SCamp Life: The Programming Side (Curt Jackson)

In this farewell episode of 'SCamp Life: The Programming Side,' Curt and Chris reminisce about the podcast's journey since 2019. They recount key moments, favorite episodes, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from over the years. Highlights include the origin story, the introduction of themes and interviews, the impact of the pandemic, and special segments like 'question of the week' and escape room ideas. The hosts also share personal memories, challenges, and amusing tangents, such as experimenting with podcast formats and integrating a third co-host. Despite this being the final episode, Curt and Chris leave the door open for possible future updates, signing off with gratitude to their listeners.

In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide variety of topics for summer camps. This is their 11th magazine edition. This episode includes a special event idea, program idea, staff idea, new AI tool, some trivia questions, theme ideas, and more. 

In the second installment of their discussion on specialty camp ideas, Curt and Chris share an array of unique camp themes, drawing from both their personal experiences and broader trends. They delve into a variety of specialized camp options, including cooking, survival, archery, scuba diving, music production, detective camp, and fitness camps, among others. This episode offers insights and inspiration for camp directors and planners looking to diversify their offerings and attract new campers with specialized interests.

Links:

• Archery Games

Curt and Chris discuss various puzzle activities that can be a great addition to your camp program. They share their experiences with puzzle hunts, races, and escape rooms, highlighting the appeal of problem-solving over narrative. Four distinct puzzle-based camp activities are detailed including Station Puzzle Races and Puzzle Hunts. They share insights on the ideal group sizes for such activities, the logistical challenges, and the potential for revising and reusing puzzles in different contexts.

In part one, Curt and Chris delve into the world of specialty camps and their significance in offering targeted experiences beyond traditional camping. They discuss the evolution and variety of specialty camps, from music and equestrian camps to coding, robotics, and even escape room camps, highlighting the unique opportunities these provide for children with specific interests. The guys share insights into the operational aspects, including staffing, community involvement, and the challenges of attracting enrollment. They emphasize specialty camps as a means to engage kids who might not be interested in general camp activities, offering them a space to explore their passions among like-minded peers.

In this episode, Curt and Chris ramble on (as they do) about ways to thank the staff and celebrate the end of the summer camp season. From holding an end-of-summer staff party, giving unique gifts like rose quartz or a piece of camp land, to conducting fun activities like a slumber party, awarding gag gifts, or encouraging parents to share their thoughts on their child's counselor. They also highlight the importance of celebrating the accomplishments of the staff and the need for the staff to feel appreciated and remembered. 

In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide range of ideas for bringing special guests to camps. They explore the possibility of inviting guests such as wildlife experts, celebrities, local community leaders, scientists, engineers, athletes, craftsmen like blacksmiths, motivational speakers, and artists. Additionally, they mention innovative activities like silent discos, bubble parties, and the involvement of volunteers for camp-wide games. They go a little off the rails a couple of times, but if you're a regular listener you know that's par for the course.

In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide variety of topics for summer camps. This is their 10th magazine edition. This episode includes a special event idea, program idea, staff idea, new AI tool, some trivia questions, theme ideas, and more.

Links: 

• Pika.art 
• Stand-Up Paddle Boards
• ORTUR Laser Master 2 Laser Engraver

In this episode, Curt and Chris offer up creative ways to invigorate the classic game of Capture the Flag, offering 20 (19?) unique variations aimed at enhancing gameplay for campers. Their ideas range from incorporating themes and adding special abilities to players, to modifying game mechanics with invisibility aspects or involving staff in gameplay. Throughout their discussion, they share stories from their experiences, emphasizing the potential of these adaptations to make Capture the Flag even more engaging for participants.

Chris and Curt welcome Whitney Mueller from Academic Entertainment, who shares her journey with the company from its humble beginnings to becoming a leading provider of entertainers for camps and schools.

The episode covers the variety of programs offered, ensuring no camp ever has to endure the horror of a boring guest again. Whitney highlights the importance of high-quality, professional entertainers who can captivate both campers and staff. From tales of a basketball-dribbling ex-Globetrotter to discussions about the magic of virtual programming that doesn't put anyone to sleep, the talk explores how to make education and inspiration entertaining.

Whitney discusses the logistical aspects of booking performers, including preparation and pricing. She also shares insights on working with camps to ensure a smooth event and the role of entertainers in creating engaging and impactful experiences for campers.

