CampWire

Episode 84 | Therapy Dogs at Summer Camp

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 more inclusive, supportive, and emotionally resilient camp environments.

Special thanks to our sponsor, UltraCamp.

Show notes:

• Contact Kendra
• Camp SAY
• Alliance of Therapy Dogs
• AKC Recognized Therapy Dog Organizations
• Innovative Camp Company

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.

Episode 83 | Celebrating and Supporting Women in Camp

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 thanks to our sponsors:

• UltraCamp
• Percussion Play

Show notes:

• ACA, Illinois
• Women in Camp
• Women in Camp Summit

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.

Episode 82 | Advance Your Camp Career: How to Make Yourself Indispensable

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 industry. We explore what it means to be an indispensable part of your camp community, with practical tips on leadership, adding value to your team, and advancing your camp career.

Show notes:

• Camp Career Accelerator
• Tri-State CAMP Conference
• Camp Champions

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.

Episode 81 | 2025 ACA National Conference Preview

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 American Camp Association or ACA employees.

Episode 80 | Camp Moves Me with Alli Faricy

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
• Camp Foley's Camp Moves Me
• Email Alli!
• Rally Up

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.

Episode 79 | Culturally Responsive Practices: Building Positive Youth Development with Dr. Tim Raines

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: Planting Seeds of Inclusion: Practical Strategies for Inclusive Mentoring in Camps
• Webinar: Partnerships to Increase Equity and Inclusivity

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.

Episode 78 | Holding Space and Dealing with Cultural Trauma with John Hamilton

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, Holding Space for the Splash Zone: Dealing with Cultural Trauma
• Alliance for Camp Health
• CampWell

 

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.

Episode 77 | Staffing Summit Preview: Keynote Speaker Jill Lyons

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 on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

Episode 76 | Staffing Summit Preview: Keynote Speaker Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson

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 Professional Woman's Lifeline to Finding Purpose

Special thanks to our 2024 Staffing Summit sponsors:

• UltraCamp
• CampHire
• Chaco
• Redwoods Group
• Odyssey International Camp

 

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.

Episode 75 | Staffing Summit Preview: Keynote Speaker Leah Mesches

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 2024 Staffing Summit sponsors:

• UltraCamp
• CampHire
• Chaco
• Redwoods Group
• Odyssey International Camp

 

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.