CampWire

In this episode, we are joined once again by Bob Ditter, alongside ACA's own Alicia Danenberg and Laurie Pearson to discuss character work at camp.  Tune in as they explore how camps can affirm and expand the character-building work they’re already doing. They discuss what “character” really means in a camp context, how to define and live out your camp’s values as staff, and ways to create an envi...

The ACA Southwest Fall Campference is just around the corner! Tune in for a conversation with this year’s “Playnote” speaker, Tobin Paap, and get a sneak peek at what’s in store. Whether you’re looking to recharge after summer or gear up for the year ahead, this episode will inspire you with fresh energy, real connection, and a reimagined way to gather. Show notes: ACA, Southwest Fall Campference...

It's a camp! It's a conference! It's a Campference! On this episode, we're joined by Sterling Nell Leija and Kendra Perkins from Innovative Camp Company to learn all about the upcoming ACA, Northern California Campference.  Tune in for a taste of what you can expect, some fun and heartfelt camp stories, and - did we mention this event is in Napa?  We hope to see you there Oct. 14-16. Show notes: L...

How do camps create environments where character thrives? In this episode of CampWire, Bob Ditter and Dave Brown dive into actionable strategies that camps can use to foster character development in both staff and participants. From cultivating leadership and resilience to promoting empathy and teamwork, this conversation provides practical insights and real-world examples to help camps strengthen...

In this special episode, we're joined by Scott Ehlers, Chief Kindness Strategist at Kindness Is Free—a nonprofit initiative launched by the Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside. We explore how small acts of kindness can spark big change, especially in camp and youth-serving communities, and how Kindness Is Free is helping young people become ambassadors of compassion and...

In this episode of CampWire, we talk with Christen Peterson, ACA’s director of inclusion and belonging, about Ms. Opal Lee—known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth—and her inspiring movement, Opal’s Walk for Freedom. Learn how camps can honor her legacy, engage their communities, and take steps toward a more inclusive future. Join us as we explore how a single walk became a national movement—and how...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kendra Perkins and her beloved therapy dog, Harbor, to explore the heartwarming impact of therapy animals at summer camp. Kendra shares how Harbor supports campers through moments of anxiety, homesickness, and emotional challenges—while also bringing smiles, connection, and calm to the entire camp community. Discover how therapy dogs like Harbor are helping create...

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re diving into the impact and evolution of women in the summer camp industry! Join us as we chat with Colette Marquardt, CEO of the American Camp Association, Illinois, and founder of the Women in Camp Summit. Colette shares how the summit grew into a thriving community with an annual conference, pop-up events, and year-round support for women in camp. Special...

Looking to take your camp career to the next level? In this episode, we're joined by Erec Hillis, owner and Executive Director of Camp Champions in Marble Falls, TX. Erec is speaking at the upcoming Tri-State CAMP Conference and sharing insights on the new Camp Career Accelerator program — designed to help camp professionals grow their skills and chart a path for long-term success in the camp indu...

It's time for the 2025 ACA National Conference! Tune in for a conversation with John Beitner, ACA's senior director of programs, to learn all about this year's conference.   Special thanks to our sponsor, UltraCamp .   Learn more about the 2025 ACA National Conference.   The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ameri...

In this episode, we sit down with Alli Faricy of Camp Foley to dive into the tremendous success of their recent Camp Moves Me campaign. Alli shares the story behind the campaign, the innovative strategies that led to its success, and the impact it’s had on the camp community. Don’t miss this conversation about fostering community, creativity, and growth through fundraising! Show notes: Camp Foley...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Raines to explore the transformative impact of culturally responsive practices in youth development. Dr. Tim shares his insights on why understanding and embracing diverse cultural perspectives is essential for fostering growth and belonging in young people. Special thanks to our sponsor, UltraCamp ! Show notes: Dr. Tim's website Camping Magazine article:...

Camp is meant to be a safe environment - physically, mentally, and emotionally. So, how do we hold space for our campers and staff who may be dealing with trauma? On this episode, John Hamilton from the Alliance for Camp Health joins us to discuss cultural trauma and creating safe, supportive, and connected spaces at camp and beyond. Special thanks to our sponsor, UltraCamp ! Show notes: Article,...

Join us for October 28-30 for the 2024 Staffing Summit! In this conversation, we hear from keynote speaker Jill Lyons about her camp experience and its role in her journey into the corporate world. Click here to register for the Staffing Summit! Special thanks to our 2024 Staffing Summit sponsors: UltraCamp CampHire Chaco Redwoods Group Odyssey International Camp   The views and opinions expressed...

Join us for October 28-30 for the 2024 Staffing Summit! In this conversation, we hear from keynote speaker Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson about her background as an educator, coach, speaker, author, and more! Dr. PBJ's sessions will offer insights and tips on disrupting burnout.  Click here to register for the Staffing Summit! Show notes: Dr. PBJ's website and podcast Disrupting Burnout: The Professi...

Join us for October 28-30 for the 2024 Staffing Summit! In this conversation, we hear from closing keynote speaker Leah Mesches about her background, connecting the camping industry to the corporate world, and what we can expect from her session at this year's Summit. Click here to register for the Staffing Summit! Blog post: Can I Really Spend Another Summer Working at Camp? Special thanks to our...

Join us for this year's Staffing Summit! In this episode, we chat with event co-chairs Kim Aycock and Dave Schiff to learn all about this year's Summit, including new features, speaker details, special events, and more! Event dates: October 28-30, 2024 Registration fee includes access to recorded sessions for 30 days following the conference.  Find more here! Special thanks to our 2024 Staffing Su...

On this episode of CampWire, HK Gilbert joins us from Camp Fire National Headquarters to discuss gender affirming practices at camp. Tune in for a conversation on creating a sense of belonging for all campers and what that looks like on a practical level. Special thanks to our sponsor: UltraCamp Show notes: Creating Camp Magic: Gender-Affirming Practices to Welcome All Youth, blog post Camp Fire  ...

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 lessons learned along the way. Check out Summer Camp...

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 the summer space. Show notes: Dr. Kathryn Anne...

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 Megamovie 2024 EdEon - Sonoma State University SunSke...

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 conference's opening session and warmly welcomed ACA...

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: Camp Footprint About Jonah Berger He Walks Like a 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 universities to create life-changing programs for children...

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   The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by...