Hosts Kelie and Shauna break down how executive orders, local laws, and policy changes could impact the camp industry. From staffing regulations to funding shifts, they explore what camp professionals need to know—without the legal jargon. But let’s be clear: they’re not lawyers, and this isn’t legal advice—just two camp pros with microphones trying to make sense of the rules that shape our summers. LINKS Executive Orders After School and Summer Learning Programs Removal of DEI Language and Programming Jackson Walker Legal Summary of Immigration Related Executive Orders Mayer Brown Legal Summary for Enhanced Screening and Vetting Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com…

In this episode, hosts Kelie and Shauna continue the conversation on embracing ADHD in camp leadership with special guests Travis Allison ( GoCampPro ) and Kate Taylor ( Camp Industry Consultant ) . This is Part 2 of our discussion—catch Part 1 over on Camp Hacker! We dive into ADHD as a superpower in the camp world, how to recognize ADHD in your staff , practical tools to support neurodivergent team members , and share personal stories of navigating camp life with ADHD. Whether you have ADHD, work with someone who does, or just want to build a more inclusive, strengths-based team, this episode is for you! Tune in now and let’s rethink what it means to lead with ADHD! LINKS Kate Taylor Confessions of a Camp Pro with ADHD- Camp Hacker Episode #209…

Policies and procedures aren’t just for campers—they apply to caregivers too! In this episode, Kelie and Shauna welcome back Emily Golinsky of Bright Moose Training to dive into the world of behavior policies and procedures for both campers and their grown-ups. They break down the difference between a policy and a procedure, discuss when to be flexible, and explore how to balance empathy for upset caregivers while maintaining boundaries and respect for staff. Whether you’re a camp pro, educator, or youth program leader, this episode will give you the tools to navigate tricky conversations with confidence. Bright Moose Training Trackers Earth Camp “Because Knives” Behavior Policy Michael Brandwein American Camp Association, IL Merch…

In this episode, Shauna is out with the flu, so Kelie takes the lead and sits down with Dr. Chad Nelson to dive into the fascinating history and ever-changing industry of summer camp. They tackle the big question— is camp a real job? —and share invaluable advice for current, veteran, and new camp managers and directors. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you thrive in the camp industry! LINKS Dr. Chad Nelson Bio and Contact Info Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com…

It’s camper registration season! What are parents and caregivers looking for in a camp? Who makes the final decision about which camp to attend? How much communication is too much communication? Kelie and Shauna chat with Courtney Russell, camp parent, to answer all of your burning questions. Listen in as Courtney dishes the downlow on camp choices and Shauna goes on a soapbox about providing as much information as you can to the camp director.…

It’s almost hiring season and to save future you some time, so Kelie and Shauna have staff on their mind. In this episode, our hosts share the ways they like to show appreciation to their staff and also share how it builds their staff culture. Kelie and Shauna also share how they implement these staff moments so they are easy to duplicate at your camp! Show Notes…

In this fun and revealing episode, Kelie and Shauna dive into the hilarious and sometimes shocking, shared by listeners, "Counselor Confessions." From pranks gone wrong to heartwarming moments with campers, current and former counselors spill their best-kept camp secrets, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the antics of camp counselor life. LINKS Bissli BBQ Better Camping for All Institute 2024 ACA Staffing Summit To Our Reddit Hater…

Kelie and Shauna ARE BACK! In this episode, they recap their AMAZING summers and absolutely GUSH about their 2024 Staff. Shauna shares the celebrity children she had as campers and Kelie finally has a great summer after last year’s fiasco of a season. Full Show Notes

In this episode, Kelie and Shauna are joined by Emily Golinsky from Bright Moose Training to discuss the crucial differences between bullying and conflict in youth programs, camps, and schools. Emily shares insights on how to recognize the signs of both, strategies for prevention, and handling conflicts effectively. The conversation explores real-world applications of these strategies, the importance of educating staff and parents, and the role of restorative practices in resolving conflicts. The episode also touches on the unique social dynamics among children post-pandemic and addresses common scenarios faced by camp staff. Links: BrightMooseTraining.com emily@brightmoosetraining.com The Phantom Tollbooth book 2024 May/June Camping Magazine - Staff Training Issue Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com…

