Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/turner-and-maslow-to-transformation-and-magic

In this episode, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison interview Star Wilkes, Lecturer in Special Education, Disability, and Inclusion Studies at the University of Wolverhampton. Star shares her journey from working at a special needs camp in America to becoming a researcher and university lecturer in the UK. She explains her research based on sending her students to work for an American camp. Drawing on surveys, weekly journal entries and interviews, Star explores the links between liminal communities (Turner) and “peak experiences” (Maslow). Star reflects on the importance of reflective practices and mentoring cultures in enhancing the camp experience for staff and campers alike. The episode concludes on Star's future plans to publish her findings and explore the recipe for “camp magic” further.

• 00:19 Meet the Hosts and Star’s Journey to Camp Research
• 08:51 Star’s Study on Camp Staff Diaries
• 11:15 Unpacking the Concept of Liminality (Turner)
• 22:01 Durkheim’s “Collective Effervescence”
• 24:59 Maslow’s “Peak Experiences”
• 29:39 Star’s Students at Camp & Further Research Goals
• 35:53 Key Weeks with Shared Experiences
• 37:12 Future Directions & Episode Wrap-up

Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
• Star Wilkes, Lecturer in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion Studies, University of Wolverhampton - S.Wilkes2@wlv.ac.uk

The American Camp Association - Illinois

The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

Camptivities

You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/leadership-beyond-the-binary

In this episode of The Pudding, hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison interview Dr. Kiah DeVona, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Connecticut. Kiah discusses her research on gender and leadership in camp settings, notably focusing on how camps can support women and non-binary individuals in leadership roles and the impact of gender stereotypes on leaders in day camps. The team also explores the broader implications of leadership structures and the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all genders in camp leadership.

• 00:00 Meet the Hosts & Kiah’s Path to Camp Research
• 02:35 Exploring Gender Stereotypes and Leadership in Camps
• 09:26 The Importance of Traditionally “Feminine” Leadership Skills
• 15:24 Promoting Inclusive Leadership at Camps
• 21:22 Shifting Thinking Around Leadership Styles
• 27:18 Communicating Safety & Care Over Fun to Parents
• 30:57 Encouraging Women and Non-Binary Leaders
• 32:29 Future Directions & Episode Wrap-up

Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
• Dr. Kiah DeVona, Adjunct Faculty, UConn Neag School of Education - kiah.devona@uconn.edu

Additional Links of Interest

• Kiah DeVona on Google Scholar

The American Camp Association - Illinois

The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

Camptivities

You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/sensory-journeys-freedom-in-play

In this episode of The Pudding, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison discuss with Prof. Neil Carr, from the Dept of Tourism at the University of Otago (New Zealand), the role of inclusivity in outdoor leisure. They explore Neil's journey into academia, his research on tourism and leisure, and the evolution of outdoor leisure studies. Key highlights include the importance of sensory engagement in leisure, traditional structures of camps, and the need to allow children freedom and control in their play. They discuss Mandi and Neil’s latest book collaboration on inclusion and equity in outdoor leisure that features a diverse range of voices and perspectives.

• 00:24 Meet the Hosts and Neil’s Journey in Academia
• 04:25 Philosophical Differences of Tourism vs. Leisure
• 12:03 Neil’s Inspiration for Sensory Experiences in Leisure
• 14:41 Integrating All Senses for an Inclusive Experience
• 19:54 Who is Camp Really For?
• 26:22 The Transformative Power of Novelty
• 32:01 Inclusion and Equity in Outdoor Leisure
• 36:16 Beyond Human Beings: Interactions with Nature
• 40:05 Structure vs. Play in Shaping Society of Tomorrow
• 45:04 Episode Wrap-Up

Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
• Neil Carr - Professor, Department of Tourism, University of Otago - neil.carr@otago.ac.nz

Additional Links of Interest

• Neil Carr on Google Scholar
• Inclusion and Equity in Outdoor Leisure: Whose Body Belongs?

The American Camp Association - Illinois

The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

Camptivities

You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/communities-of-campfires-and-kickball

In this episode of The Pudding, hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison talk to Dr. Mary Breunig, an associate professor in the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration. Dr. Breunig shares her journey from flute performance to outdoor education to kickball den mother, emphasizing the transformative power of camp experiences. The conversation covers topics such as the significance of camp in personal development, the differences between guiding and educating, and the importance of diverse recruitment in camp staff. Dr. Breunig also discusses her research interests, including neoliberalism in education and leisure as the center of community. The episode concludes with insights into social justice education and the impact of outdoor education on both students and staff.

• 00:19 Meet the Hosts and Dr. Breunig’s Journey
• 07:04 Current Research and Interests
• 10:05 Kickball as Community and Introduction to Neoliberalism
• 15:31 Teaching Social Justice to Disenfranchised Students
• 19:39 Putnam's Theory on the Decline of Community
• 22:15 Outdoor Education in the DNA of Camp
• 24:23 Holding a Non-profit Ethos in a For-profit Business
• 26:05 Case Study: Extroversion and Introversion in Camp Staff
• 32:14 Future Plans and Reflections
• 34:09 Recommended Researchers to Follow & Episode Wrap-up

Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
• Dr. Mary Breunig - Associate Professor, Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration - CSU-Sacramento - mary.breunig@csus.edu

Additional Links of Interest

• Dr. Mary Breunig on Google Scholar

The American Camp Association - Illinois

The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

Camptivities

You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/camp-as-a-sacred-playground

In this episode of The Pudding, hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison speak with Jake Sorenson, founder and director of Sacred Playgrounds, to explore the impacts of Christian summer camps. Jake, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience, explains how Sacred Playgrounds uses data to tell compelling stories and improve camp and youth ministries. The conversation delves into the five fundamental characteristics of effective Christian faith-based camps: being unplugged from home; participatory; relational; a safe space; and faith-centred. For camps that are not faith-based, what is that alternative fifth pillar of effectiveness? Jake discusses the importance of creating environments where campers feel safe to explore big questions about faith and identity. Jake, also, emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in camp practices.

