The CampWire podcast features episodes of in-depth conversations with camp and youth development experts.
Episodes
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
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 shape campers’ character and create lasting impact. Whether you’re a camp director, counselor, or year-round professional, this episode will inspire you to bring more purpose and meaning into every part of camp life.
Show notes:
- Join us for the ACA, Southeastern Fall Camp Conference!
- For information on Michael’s upcoming in-person, small group interactive professional development event sponsored by ACA Illinois (open to everyone, everywhere, ACA membership not required), “The Brandwein Skill-A-Thon on Training & Leading Your Best Camp Team Ever” held in Chicago (near O’Hare) on January 12-14, 2026, please go to www.acail.org/michaelbrandwein.
- For Michael’s annual online one day virtual training for camp Leadership Team members, “Super Staff SuperVision: The Quick Course on Outstanding Skills to Coach, Motivate, & Bring Out the Best in Staff,” please go to www.acail.org/michaelbrandwein sponsored by ACA Illinois (open to everyone, everywhere, ACA membership not required).
- Books by Michael Brandwein are available at www.michaelbrandwein.com/store.
- To contact Michael with questions, and for more information about contacting him to work with you on your character development projects or for staff or Leadership Team training, you can reach him at 847-940-9820 and at mail@michaelbrandwein.com.
- Michael has free resources on his website: www.michaelbrandwein.com/freeresources.
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.
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
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 spaces where everyone feels seen and supported.
Tune in for a preview of Amy’s keynote and a thoughtful reminder that, at the end of the day, we’re all human—and we all need connection to thrive.
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 Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
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:
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 Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
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 director, program leader, or staff trainer, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to make your camp community even stronger.
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 Sep 25, 2025
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
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:
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.
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
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:
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 Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
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 notes:
- Character at Camp Initiative
- ACA Bookstore
- Fence Post Learning
- Character Conversations with Bob Ditter
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.
Sunday Jul 13, 2025
Sunday Jul 13, 2025
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 Kindness Day on July 16. We also talk about the Kindness Pledge—a simple but powerful commitment you can make right now to help build a more caring world.
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.
Saturday May 31, 2025
Saturday May 31, 2025
In this episode of CampWire, we talk with Christen Peterson, ACA’s director of inclusion and belonging, about Ms. Opal Lee—known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth—and her inspiring movement, Opal’s Walk for Freedom. Learn how camps can honor her legacy, engage their communities, and take steps toward a more inclusive future.
Join us as we explore how a single walk became a national movement—and how your camp can be part of it.
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 Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
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.