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PODCAST

CampWire

American Camp Association

The CampWire podcast features episodes of in-depth conversations with camp and youth development experts.

kids & family

All Episodes

45:20

Episode 105 | Programs Don’t Change Kids—People Do: A...

CampWire ·

2026/03/13

Coach BE (Bryan E. Stephens) believes in a simple but powerful truth: programs don’t transform young people—people do.In this episode, we sit down with Coach BE, a keynote speaker for the upcoming Spring Leadership Conference in Palm Springs. He shares the story behind his work in youth development, his people-centered approach to leadership, and why the everyday choices adults make can have a lasting impact on young people. Tune in for a preview of the energy and perspective he’ll bring to this

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36:36

Episode 104 | Building the Next Generation of Camp...

CampWire ·

2026/03/07

How do we prepare the next generation of camp leaders?In this episode, we’re joined by Erec Hillis and Jack Schott to revisit the Camp Career Accelerator program — an initiative designed to help emerging camp professionals gain the skills, experiences, mentorship, and connections they need to become successful camp directors. One year after launching the program, Erec and Jack reflect on what they learned from the first cohort, what surprised them along the way, and the impact the program has had

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27:16

Episode 103 | Spring Leadership Conference Preview:...

CampWire ·

2026/02/26

In this special preview episode for the Spring Leadership Conference (SLC), we sit down with keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Pfeiffer to explore what camp leaders need to understand about the brain, belonging, and trauma-informed leadership.If you’re committed to building a camp environment rooted in compassion, connection, and practical leadership tools, this episode offers a meaningful glimpse of what’s to come in Palm Springs. Join us at the SLC April 14-17, 2026, for powerful professional

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21:38

Episode 102 | What Is CampCounts — and Why Every...

CampWire ·

2026/02/13

CampCounts is more than a survey — it’s one of the most important tools we have to understand, support, and advocate for camps nationwide. In this episode, we break down what the CampCounts survey is, how the data is used, and why participation from camps of all types and sizes is critical. We also explore how CampCounts helps tell the collective story of camp, informs decision-making, and strengthens the future of the camp community.Show notes: CampCounts Contact Dr. Miray Seward The views and

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33:32

Episode 101 | 2026 ACA National Conference Preview

CampWire ·

2026/01/30

In this episode, we preview the 2026 ACA National Conference, happening February 17-20 in San Diego, CA.We talk about what makes this four-plus-day experience so valuable for camp professionals, from learning opportunities, networking, volunteering, and more. Whether this is your first ACA National Conference or you’ve attended for years, this episode will help you understand what to expect — and why it’s worth being there. Show notes: 2026 ACA National Conference Schedule at a Glance 2026

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41:55

Episode 100 | Main Character Energy: A Conversation...

CampWire ·

2026/01/15

In this episode, we’re joined by Angus Fletcher, professor of story science at Ohio State’s Project Narrative and a keynote speaker for the 2026 ACA National Conference in San Diego.Angus brings together neuroscience, literature, and psychology to explore how camp uniquely cultivates grit, growth, and emotional resilience in young people—and why these qualities are declining in traditional K–12 environments. Drawing on his research and upcoming keynote, Angus explains what camp gets right: giving

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15:46

Episode 99 | Beating Burnout Before Summer Begins: A...

CampWire ·

2025/12/05

In this special preview episode of CampWire, we sit down with Dr. Patrice Buckner-Jackson — Dr. PBJ — to introduce her highly anticipated January keynote for the 2025–2026 Staffing Summit.After delivering one of the most requested keynotes of 2024, Dr. PBJ returns to guide camp professionals through a deeper, more expansive conversation on burnout, capacity, and caring for the people who care for campers. You can hear Dr. PBJ’s full keynote live on Wednesday, January 28, as part of the 2025–2026

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36:09

Episode 98 | Take a Deep Breath: A Camp Pro's Guide...

CampWire ·

2025/11/25

When tensions rise, camp professionals often find themselves navigating the full spectrum of caretaker emotions—sometimes before they've even had their morning coffee. In this episode, Alicia Danenberg, Bristol Posatko, and Chris Rehs-Dupin sit down for an honest conversation about why parents and caretakers become upset, what’s really going on beneath the frustration, and how camp staff can respond with clarity, calm, and confidence.Together, they share practical strategies for de-escalating

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47:37

Episode 97 | Inclusive Play for Every Camper: A...