Links:

• Academic Entertainment website
• Email - info @ academicentertainment.com
• Academic Entertainment Blog Posts

In their second-to-last episode (?), Curt and Chris dive deep into their rich history of camping experiences. They share invaluable lessons learned from their diverse roles, from being camp counselors to directors, across various camp settings. Highlights include the importance of staff training, cultivating a sense of family among team members, and seamlessly integrating new ideas into traditional camp formats. Their lively exchange not only reflects on their past but also explores the future of camping and leadership within the community.

Full Show Notes with Links

Curt and Chris explore engaging activities at camp after the sun sets. They share personal stories, offer practical tips for implementing classic nighttime activities like kitchen raids, night swims, and campfire cooking, and offer some more innovative and memorable ideas. 

Curt and Chris discuss the concept of mini-camps as an introduction to the main camp for younger kids. They delve into how it gives children a taste of what a traditional overnight camp is like, and how it can help manage homesickness. Chris shares his experience of running a 'discovery camp', providing an introduction to camp life for children and their apprehensive parents too. 

In this festive episode, Curt and Chris discuss pool and water activities, including games that use plastic Easter eggs, tennis balls, and kitchenware. They also give ideas for games like pool tic-tac-toe, slip-and-slide kickball, and Protect the President. Chris also talks about his successful Christmas fundraiser and the art of roasting chestnuts on an open fire.

Kellie and Curt interview Shanelle Lambert-Rauh, director of Whippoorwill Farm Day Camp, about the lessons learned from running day camp in 2020 and how those will apply to the 2021 summer season. If you run a day camp and weren't able to offer programs last summer, this is the episode for you. You'll get some great insight on things you may not have thought about.

Curt, Chris and Kelie each share 3 very unique and different ideas that you can add to your summer camp. If you’re looking for something a little bit different that many other camps do not have, check out this episode.

The guys talk with Matt Henry about the cool things his camp are offering families and groups during these challenging times. The overall program is called Take Two! and it involves mini camp days, pool rental times for family groups, dinner adventures, fresh air hikes and more. These are things most resident camps and some day camps can offer in the fall and even year round.

Keeping with the theme of 2020, Virtual, the guys discuss the where, how and what of Virtual Escape Rooms! There’s lots out there and lots of different varieties of rooms available and the guys talk all the good and bad of them. Even more exciting is Curt and Chris are building their own Virtual Rom that you can check out as part of the ACA Southeastern Conference!

Have you heard the buzz? The guys invite Kevin Johnson on this week to discuss beekeeping at your camp. If this is something you’re considering, or mayBEE you weren’t until now, this is a great week to listen! Kevin shares a lot of the pros and cons (Stingers and Honey!) of this program activity.  So, BEE proactive and listen as the guys WAX eloquently about our winged friends.  

L.E. Dubois guest hosts with the guys this week for an interesting episode about making day camp awesome with limited resources - really limited. Curt used to work at a camp on an island and they could only bring 2 carts full of supplies, so he challenges Chris and L.E. with coming up with ideas on what to put on those carts! If you have limited space or rent a location where you can only bring so much, this episode is for you!

Another episode to help you out with your virtual camps. We talk about some great ideas that you can use to teach campers virtually how to make their own snacks at home! As well, the guys added a Pinterest board to link to all the cool stuff they talk about during the podcast! Caution: Do NOT listen to this episode on an empty stomach!

Chris is busy wrapping up camp as we head to the end of the season. So, Curt has decided to replay an edited episode from his old podcast Rec Heads and Camp Nerds where he and Patti McDonald interview the amazing Jeff Bradshaw of Camp Wenonah. This is a GREAT episode for any camp or organization looking to start or improve an alumni program. 

If you'd like to reach out to Jeff Bradshaw, email him at jeff@campwenonah.com.

Are you excogitating (verb for considering) hosting a Trivia event at your camp? They are resplendent (adjective for great idea) for retreats, special events, family nights, online stuff, or even during your training weeks! Chris and Curt give you a profusion (noun meaning large amount) of categories that make for an exceptionally clubbable (adjective for enjoyable) trivia event!

After hearing Chris mention TikTok in pretty much every episode, they finally decided to dedicate an entire episode for TikTok ideas! Check out this week for some fun and unique camp ideas that Chris found on the app! Be sure to watch the videos by clicking on the link in these show notes below.

