CampWire

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 links, news, latest music, and more   The views...

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 spaces for all.  Special thanks to our sponsor: ACTIVE...

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, including practical tips and takeaways, resources, and...

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   The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own...

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 of Camp Foley, Dave Brown of Mountain Camp, and Cor...

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: PercussionPlay Show Notes: Green Camps Green Camps F...

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 to our sponsor, ACTIVE Network . Show notes: Natio...

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 Beitner: jbeitner@acacamps.org   The views and opini...

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   The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contrib...

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 Follow Stacey on Instagram Follow ACA on Instagram...

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 Kept Secret for Mental Health ACA Volunteer Resour...

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 Children (NCMEC) Boys & Girls Clubs of America  ...

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, insights, and more! Special thanks to our sponsor:...

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 Architects   The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect...

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 Dennen's website and tour info   The views and opini...

  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 to Manager, Healthcare Sales, in 1993...

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: ACTIVENetwork   The views and opinions expressed...

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 conversation profiles the excellent work of ACA, Illinois a...

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 acumen. Special thanks to our sponsor: ACTIVENetwork  ...

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 Indigenous Peoples. Special thanks to our sponsor:...

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 for our sponsor: ACTIVENetwork   The views and o...

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 make the most of camp programs. Special thanks to...

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 much more!  The two unpack research coming...

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 can impact the culture of your camp. As always,...

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 cultivating a sustainable camp culture. Special thanks...