CampWire ·

2025/11/14

In this episode, we're joined by Alex McLellan, creator of BoxxyBall - the fast-growing catch-and-throw game that's taking camps by storm. What makes BoxxyBall special? It's intentionally designed so every participant can jump in, have fun, and succeed. No one is left on the sidelines.Tune in for a conversation about innovation, inclusion, and the powerful role camps play in ensuring every child has the opportunity to move, play, and thrive. Show notes: BoxxyBall Contact Alex Special

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42:28

Episode 96 | Meet Henry DeHart: A Conversation with...

CampWire ·

2025/11/07

In this episode of CampWire, we sit down with Henry DeHart, the newly appointed CEO of the American Camp Association. Henry shares his journey to ACA, his background in leadership and the camp industry, and what drives his passion for ACA’s mission. He also offers a look ahead at his vision for the organization and the opportunities and challenges facing the camp community today. Tune in to get to know the person leading ACA into its next chapter.Show notes: Youth Impact Study Character at Camp

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47:11

Episode 95 | Name It, Claim It, Define It: A Values...

CampWire ·

2025/10/30

In this episode, we explore what it means to intentionally shape character at camp through the lens of values and virtues. Our guests, Rabbi Avi Orlow and Jonah Canner—both longtime educators and leaders in Jewish learning—join us for a thought-provoking discussion about how camps can name, claim, and define the values that guide their communities.Show notes: ACA Character at Camp Initiative Rabbi Avi Orlow Jonah Canner The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own

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54:01

Episode 94 | The Brandwein Skill-A-Thon on Training &...

CampWire ·

2025/10/24

This episode is for everyone who wants expert techniques in staff training and making the camp mission really happen, including: scheduling training with good time management, creating a staff team committed to mission from the first minutes, and much more.We welcome back the incredible educator, staff trainer, and author Michael Brandwein for an exclusive peek at the content of the in-person, small group, learn-by-doing professional development event held in Chicago January 12-14, 2026, near

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48:45

Episode 93 | The Intentional Camp with Michael...

CampWire ·

2025/10/20

In this episode, we’re joined by renowned educator and speaker Michael Brandwein for a preview of his keynote and breakout sessions at the upcoming ACA, Southeastern Fall Camp Conference. Michael shares insights from his presentation, The Intentional Camp: Keeping Character as the Key, and from his latest bestselling book, The Intentional Camp: Putting More Muscle in the Mission of Character & Youth Development, exploring how intentionality in leadership, programming, and staff development can

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33:11

Episode 92 | Helping Humans Flourish with Amy Brady -...

CampWire ·

2025/10/13

In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Brady, founder of The Flourish Lab and keynote speaker at ACA’s upcoming Rocky Mountain Fall Conference. Amy’s work centers on supporting adults who work with kids and youth—helping them build connection, belonging, and understanding in their communities.Together, we explore what it means to flourish as humans—both for staff and the campers they serve. Amy shares insights into navigating challenging behaviors, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating

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30:20

Episode 91 | Culture Happens Either Way with Dan...

CampWire ·

2025/10/10

The culture at your camp isn't an accident - it's something you create every day. In this episode, we chat with leadership consultant and keynote speaker Dan Durbin about his session, "Culture Happens Either Way." Tune in for a sneak peak of what to expect from the Staffing Summit and inspiration to build a stronger, more aligned camp team.Show notes: ACA Staffing Summit Durbin Leadership 6 Types of Working Genius The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do

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39:39

Episode 90 | Deepening Character Work at Camp with...

CampWire ·

2025/10/03

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 environment where kids and staff alike feel a deep sense of belonging and growth. Whether you’re a camp

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48:23

Episode 89 | See You in Salt Lake City! Southwest...

CampWire ·

2025/09/25

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 RelationAll The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not

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36:23

Episode 88 | Let's Go to Napa! Northern California...

CampWire ·

2025/09/23

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: Learn more and register for the Campference Innovative Camp Company The views and opinions expressed on

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58:13

Character Conversations with Bob Ditter and Dave Brown

CampWire ·

2025/09/12

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 their communities and empower every individual.Special thanks to our sponsor, DKMS. Show

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26:32

Episode 86 | Kindness Is Free with Scott Ehlers

CampWire ·

2025/07/13

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 inclusion.Scott shares the story behind the organization, its mission, and how it connects with Camp

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107 results

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