Links for the Week:

• Pegboard Yarn Stiching
• Wind a 100’ Cord
• Melt Rock with an old TV
• LED Escape Room Idea
• Escape Room Frosted Glass
• Whistling Arrow
• Finger Whistle
• Bead Spinner
• PaperFlowers
• Pressed Flower Bookmarks
• Black Glue Watercolor
• Deep Fried Dandelions

Join the Camp Programming Pros this week as they travel around the world for an immersively cool theme! From decorations to crafts, to music, to games, you’ll get great ideas to take your campers on a trip they will never forget! The guys also talk about some great tips and ideas and even some cautions while doing this theme. 

If you are a camp that does programming/activities year-round, this episode will be a good help on some retreat ideas for you! The group talks about different events they have done (or seen done at other camps) that have been successful! 

While you may still be on a Counselor Hunt for hiring, these hunts are all about the hide-and-seek game that’s played during the summer with the campers! All three of our hosts definitely have differing ideas of the best way to play this game, so check it out for a variety of ideas on this fun camp pastime!

The guys give you a great Christmas present this year of on fleek ideas for Teen Camp! Here are some great things to start working on now to be ready for this coming summer! Yeet ideas like a Coffeehouse or Thrift Store Scavenger Hunt. YOLO ideas like Mystery Trips or Freetime with Bae. Swag ideas like Sleeping in or Coffee bar.  These dope ideas are sure to make you GOAT this summer and slay your teen campers.

The guys try a new way to podcast this week: Magazine Style! If you like the idea of quickfire topics with fast ideas, this episode is for you! Give it a listen and then let us know what you think!

Links of the Week:

• In the News: Camp prices going up + Waitlists 
• Pirate Theme Ideas

The OGs (Original Goobers) are back by themselves this week discussing a topic they love to talk about, well besides camp! Puzzle Races! Don’t know what puzzle races are? Think fun programming for your clever campers! If you’re looking to be well rounded in your games and activities, be sure to add some of these fun, brainy, activities to your camp!

No the podcast has not changed to a travel show. We are comparing two places as metaphors for summer camps. There is definitely differences in both of these theme parks and we want you to think what kind of “theme park” your camp is! How can your place strive to be better and thought of by others as the Disney World of Camps? Check out this week’s episode to get you thinking about improving your place!

In this episode, Chris and his crafty wife, Carrie, teach some super awesome contemporary crafts! This two-part episode is also available on the SCamp Life YouTube channel to watch and see exactly how each craft is made. If your craft room needs an update, or you just want some cool ideas for new and exciting crafts that the campers WANT to do, check out this episode.

Looking for a new theme to be “Part of Your World”? Maybe you have another theme that’s a “Tale as Old as Time” and you just need to “Let It Go”. We’ll “You Gotta Friend” in Curt and Chris as they talk this week all about a Disney Theme! “You’re Welcome!” The guys have some fun and kinda crazy ideas that will make this theme a “Whole New World” for your Camp. Go “Into the Unknown” and give it a listen!

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (well maybe not Math so much). Curt and Chris give some epic ideas on incorporating STEM (or STE) into your camp! This is a great way to get school groups, homeschool groups, or just add some learning to your camping program!

Links of the Week:

• Chris’ Steal This Book: https://rb.gy/ufkznp

It’s hard to believe that Chris and Curt have been doing this for 100 years…uh, episodes! The guys have a blast this week discussing fun and crazy memories from the past 99 podcasts. Hear about their favorite episodes, funny moments, dumb things they’ve done, and even some things they didn’t like! This week’s episode will be a fun walk down memory lane as well as some behind-the-scenes shenanigans!

Curt and Chris interview Paul Gowder about Native American culture at camp this week. This is a great eye-opening episode to learn from Paul about the proper way to include Native American culture into camp. The guys ask lots of great questions that you probably have! Check out this week to make sure you and your camp are doing it right!

In this fun episode, the three camp pros discuss all the things staff don't like about camp. From curfews to cell phones to paperwork, they cover pretty much everything. The best part? The Scamp Life Crew give some great suggestions on how to help your staff deal with some of these things they hate! Check out this week as you prep for staff training this summer to nip any problems in the bud!

You know em, You’ve seen em! Red Flags! The trio this week talks about some red flags to look out for when accepting a job at a camp as well as some red flags to look out for when hiring someone at your camp! Our 3 hosts go over some of the flags they ignored and ended up learning from. If you’re currently on the lookout for a new camping job, or maybe you’re looking to hire, be sure to listen to this episode for some possible red flags you need to be aware of!

