!!) and locations (Tartarus Shrek’s Swamp). Nico and Will continue to have relationship problems. Manasa has to put the book down when we meet Carl and Bart…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/yes-chef Staff training is nearly upon us…will you be ready? Hulu’s award-winning TV show, THE BEAR teaches valuable lessons from running a restaurant, and turning your staff from good to great - that really resonate to running a summer camp. Eric Wittenberg of Camper…

Nico and Will finally make it to Tartarus! Erin uses the word penchant. It triggers Manasa. We spend a while insulting Nyx and her methods. Gorgyra gives Will and Nico couples therapy. They still need more couples therapy tbh. Nico and Will make the fall via the river of pain, and land amongst bones and acid rain. Will tries to help while Nico take…

It’s time to learn all about Nico’s experience in Tartarus, the first time. We miss the dumb giants from Gaea’s army. Nyx has a lot of babies, including hordes of children, which is fun. Manasa accuses Erin of being a Nico. The timeline in this book is confusing, ngl. We spend a long time discussing it. We meet a gay farmer demon (slay). Then Will …

Nico and Will are heading deep into the underworld. We are heading deep into Care Bear lore. We’re introduced to Epiales, the nightmare demon, and then get to see our favorite not-frogs, the Troglodytes! Manasa gives us some history on Care Bears. Erin reveals her personal Care Bear lore. Editor Sammie makes a cameo to correct said Care Bear lore. …

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/additional-needs-staff A diverse staff team is a stronger staff team. Since 2020, camps have been more and more aware of their staff’s needs - particularly their pay, schedule flexibility, and the amount of burden they carry. But meanwhile, our staff have very similar…

We’re baaaaaack! By popular demand, we are reading The Sun and The Star. We catch up on our break from podcasting, and then dive into discussing our favorite emo boy and his sunshine boyfriend. Topics include Star Wars villains, literary structure, Sally Jackson, and trauma. Nico’s culture is not your costume. ————————————————————— SUPPORT US ON PA…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/maximizing-summer-staff Increase your staff efficiency by maximizing your staff’s abilities. In today’s world of $4000 camp counselors, camps need to do everything possible to be efficient in how we staff our summer programs. We discuss this topic and more with Thomas…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/random-acts-ice-cream Looking to appreciate and recognize your staff better? Come listen and learn from the best in the business! One of the best parts of attending the CODA and ACA National Conference is meeting super smart day camp pros from all over the country, an…

We are so excited to wrap up this series (and this season of Camp Half-Pod!)! We start off with an overall discussion of some favorite moments from the series, and then give our own personal rankings for each episode. We talk about the documentary on Disney+ and then crown our winners of our Season Superlatives. We wrap up this episode by reading s…

Send us a text Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/transitioning-leadership No one becomes a director overnight. Taking over an existing camp operation is no small feat, and today we’re joined by two seasoned, self-made camp professionals who have each had unique challenges. It’s a great podcast for anyone looking to …

It’s the final episode of the Disney+ Percy Jackson adaptation, “The Prophecy Comes True.” Cue the tears! The iconic battle between Ares and Percy comes to life on the screen (that giant wave? SO cool). Percy goes to Olympus, and we get to meet Zeus and Poseidon. Percy returns to camp, only to be betrayed by the real lightning thief. We spend a lon…

This week, we’re going down below to the Underworld in episode 7 of the Disney + PJO adaptation, “We Find Out The Truth, Sort Of.” Percy and gang heads down to the Underworld, and we nerd out about the design choices (upside down castle?? How COOL is that???). Erin teaches Manasa the word “stalactite.” We spend a long time talking about the implica…