CampWire

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

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.

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.

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 Staffing Summit event series.

 

Show notes:

• Register for the Staffing Summit
• Disrupting Burnout podcast
• Center for Creative Leadership
• Dr. PBJ's new book!

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.

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 charged conversations, communicating boundaries without fueling the fire, and staying grounded when someone else is not. They also explore tools for supporting your team, protecting your own well-being, and building trust even in the most challenging interactions.

Show notes:

• Strengthening Parent/Caregiver Communication This Summer
• TQAMP

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.

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 Olympics
• Inclusive Sports Foundation
• 2026 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.

 

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 Initiative
• Events Calendar

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.

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 and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

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 Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and from his latest bestselling book, The Intentional Camp: Putting More Muscle in the Mission of Character & Youth Development.

This event is sponsored by ACA Illinois and open to everyone, everywhere (ACA membership not required). The tools in this episode are simple to use and powerful in effect.

 

Show notes:

• ACA, Illinois
• 2026 Women in Camp Summit
• Global Camps Africa
• 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.

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.