Happy Birthday to you! We got you a present: an episode dedicated to unique ideas for birthdays, mail calls, and attention getters! Does your camp have any fun traditions for these? Looking to change up what you currently do? Check out this week for something different! Also, there should be a receipt in the bag if you want to return your present!

How many socks can you put on one foot in 30 seconds? How fast can you chug a soda? What is the most clothes pin you can pin to your face? How long is your longest burp? If you want to know the answers to these questions and more, consider having a record breaking challenge at your camp! This is an idea where campers can excel at things they are good at (like eating jello with chopsticks)! Check out this weeks episode for some other great ideas and how you can incorporate recording breaking into your camp!

Did you get a check in the mail for some cool new camp programming? Well, the guys have some great suggestions on how you can spend it! They have lots of new ideas and even some things that they’ve never done but would like to try themselves! If you’ve got some extra funds lying around and need some great ideas about what to do with it, check out this episode for help!

Kelly Coulthard co-hosts this episode as the three talk about the anatomy of a great special event.

The guys discuss their thoughts and experience with the racial inequality of summer camp. They don't have the answers to tackle such a huge issue, but they understand that discussions are the first step and they hope that most summer camps take action to intentionally welcome kids of all races to their programs. Chris shares a very cool idea that he implements at his camp.

Curt and Chris talk about 2023 movies that can be used as inspiration for camp themes this year, as well as possible activities to go along with the movie themes.

Curt and Chris interview Michael Garcia this week. Michael is the Camp Director of Camp Centerland as well as the host of the Youth Development Professionals Guidebook Podcast. Michael talks about what it was like to run in-person camp during a Covid Summer.  He also has Chris’s new favorite rules for camp: 1. Campers leave with same number of fingers and toes they came with. 2. They’re dirty (glitter counts as dirt). 3. They are a zombie at dinner when they get back home.

The new SCamp Life Podcast name change is now official!!!! 

This is one of those episodes that you need to have your summer camp counselors listen to! It’s fun and silly, but also very thought provoking and will help those counselors remember some tips on being great counselors.  Be sure to download this one and make it required listening during your training week!

Another Magazine Style episode this week! The guys “fast discuss” 10 topics that range from programming ideas to staff to crafts and more! It’s their favorite way to podcast!

Links:

• Fluffy Letters: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRcaw7TL/
• Email Roundtable FAQs and Sign-up: https://www.summercamppro.com/email-roundtable-faqs/

Not sure where to find the best resources for your camp? Tired of searching endlessly on Google for something good? Well, Curt and Chris have the answer for you: This Episode! They talk about all the resources that they use (not just a Google search)! Check out this week for tried and true stuff that actually works! Got great resources yourself? Share them with us so we can share them with others!

Our guest host this week is Samantha Townsend from Kennolyn Camps. Samantha helps the guys come up with fun ideas around using a book to come up with fun programming or a theme. Samantha and Curt share some great tried and true ideas that they did at their camps! If you run a day-camp or need some fun programming ideas for your overnight camp, check out this week’s episode!

In this episode Curt and Chris welcome Christina Gibbs as a guest host. Christina is the program Director at Mount Shepherd Retreat Center in North Carolina. The three of them discuss different things that parents have complained about at camp. Most camp directors have heard these same complaints. They also dive into solutions and tips on handling these complaints.

Our podcast trio welcome back Samantha Townsend of Kennolyn Camps this week to discuss changes she will be making to camp this summer. There’s lots of changes and great ideas to help with new COVID restrictions.  If you run an sleep-away camp and plan to open this summer, check out this week’s episode for some things you maybe didn’t think of!

In part two, Chris and his crafty wife, Carrie, teach even more super awesome contemporary crafts! This two-part episode is also available on the Scamp Life YouTube channel to watch and see exactly how each craft is made. If your craft room needs an update, or you just want some cool ideas for new and exciting crafts that the campers WANT to do, check out this episode.

Mara from Camp Arowhon joins the guys this week to discuss ideas to help with the biggest camper complaints. Having an extra host definitely helps when it comes to discussing some great ideas to fix some of the issues that campers have with camp! Check out this episode to get some extra helpful ideas.

