The CampWire podcast features episodes of in-depth conversations with camp and youth development experts.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Have questions about building character through intentional camp programming? In this special companion episode to POWERFUL PROGRAMMING: How to Build Great Character Qualities with Outstanding Program Planning and Leadership, bestselling author and educator Michael Brandwein answers questions submitted by camp professionals following his webinar.
From fostering kindness, confidence, and responsibility to strengthening teamwork, leadership, and relationship-building, Michael shares practical insights and actionable strategies you can put to work right away. Whether you attended the webinar or are discovering these ideas for the first time, you'll come away with fresh inspiration and tools to create meaningful experiences that help campers grow.
Show notes:
- POWERFUL PROGRAMMING: How to Build Great Character Qualities with Outstanding Program Planning and Leadership
- Michael Brandwein
- Buy Michael's best-selling books!
- Character Academy
The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.
Friday Jun 05, 2026
Friday Jun 05, 2026
As young people spend more time online, understanding digital safety has become increasingly important for camps, families, and communities.
In this episode of the CampWire Podcast, we talk with Rene Young and Alexandra Levi from Know2Protect (K2P), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign focused on preventing and combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Rene and Alexandra discuss the online risks facing youth today, warning signs trusted adults should recognize, and practical ways camps can help educate and protect young people. They also share resources available through ACA's partnership with Know2Protect and explain how camp professionals can support safer online experiences for campers and staff alike.
Whether you're a camp leader, educator, or parent, this conversation offers valuable insights and actionable resources to help keep young people safe online.
Show notes:
- Know2Protect
- Build T.R.U.S.T.: How2Be a Trusted Adult | Homeland Security
- Tips2Identify: Fake Profiles
- Understanding Online Addiction in Kids and Teens
- #DigitalBoundaries: Gaming Safety
- Tips2Protect Against AI and Deepfakes for Parents and Trusted Adults
- How2Spot Peer-on-Peer Risks: A Guide for Teens
- Exit Strategy Checklist
- Financial Sextortion Informational Bulletin
- Internet Safety Checklist
The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.
Friday May 29, 2026
Friday May 29, 2026
Camp leaders are passionate about creating meaningful experiences, but sustaining and growing a camp requires more than great programming.
In this episode, tune into a conversation with Mark P. Fisher of Inspiring Growth and Carl Lefever of Improve & Grow, co-hosts of the Grow Your Camp Podcast.
Together, they discuss the challenges camps face in filling programs, increasing occupancy, and building long-term sustainability. They share practical strategies, common pitfalls, and lessons learned from working with camp leaders across the country—all with the goal of helping camps strengthen their impact and thrive for years to come.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Jayhawk Hospitality.
Show notes:
- Grow Your Camp Podcast
- Grow Your Camp Podcast Episode 7: How One Camp Used Better Follow-Up to 5X New Registrations
- Inspiring Growth
- Improve & Grow
- Book a discovery call with Carl & Mark
The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.
Saturday Apr 11, 2026
Saturday Apr 11, 2026
Looking to strengthen your staff training before summer begins?
In this episode of CampWire, Michael Brandwein joins us to walk through three upcoming events designed to help camp professionals build stronger, more effective teams:
- Super Staff SuperVision (May 15)
- ACA Virtual Staffing Summit (April 28)
- ACA Character Academy Webinar (May 7)
Michael shares what each event will cover, who should attend, and how these sessions can support your staff training goals. Along the way, he also offers practical takeaways you can start implementing right away - no waiting required.
Whether you’re finalizing your training plans or looking for fresh ideas, this conversation will help you head into the summer with more confidence and clarity.
Show notes:
The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.
Friday Mar 13, 2026
Friday Mar 13, 2026
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 year’s conference.
Thanks to our sponsor, Percussion Play.
Show notes:
The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.
Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
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 so far. They also share how the Camp Career Accelerator is evolving and what camp professionals can expect as it continues to grow heading into summer 2026.
Show notes:
The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
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 development, dynamic networking, and actionable strategies you can implement as soon as you return to camp.
Show notes:
The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.
Friday Feb 13, 2026
Friday Feb 13, 2026
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:
The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.
Friday Jan 30, 2026
Friday Jan 30, 2026
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 Community Service Project
- Mobile App
- Volunteer Opportunities
The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
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 young people the chance to be their own role models and develop character in ways that feel organic, personal, and lasting.
We dive into powerful ideas like intentional wonder, story sharing, and the concept of “no hero like you,” and discuss how camp professionals can help campers carry grit and growth beyond the summer.
Whether you’re a camp director, educator, or youth development professional, this conversation will leave you feeling energized, affirmed in the impact of camp, and inspired to be even more intentional in the work you do every day.
Show notes:
- 2026 ACA National Conference
- Learn more about Angus Fletcher
- Angus's new book! Primal Intelligence: You Are Smarter Than You Know
The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.