CampWire

Episode 91 | Culture Happens Either Way with Dan Durbin - Staffing Summit Preview

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

 

Episode 90 | Deepening Character Work at Camp with Bob Ditter

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:

• Character Conversations with Bob Ditter
• Character at Camp Initiative
• ACA Bookstore

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 89 | See You in Salt Lake City! Southwest Fall Campference Preview

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 necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

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

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

 

Episode 87 | Character Conversations with Bob Ditter and Dave Brown

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.

Episode 86 | Kindness Is Free with Scott Ehlers

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:

• Kindness Is Free
• Instagram
• Take the Kindness Pledge!
• Email Scott
• Camp Kindness Day

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 85 | Opal's Walk for Freedom with Christen Peterson

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:

• Juneteenth Camp Celebrations
• Opal's Walk for Freedom

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 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.