Right before the new year starts, listen as Curt and Chris share some epic evening activities. Ring in the new summer evenings with some World Record or Minute 2 Win it games. Hold an evening Video Game night. Host a carnival or Trivia night. As you celebrate the new year, plan some new evening ideas for your upcoming summer!

Kelie Cook joins Curt and Chris on this week's episode. Kelie ran an in-person camp last year and has now switched to the director role at a different camp. Give this weeks episode a listen to hear about some of the craziness of running the various camps, being a part of the Camp Admin program at Touro,  and even get some fun ideas for a couple games (the name Mortal Poodle should entice you enough!).

What’s that? Did you hear that Curt and Chris are doing another Magazine Style Podcast? You bet your biscuits you did! Check it out this week for all new answers to their top 9 topics! Special Bonus idea from Carrie this week too! They are still looking for a total of 10 topics. Can you help them out with an idea?

Link of the Week

• Pegboard Embroidery

A serious, but needed topic this week. What if we can’t have Camp next summer? The guys give some great ideas that you and your Camp need to start working on now as a “Plan B”, just in case! With all the camps and directors Chris and Curt have talked to over the last couple of months, they have a slew of great options to stay open in 2021, if we are still quarantined. Check out this week’s episode for some ideas to keep on the back burner!

Curt and Chris discuss a fairly new concept this week. Mystery Trails are like Escape Rooms on a Hike/Walk!  The guys talk about what’s all involved in these and some great ideas to figure out your own. They also share a little preview of the Escape Room Summit where there’s an entire session about Mystery Trails!

In this episode Chris goes over his favorite ropes and team building resources. Curt just listens and gives his 2 cents.

• Fun Doing Friday - Newsletter
• Team Building From the Toy Aisle - Book
• Kikori App
• High 5
• Vertical Playpen Podcast
• Ask Michelle and Chris Podcast
• On Team Building Podcast

Chris has a list of camp websites that he likes certain things about. This is the first time Curt has seen them. You'll hear what the guys like about each of these sites...and a few things they don't like. If you're looking to update your camp website, this is a great episode to listen to. Feel free to follow along with them. All the links to the camp websites are below.

Links:

• http://campacc.com
• https://www.zephyrpoint.org
• https://www.sciotohills.com
• https://skyranch.org
• https://keystonecamp.com
• http://camptimberlane.ca
• https://www.pinecove.com
• https://www.beulahbeach.org
• https://www.southmountainchristiancamp.org
• https://www.campgreystone.com
• http://eaglesky.camp
• https://paliadventures.com

In this timely episode, the guys have a chat with Jack all about Hometown Stomping Ground, a virtual camp. Jack and his team have been creating tons of great stuff for their campers to do during this quarantine. This is a very new experience for all of us, and this week’s episode gives some great insight on getting started with your own virtual camp.  

Chris and Curt interview 10 different camp directors on the success of their virtual camps. The interviews are divided into 4 different episodes this week. The guys ask the same questions to each person in a 10 min time limit, so bring your notebook because these great ideas are coming at you at a rapid-fire pace. This episode includes Laura Kelly from The Hand Work Studio, Kaley Stephens from WorldSong Missions Adventure Camp, and Kevin Pettigrew from JM Feltner 4H Camp.

This week, the guys talk about Traditions and Ceremonies. Do you have any at your camp? Do you need some ideas for some new ones? Listen in this week for multiple ideas, some good, some bad! Curt and Chris give a huge list of traditions that they have either been a part of or heard about from other camps!

This week, Curt and Chris talk about how to look at programming through the lenses of each type of person at your Camp: First Time Camper, Returning Camper, Parent, Staff, Board Member, Marketing, etc. Thinking through each of your new programming (or even current programming) this way will help you determine how beneficial this activity actually is for your camp.  

This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Curt and Chris talk about incorporating Gaming into your Camp with a whole theme! Get great ideas of what you can do as well as where to find some very helpful sites.  Since Chris is planning on adding this theme this summer, he, as always, has gone way overboard on out-there ideas! With everything from coding, to diy escape rooms, to giant board games, these 2 episodes will give you a ton to start planning yourself!

The guys discuss their favorite skits. Some are classics and some are original, but all of them entertain the campers! If you are looking to add skits to your program (we're looking at you, day camps), or you want to add to your library of skits, check out this episode.

