Summer camp teaches us about friendship, the importance of play, and the power of being present. This summer's new movie, Summer Camp, reminds us of all this and more. Join us for a fun conversation with the film's director, Castille Landon, as we go behind the scenes to learn about the making of the movie, the joys of being at summer camp, and les…

On this special episode of CampWire, Scott Brody, Owner and Director of Camps Kenwood & Evergreen, sits down with remarkable thought leaders and economists Elliot Haspel and Dr. Kathryn Anne Edwards. Tune in for a rich conversation on the summer camp economy, school-aged summer care for K-12 students, and what the world of childcare looks like in t…

The 2024 solar eclipse is upon us! Tune in for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Laura Peticolas, principle investigator and project lead for the Eclipse Megamovie 2024, to learn about the eclipse, how she and her team are rethinking science education, and the impact of connection. Special thanks to our sponsor: UltraCamp Show notes: Eclipse Mega…

Music has the power to teach, encourage, and inspire us - and if you joined us for the 2024 ACA National Conference in New Orleans, you know this to be true. On this episode of CampWire, we're joined by Mr. Desmian Barnes, Director of Bands for Sophie B. Wright High School, the marching band that graciously and enthusiastically performed at the con…

Creating a culture of change can feel risky, and we might not know where to begin. Jonah Berger, Director and National Youth Programs Manager of Camp Footprint, shares how to take courageous steps toward understanding, normalizing vulnerability, and power of shared experiences. This is an inspiring conversation you don't want to miss! Show notes: C…

Join us as we chat with the team behind Camp Dream. Speak. Live. Delaware, a week-long summer camp offered to children and adolescents who stutter in multiple locations around the world. In this episode we discuss the power of camp experiences, shifting the paradigm when it comes to therapeutic approaches, and partnering with colleges and universit…

Pranks! Mystery! Storytelling! Oh my! Tune in for a fun conversation with Jeremy Enns, host and creator of the podcast series "Summer Camp: The Case of the Phantom Pooper". Show notes: Listen to Summer Camp: The Case of the Phantom Pooper Summer Camp: The Case of the Phantom Pooper on Instagram The Open Road Podcast TheOpenRoadProject on YouTube…

In this episode of the CampWire podcast, we chat with Victoria Povilaitis and Lacey Maglinger of Tim Hortons Foundation Camps about the Quality Improvement in Action Webinar Series. Come learn about what camp program quality looks like in action and how to engage with continuous improvement in this context, and hear about what you can expect from t…

Get ready for the third annual Staffing Summit! Tune in to learn about this year's event, including major themes, keynote speakers, and session topics. Thanks to Staffing Summit Co-Chairs Kim Aycock and Dave Schiff, as well as keynote speakers Jolly Corley and Dr. Jamye Hardy-Wille, for joining the conversation. Special thanks to our sponsor, Percu…

On this episode of the CampWire podcast, Scott Taylor talks with us about Sum Camp! With an emphasis on teaching mathematical concepts, this month-long day camp in Maine demonstrates the role of camp-school partnerships, the power of camp experiences on academic success and instilling confidence in kids, and the lasting impact of innovative and col…

In this special bonus episode of the CampWire podcast, we are joined by Nick Lieberman, one of the directors of the new film Theater Camp! Tune in for a fun conversation about the movie, now in theaters!By American Camp Association

In this episode, Candace Doby joins the podcast to talk all things courage. Candace is a speaker, author of A Cool Girl's Guide to Courage, and coach who works with organizations to create a culture of courage where employees perform at their highest potential. Tune in for an incredible conversation on courage, culture, and applying them to your ca…

Indie rapper, singer, and songwriter Anees joins us on the CampWire podcast to share his inspiring story; the role of summer camp in his life, music, and career; and how everything is summer camp. He recently completed the Summer Camp Tour, and his debut album, Summer Camp, drops on May 19, 2023. Show notes: Visit Anees's website for social media l…

Health and safety of our campers and staff is a top priority, and one that we should never take lightly. As we prepare for the upcoming summer, let's reframe our thinking about abuse prevention. Join us as we chat with Rahel Bayar, of The Bayar Group, to discuss culture shifts around this topic, making space for conversation, and creating safe spac…

Camps can be powerful community partners in the education of our children. A camp-school partnership can be exciting, innovative, and satisfying, but they also take insight, creativity, and perseverance. In this conversation with Bristol Posatko, ACA's Grants and Special Projects Manager, we explore the many layers of camp-school partnerships, incl…

Camp can happen anywhere! Join us for a conversation with Mikey Latner of Project:Camp to learn about the role of camp in times of crisis, bringing fun and a sense of normalcy after disaster strikes, and the positive, lasting impact that happens when communities come together. Show notes: Project:Camp website Email Mikey…

Let’s take a moment to discuss mental, social, and emotional health (MESH). The last few years have taken a toll on the well-being of our campers and staff. As we look to summer 2023, join us for a conversation around strategies and resources to support the well-being and mental health of everyone in our camp communities. Thank you to Alli Faricy o…

