Every Camper Counts: The Power of Inclusion - with Sari Grossinger and Sabrina Hinkens - The Day Camp Pod #115

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Inclusion Best Practices for Summer Camps

Are you looking to create a truly inclusive camp environment where every child feels welcome and supported? In this episode of the Day Camp Pod, we dive deep into the world of inclusion for special needs campers with expert guests Sabrina Hinkens and Sari Grossinger.

Sabrina and Sari share invaluable insights on intake processes, staff training, communication strategies, and the importance of collaboration with families and support agencies. Discover how to navigate the challenges of inclusion, from managing expectations to adapting activities and creating a sense of belonging for all campers.

This episode is a must-listen for any camp professional seeking to improve their inclusion practices and create a positive and enriching experience for every child. Tune in to gain practical advice, inspiring stories, and a renewed passion for making your camp a place where everyone shines!

Highlights:

• 01:56 Discussion on Inclusion: Challenges and Strategies

• 03:55 Inclusion Intake Process: Sabrina's Approach

• 08:19 Early Childhood Challenges and Solutions

• 10:27 Inclusion Resources and Support Systems

• 20:44 Private Camps vs. Public Camps: Inclusion Differences

• 27:11 Intake Process and Parent Communication

• 29:28 Non-Therapeutic Camp Policies and Behavior Management

• 31:03 Staffing Strategies for Inclusion

• 33:24 Flexibility in Staff Assignments

• 36:23 Training and Support for Inclusion Staff

• 42:52 Funding and Resources for Special Needs

• 52:55 Success Stories and Impact

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Links from this Episode:

• https://www.camprobinhood.ca/meet-our-family/

• Camp Robin Hood Inclusion Resources

• https://www.camprobinhood.ca/inclusion-program/

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Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District

• Sari Grossinger, Owner/Director Camp Robin Hood, Co-Owner Camp Walden/Madawaska Camps

• Sabrina Hinkens, Youth Program Manager - Gurnee Park District

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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/

• Camptivities

  • Scheduling shouldn’t be so difficult and take as much time as it does! Come check out Camptivities to learn about all of our scheduling tools, specifically designed for camps by camp people. Save time, get rid of the mistakes, and get back to enjoying your summer! Find out more at camptivities.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

Andy Pritikin

Sabrina Hinkens

Sam Thompson

Sari Grossinger

Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy!

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp

Thanks, Camp Pro!

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