Episode Guide

• 00:41 Meet the Hosts and Jake’s Sacred Playgrounds
• 02:52 The Concept of Ministry in Camps
• 06:42 Jake's Personal Journey and Research Focus
• 09:39 Key Characteristics of Christian Summer Camps
• 16:16 Fostering Intentional Camp Experiences & Reimagining Camp Traditions
• 26:16 Creating Safe Spaces in Faith-Based Camps
• 30:50 The Power and Vulnerability of Camp Leadership
• 38:45 Metrics of Success in Camping
• 45:19 Recommended Researchers to Follow & Episode Wrap-up

Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
• Dr. Jake Sorenson, Founder, Sacred Playgrounds -  jake@sacredplaygrounds.com

The American Camp Association - Illinois

The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

Camptivities

You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/decoding-how-camp-helps-kids-find-themselves

In this episode of 'The Pudding', hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison delve into the work of Dr. Barry Garst, a Professor at Clemson University in Youth Development Programs. Dr. Garst shares his journey into camp research, discussing his background and various projects that analyze the transformative impact of camp on youth development. The discussion also explores the importance of digital empathy for connecting campers and staff. Dr. Garst also highlights the Journal of Youth Development's role in bridging research and practice in youth development and offers insights on key issues that need more attention in camp studies.

Episode Guide

• 00:56 Meet Dr. Barry Garst: Youth Development Expert
• 04:02 Exploring the Identity Ladder of Social Learning
• 09:09 Camp’s Impact Long-Term & Emerging Issues in Research
• 16:58 Digital Empathy and the MyView Tool
• 22:21 Data Collection and Analysis Challenges
• 31:57 Researcher Parents’ Perspective on Camper Data Collection
• 45:41 The Journal of Youth Development
• 51:29 Recommended Researchers to Follow & Episode Wrap-up

Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
• Dr. Barry Garst, Professor & Coordinator - Clemson University - bgarst@clemson.edu

Additional Links of Interest

• Dept of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at Clemson University https://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/departments/prtm/index.html
• Journal of Youth Development https://jyd.pitt.edu/ojs/jyd
• Alliances for Camp Health https://allianceforcamphealth.org/
• American Camps Association- Research Evaluation Advisory Council https://www.acacamps.org/research/help-camp-research/research-evaluation-advisory-committee

The American Camp Association - Illinois

The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

Camptivities

You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/building-sustainable-camps

In this episode, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison talk to Herschel Singer from JCamp 180 about the critical work being done by his organization in supporting Jewish camps across North America, focusing on organizational effectiveness and financial sustainability. Herschel shares his thoughts about the economic landscape of camping, the importance of data-driven yet context-aware decision-making, and the trends observed from their research, particularly regarding costs, revenue, and deferred investments. He offers a refreshing take on the importance of understanding parent dynamics in camping and hints at the broader impact of implementing a data culture among camp professionals.

Episode Guide

• 00:41 Meet the Hosts and Guest
• 01:08 Herschel Singer's Journey into Research
• 03:27 Overview of JCamp 180
• 05:58 Research Methodologies and Applications
• 09:54 Economic Landscape and Financial Sustainability
• 12:27 Impact of Research on Camps
• 19:43 Trends and Challenges in Camp Staffing
• 21:37 Deferred Investments and Resilience
• 25:43 The Role of Parents in Camping
• 29:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
• Herschel Singer, Consultant - JCamp 180 - hsinger@hgf.org

The American Camp Association - Illinois

The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

Camptivities

You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/a-question-of-value

On this episode of The Pudding, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison dive into the economic impact study of the camp industry with researcher Eli McClain, of the Restorative Economics Group. They talk about his process of working with a team of researchers and students to collect data from over 20,000 camps across the United States, and how this $70 billion dollar industry ripples out into the wider community. Eli also touches on how “camp” is defined for the purposes of this study, and additional questions for future research that came up in the course of writing their report, including the question of how seasonal employment in the camping industry prepares you for full time careers in both camping and other industries.

Resources from this episode:

National Economic Impact Study of the Camp Industry

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Episode Guide

• 00:00 Meet the Hosts and Guest
• 00:36 Eli McClain's Journey into Research
• 08:31 Defining the Camp Industry
• 13:30 From Data Points to Camp Operator Data Collection
• 17:53 Key Findings and Insights from the Economic Impact Study
• 21:15 Future Research Directions with the Magic Wand of Camp Research
• 24:44 Recommended Researchers to Follow & Episode Wrap-up

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Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
• Eli McClain - Researcher, Restorative Economics Group

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The American Camp Association - Illinois
The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

Camptivities
You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.