What does it mean to "go green"? And how can we implement "green behavior" at our camps? Danny Sudman, Director and Founder of Green Camps, joins us for an inspiring conversation on creating an environmentally-friendly culture at camp, along with empowering - yet practical - ways to make your camp a little greener. Special thanks to our sponsor: Pe…

In preparation for Veterans Day, we are honored and excited to chat with Christy Brown and Becca Garrison of the National Military Family Association all about Operation Purple Camps. Tune in to learn about their efforts to provide summer camp experiences for military kids and families, as well as how you and your camp can get involved! Thank you t…

Have you registered for the 2022 ACA Virtual Staffing Summit? It's not too late! Join John Beitner, Kim Aycock, and David Schiff to learn all about this year's three-day event. The 2022 Staffing Summit will feature critical learning, speaker panels, roundtables and engaging sessions. Click here to learn more and register! Send questions to John Bei…

Anthony Kane joins the CampWire Podcast to discuss diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging! Click here to read his article in the latest issue of Camping Magazine: Instilling a Sense of Belonging from Day One. Thanks to our sponsors: RegPacks Church Mutual Additional show notes: Send Anthony an email Follow Anthony on Twitter @Tone_1024…

Join us for an adventure-filled conversation! Stacey Morgan, wife of NASA astronaut Drew Morgan, is the author of The Astronaut's Wife: How Launching My Husband Into Outer Space Changed the Way I Live on Earth, a true story about making the most of your one incredible life. Show notes: Order your copy of The Astronaut's Wife book Stacey's website F…

Are you interested in becoming an ACA volunteer? Do you already serve ACA by sharing your time and talents? Join this in-depth conversation with Michele Branconier, ACA's Senior Director for Volunteerism, to learn all about volunteer opportunities and roles, the benefits of volunteering, and more! Show notes: VICE Article: Volunteerism Is the Best …

Ju'Riese Colón, CEO of the U.S. Center for SafeSport and a member of the ACA Board of Directors, joins us for a conversation on abuse prevention, education, and accountability within youth programs. Special thanks to our sponsor: ACTIVEWorks Camp & Class Manager Show notes: U.S. Center for SafeSport National Center for Missing and Exploited Childre…

Brandon Reiter of Skyview CFO & Bookkeeping Services joins us to discuss financial strategies for summer camps. How can you optimize your camp's stream of income? How can you think creatively about revenue sources? How can you use your resources effectively to care for your campus, as well as your staff, campers, and families? Listen for tips, insi…

Erik Hancock of The Kubala Washatko Architects (TKWA) joins us for a conversation on camp architecture and design, including insights on accessibility and sustainability for campuses and facilities. Special thanks to our sponsor: Regpack Learn more about TKWA: The Kubala Washatko ArchitectsBy American Camp Association

Singer/songwriter Brett Dennen joins us on the CampWire podcast to share his summer camp experiences; how camp influenced his career, education, and love for the outdoors; and to talk about his latest album, See the World. Special thanks to our sponsor: Regpack Additional links: Dennen Goods See the World album See the World music video Brett Denne…

Special thanks to our sponsor: Trinity/HPSI Thank you to our guests from Sysco Corporation, Nick Kruthaupt and Victoria Gardner. Nick Kruthaupt currently serves as Vice President, National Sales & Segment Leader - Healthcare/Sr Living & Military for Sysco. Nick began his Sysco career in 1992 as an Account Executive at Sysco Nashville. He advanced t…

So you're interested in starting a podcast? Tune in for a conversation on podcast fundamentals, including technology, guests, logistics, and more. Lauren McMillin, ACA's public relations and communications manager, talks with Andy Moeschberger and Sam Hirt about their podcast experiences, insights, and helpful tips. Special thanks to our sponsor: A…

ACA’s Professional Development Manager of the Western Region, John Beitner, sits down with the Executive Director of ACA, Illinois, Colette Marquardt, to discuss the growing trend in camps to make programs and the workforce more diverse, equitable and inclusive and to explore the growing need to make equitable pay more of a priority. This conversat…

ACA’s Professional Development Manager of the Western Region, John Beitner, sits down with Ann Sheets and Dave Thoensen to discuss the importance of sound business fundamentals as we continue to weather the challenges of the last few years. Ann and Dave draw on their vast experience to share insights and very practical applications of business acum…

ACA's camping services manager Alicia Danenberg speaks with Dr. Naomi Bender of Washington State University, along with Danielle Thompson & Brittany Belgarde of the University of North Dakota. Join the conversation as they discuss their unique university operated, health science programs while amplifying voices, culture, and community of the Indige…

ACA's Professional Development Manager of the Western Region, John Beitner, sits down with David Phillips to discuss supervision of seasonal and year-round camp staff. David shares very practical techniques for making the most of evaluation meetings and ongoing supervision strategies for developing talent in camp staff members. We are so thankful f…