This episode dives into the transformative approaches Kelie and Shauna are implementing for staff training at their respective camps. From reinventing traditional methods to integrating dynamic activities. The conversation reflects on past experiences, anticipates future challenges, and explores strategies to enhance the camp experience for both staff and campers, highlighting the importance of adaptability, engagement, and fun in staff development. Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com…

Kelie and Shauna explore the portrayal of camp in movies, TV shows, and documentaries, touching on both fiction and non-fiction. They discuss the accuracy and cultural impact of camp-themed media, sharing their personal experiences and critical perspectives as camp professionals. The episode highlights a variety of titles, including 'Camp Nowhere', 'Heavyweights', 'The Parent Trap', and 'Bug Juice', alongside discussions on the darker aspects of camp portrayals such as in 'Hell Camp'. Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com…

Kelie and Shauna discuss their recent experiences and key takeaways from the ACA Tri-State Camp Conference. They touch on their busy travel schedules, staffing updates, and a variety of sessions attended at the conference. Highlights include discussions on staff recruitment, dealing with camper and staff behavior, the importance of respect over hierarchy, and innovative ideas for camp traditions and staff training. They also mention valuable resources like Project Real Job's TikTok and the Greetings of Gratitude app. Personal anecdotes and analogies like using the Kleenex box before the toolbox in conflict resolution provide practical advice for camp directors. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the closing keynote by Katie Sowers and the impact of conference takeaways on preparing for the upcoming camp season. Links: Project Real Job on TikTok Greetings of Gratitude App Strong and Kind website Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com…

Hosts Kelie and Shauna, after a series of serious episodes, decide to lighten the mood by introducing a fun, rapid-fire segment focused on camp traditions. Utilizing a wheel to randomize selections, they explore their experiences and thoughts on a variety of camp traditions, such as the Apache Relay, family/parent days, awards for campers and staff, the use of indigenous names, special birthday acknowledgments, the transfer of ashes ceremony, and the iconic Color War. Each tradition prompts a discussion that touches on the fun, the problematic aspects, and potential improvements. This episodic journey through camp culture not only reminiscences about the hosts' camp experiences but also critically examines traditional practices within the camp setting. Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com…

In this episode, Kelie and Shauna, are joined by Shane Meserve, a consultant and trainer on mass violence and child abuse prevention, for a discussion on the topic of mass violence and its impact on children and camps. The episode focuses on ways in which programs like camps can aid in prevention, utilization of trauma-informed care, and maintaining a safe environment for the children. The hosts also discuss techniques to manage the aftermath of a mass violence event and look at how these incidents may leave trauma on younger children. Shane emphasizes the importance of having mental health resources and maintaining communication with parents. The discussion wraps up with helpful resources that are linked below. Links Shane's email and Linked In National Mass Violence Resource Center www.nmvvrc.org National Child Traumatic Stress Network www.nctsn.org Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association www.samhsa.gov Books Disaster Planning and Preparedness in Early Childhood and School-Age Settings by Charlotte Hendricks Trigger Points: Inside the Mission to Stop Mass Shootings In America by Mark Follman Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com…

Kelie and Shauna are joined by Claire Griffith, a recreation specialist working with cognitively impaired individuals. Claire addresses trauma informed care within a camp setting, stressing the importance of safety, trust, transparency, peer support, and collaboration, and acknowledging cultural, historical, and gender issues. They explore how trauma informed care can influence Gen Z, considered the first generation heavily into online and social media, and touches on how managers and older generations can often hinder progress with mindsets of 'it was hard for me, so it should be hard for you.' Claire also underlines the necessity of setting clear boundaries in management roles and models the evolution of trauma informed care moving forward with newer generations. Links: Clair's Instagram - @claire.griff17…