SCamp Life: The Programming Side

Could digging holes become your campers’ favorite activity? Chris and Curt explore that possibility alongside quick camp games, staff recognition, memorable traditions, and cardboard boats where crossing the finish line first doesn’t guarantee a win. Plus, a lucky rock gets an unforgettable origin story, a mystery box builds anticipation, and Curt takes another turn in the trivia hot seat. EPISODE...

SHOW NOTES Fresh camp programming doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. This week, Kurt and Chris share ways to remix familiar games, bring camp history into staff training, and turn downtime into something campers look forward to. They explore a Time Warp theme, a leaf-blower hovercraft, and a board game rotation where campers inherit their teammates’ progress. Plus, the Shark Tank segment b...

Curt and Chris head back into the Camp Program Lab with another rapid-fire collection of ideas for camp professionals. They explore a new spin on the classic human-knot challenge, a collectible staff-recognition system, a low-cost Mardi Gras bead craft, and ways to encourage campers to participate in theme days. Chris tests Curt's knowledge in lesser-known Disney movie songs, use dice to invent tw...

Curt and Chris are back around the campfire! After catching up on the past two years, including a million-dollar camp grant, construction and inspection headaches, and the adventure of buying and selling an escape-room business, they introduce a new rapid-fire format focused on practical ideas for camp professionals. This episode features creative programming concepts, staff-training activities, t...

In this farewell episode of 'SCamp Life: The Programming Side,' Curt and Chris reminisce about the podcast's journey since 2019. They recount key moments, favorite episodes, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from over the years. Highlights include the origin story, the introduction of themes and interviews, the impact of the pandemic, and special segments like 'question of the week' and escape room...

In their second-to-last episode (?), Curt and Chris dive deep into their rich history of camping experiences. They share invaluable lessons learned from their diverse roles, from being camp counselors to directors, across various camp settings. Highlights include the importance of staff training, cultivating a sense of family among team members, and seamlessly integrating new ideas into traditiona...

In this episode, Curt and Chris offer up creative ways to invigorate the classic game of Capture the Flag, offering 20 (19?) unique variations aimed at enhancing gameplay for campers. Their ideas range from incorporating themes and adding special abilities to players, to modifying game mechanics with invisibility aspects or involving staff in gameplay. Throughout their discussion, they share stori...

Curt and Chris explore engaging activities at camp after the sun sets. They share personal stories, offer practical tips for implementing classic nighttime activities like kitchen raids, night swims, and campfire cooking, and offer some more innovative and memorable ideas. 

In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide variety of topics for summer camps. This is their 11th magazine edition. This episode includes a special event idea, program idea, staff idea, new AI tool, some trivia questions, theme ideas, and more. 

In the second installment of their discussion on specialty camp ideas, Curt and Chris share an array of unique camp themes, drawing from both their personal experiences and broader trends. They delve into a variety of specialized camp options, including cooking, survival, archery, scuba diving, music production, detective camp, and fitness camps, among others. This episode offers insights and insp...

In part one, Curt and Chris delve into the world of specialty camps and their significance in offering targeted experiences beyond traditional camping. They discuss the evolution and variety of specialty camps, from music and equestrian camps to coding, robotics, and even escape room camps, highlighting the unique opportunities these provide for children with specific interests. The guys share ins...

In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide range of ideas for bringing special guests to camps. They explore the possibility of inviting guests such as wildlife experts, celebrities, local community leaders, scientists, engineers, athletes, craftsmen like blacksmiths, motivational speakers, and artists. Additionally, they mention innovative activities like silent discos, bubble parties, and th...

Chris and Curt welcome Whitney Mueller from Academic Entertainment, who shares her journey with the company from its humble beginnings to becoming a leading provider of entertainers for camps and schools. The episode covers the variety of programs offered, ensuring no camp ever has to endure the horror of a boring guest again. Whitney highlights the importance of high-quality, professional enterta...

Curt and Chris discuss the concept of mini-camps as an introduction to the main camp for younger kids. They delve into how it gives children a taste of what a traditional overnight camp is like, and how it can help manage homesickness. Chris shares his experience of running a 'discovery camp', providing an introduction to camp life for children and their apprehensive parents too. 

Curt and Chris discuss various puzzle activities that can be a great addition to your camp program. They share their experiences with puzzle hunts, races, and escape rooms, highlighting the appeal of problem-solving over narrative. Four distinct puzzle-based camp activities are detailed including Station Puzzle Races and Puzzle Hunts. They share insights on the ideal group sizes for such activitie...

In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide variety of topics for summer camps. This is their 10th magazine edition. This episode includes a special event idea, program idea, staff idea, new AI tool, some trivia questions, theme ideas, and more. Links:  Pika.art   Stand-Up Paddle Boards ORTUR Laser Master 2 Laser Engraver

In this episode, Curt and Chris ramble on (as they do) about ways to thank the staff and celebrate the end of the summer camp season. From holding an end-of-summer staff party, giving unique gifts like rose quartz or a piece of camp land, to conducting fun activities like a slumber party, awarding gag gifts, or encouraging parents to share their thoughts on their child's counselor. They also highl...

In this festive episode, Curt and Chris discuss pool and water activities, including games that use plastic Easter eggs, tennis balls, and kitchenware. They also give ideas for games like pool tic-tac-toe, slip-and-slide kickball, and Protect the President. Chris also talks about his successful Christmas fundraiser and the art of roasting chestnuts on an open fire.

This week’s episode is a remix from episode 13 way back in 2019. (The Pre-Covid days)! The guys give 8 great ideas for camp-wide games that you can play with the whole camp! This episode is a great listen to update some of your current games!

This is the 9th magazine style episode and it’s a little different than the others. Why? Because the ideas the guys talk about are A.I. generated...and many of them are REALLY good.

The guys each give 4 camp-wide event ideas you should be offering at your camp. They give a very wide variety from Table-Top Escape Games, to Top Shot Activities, to Art Shows. If you’re looking to fill some time with something awesome, check out this episode for that awesome! Links: How to Run The Amazing Race: For Camps and Youth Centers TableTop Game: New Campground 101 Summer Camp Special Even...

C.A.F.E. Bags, which stands for Challenges, Activities, Feats, and Entertainment, is a brand new idea brought to you by Curt and Chris. These bags work great for rainy days and hot weather days that keep everyone inside. Or you can schedule this as an everyday activity time! The guys give you gobs of ideas to create a huge amount of bags that you can have ready to go!

After a long summer, we are back. Chris and his family have moved to Indiana and are at a new camp. Curt has been on an RV trip around the U.S. for six months. Both guys are exhausted but excited to return to the podcast.

This is the episode to listen to now, not when it’s too late! If you host a camp anywhere water falls from the sky, you need to have a plan ready. Unlike the rains down in Africa, these aren’t blessed days. Check out this week’s episode for new ideas (and remixed ideas from episode 11) about what to do in case of inclement weather.

If you’re a camp that does themes, a pirate theme is definitely a must! Curt shares some of the greatest ideas from the book he wrote. This episode will give you plenty of ideas to host your own pirate-theme camp! Links: The Pirate Theme Book Pirate Blog Post Kate Backdrops