ACA's Professional Development Manager of the Western Region, John Beitner, sits down with Susan Fee and Tanea Mills to discuss how mindfulness practices can enhance the camp experience. Susan and Tanea share very practical techniques to help participants and staff stay present and in the moment - to better handle challenges and conflict and to mak…

American Camp Association research associate, Victoria Povilaitis sits down with Stephen Gray Wallace who wears many hats as a school psychologist, adolescent & family counselor, ACA contributor, director of the Center for Adolescent Research & Education (CARE), former national chairman and CEO of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and …

This episode is brought to you by Project Real Job (PRJ) and their staff recruiting initiative. Our panel includes camp experts from the PRJ Committee. Join us as Michael Johnson, Jordan Pugh and Weston Outlaw talk about how to find organizations for BIPOC students, why it is important to hire diverse staff members for summer camp and how diversity…

In this episode, President of Mo Ranch, Tim Huchton sits down with Mark Dibble (CEO) and Greg Keresztury (COO) of the YMCA of the Pines in southern New Jersey. Together they discuss data strategies, tools and goals that might help identify and address weaknesses in camp programs. Learn how your organization can embrace change that leads to cultivat…

ACA's Professional Development Manager of the Western Region, John Beitner sits down with two experts in horticulture! Join the conversation about the importance and value of connecting young people to the power of plants and the rewards of growing them as a key aspect of youth development. Featuring Susan Yoder of Seed Your Future and Alex Yost of…

ACA's Professional Development Manager of the Western Region, John Beitner sits down with Hameeda Abdul Kadir, Raegan Quattlebaum and Ronald Towns to discuss how their camps have made diversity and inclusion the cornerstone of their programs and how they discuss racism and oppression on a regular basis with their campers. They share impactful strat…

This episode will not give you answers, but we hope that the questions we ask ourselves are thought provoking and valuable for the culture of your camp. ACA's Professional Development Manager of the Western Region, John Beitner sits down for an honest conversation between Camp Winnarainbow Director, Yatiel Owens and Tumbleweed Day Camp Owner/Direct…

CampWire is pleased to bring you a conversation on hiring for diversity — full of value for camps and youth-serving organizations. Our expert panel covers topics around how camps can identify their diversity needs; how they can benefit from a diverse staff; how to address diversity, equity, and inclusion during staff training; and much more! As we …

On this episode of CampWire, we are joined by Liz Kimmelman of Tumbleweed Day Camp in Los Angeles, CA and Andy Shlensky from North Star Camp for Boys in Hayward, WI. We talk about how their camps safely served student communities as kids returned to their school programming in online formats amid the pandemic. We also discuss how the Field Guide an…

On this bonus edition of CampWire - we sit down with school psychologist, adolescent and family counselor, SADD Chairman and CEO, camp director, researcher, motivational speaker, and college professor - Stephen Gray Wallace! During this archived conversation we cover how Stephen got involved in the world of camp, his outlook on "relational vs. tran…

On this episode of CampWire - Kymberly Miller facilitates a frank and candid discussion between three African American women that have created highly impactful youth development organizations. This compelling conversation covers information about the individual programs they’ve founded and what it takes to lead their organizations. The group explor…

On this episode of CampWire - Board certified attending family physician and resilience expert, Deborah Gilboa, MD, aka “Dr. G” joins John Beitner to speak to the importance of maintaining mental, emotional and social health (MESH) as a top priority at summer camp – even during a COVID-19 pandemic. Please "like" and subscribe. As always, feel free …

ACA's Camps on Campus Coordinator- Tim Huchton joins Youth Protection Program Directors LeeKeshia Williams from University of Austin Texas and Nate Freidman from University of Utah. This group of leaders speak on the rise of accreditation needs on college campuses and the importance of protecting minors in those environments. Special thanks to this…

We are delighted to sit down with ACA's Director of Research, Dr. Laurie Browne to break down what it means to be a "Leading Voice for Camp in Youth Education and Development". We provide research updates and look to the future of the camp industry. Catch Dr. Browne at the Research Forum during ACA's National Conference (February 11-14) in San Dieg…

ACA's Chief Operating Officer - Henry DeHart joins the podcast to discuss the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. In this episode, we cover the 4 over-arching goals of the strategic plan and how they serve as pillars of quality assurance for camp families, volunteers and staff. Take a listen as Henry details how the strategic plan was created, how it affects…

Join the conversation with Directors Carl Wargo (YMCA Camp Y-Noah), Dan Reynolds (Akron Rotary Camp), Diana Huff (AstroCamp), Paul Kupferman (Catalina Sea Camp) and Heather Kupferman (Guided Discoveries)! In episode 24, we look into what camps can do during the fall and winter months to stay active with camper communities, generate revenue, and pre…

Camp Marketing Directors Darby Dame and Sam Hirt join Camp Owner and Director Larry Johnson for a round-table discussion about the advantages and concerns of using facial recognition technology at camp. Would this service benefit your campers' parents? Or does the technology cross the boundaries of childhood autonomy? Tune in to hear three unique p…