With everything going virtual this year, it was only a matter of time before camping conferences did too. Curt has been doing a virtual conference for a couple of years now and is ahead of the game with ideas for it!  This episode, the guys discuss all the pros and cons of virtual camp conferences as well as talk about a few coming up that you can be involved in!

Chris and Curt attended and spoke at the 2023 ACA National Conference. They talk about what they did on Orlando, the things that they liked, the things they didn't, as well as the things that really frustrated them (like the ACA woman who didn't want to give them chairs for their session).

From the words of a very wise person, Mr. T: “You better recognize fool!”. And if Mr. T wants us to do it, then we better do it! This week’s episode talks all about Camper Recognition from awards to prizes to buttons to just some nice words. Looking for ways to make your campers feel just a bit more special while at your facility? Give this podcast a listen!

In this episode, Curt tells a few stories from his time at camp and a few from other camp professionals. Some are heartwarming and others are amusing.

Chris and Curt interview 10 different camp directors on the success of their virtual camps. The interviews are divided into 4 different episodes this week. The guys ask the same questions to each person in a 10 min time limit, so bring your notebook because these great ideas are coming at you at a rapid-fire pace. This episode includes Conor Murray from Camp Rio and Jessica Wexler from Girls Rock Math.

The trio have a very timely 2-part episode all about Social Distancing Activities. These two episodes are a perfect listen for you program staff and counselors. We recommend sending the link to this episode to those staff members or saving it to listen to during staff training this year!

This is the 9th magazine style episode and it’s a little different than the others. Why? Because the ideas the guys talk about are A.I. generated...and many of them are REALLY good.

Chris and Curt recap Chris’ summer on this week’s episode. Things he learned, things that worked well, things that didn’t work well, and more! Listen to this episode to hear all the highs and lows of Camp Good News Summer 2022!

Links for the Week

Watercolor Trees: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/777222848209876371

Before you attempt to order whimsy from Amazon, listen to this week’s episode for better ideas! Curt and Chris discuss ways to make your camp a bit more magical without breaking the bank! From Tree Sharks to Fairy Gardens to Glitter on every leaf of every tree at camp…ok, maybe not that last one!

How does your camp celebrate National Sleepy Head Day? Or National Hammock Day? Maybe you celebrate International Ax Throwing Day. No? Well then it’s time to start! Incorporating these odd holidays into your summer can really add some magic to your camp! Check out some ideas the trio have on creating camp programs around odd holidays in this week’s episode!

Another Magazine Style episode! Check it out this week for all new answers to their top (now 10) topics!

Links for the Week

Yarn Ball: https://www.homemadesimple.com/in-the-home/diy-yarn-balls/

Whoa! What a summer it has been. While camp pros kept hearing things like, "Aren't you happy to be running camp again?", many of us had possibly the worst summer ever, filled with camper behavior issues, parent complaints, low staff numbers, etc. Yet, some camps did just fine. In this episode, the crew talk about their summer experience...the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Need to update some of your current stuff to make it cooler or just different. This week’s episode has the guys talking all about Twerking…I mean Tweaking Current Activities! (And if you know anything about Chris, you know he’s going to go over the top with some of these!)  

Chris and Kelie are in the middle of their own staff training at their camps and therefore know how tedious it can be! During this episode, they give some fun and easy-to-add ideas to help make those Training Weeks better. Just some simple things that you can quickly add to your agenda to take Staff Training from blah to yeah!

Here we go again! This is our 7th Magazine Style episode. Check it out this week for all new answers to their top 10 topics!

This is part 2 of a 2 part series. Curt and Chris talk about incorporating Gaming into your Camp with a whole theme! Get great ideas of what you can do as well as where to find some very helpful sites.  Since Chris is planning on adding this theme this summer, he, as always, has gone way overboard on out-there ideas! With everything from coding, to diy escape rooms, to giant board games, these 2 episodes will give you a ton to start planning yourself!

Jason Levasseur is an award-winning performer, songwriter and speaker. He joins the guys this week as they talk about the Rock Star Project and how it can benefit your camp! Find out what Jason can do for your organization. Bonus: He shares 5 rock star tips that will help your staff out today! Listen to this week’s episode and then check out the Rock Star Project!

After a long summer, we are back. Chris and his family have moved to Indiana and are at a new camp. Curt has been on an RV trip around the U.S. for six months. Both guys are exhausted but excited to return to the podcast.

If your camp has a Food Service Director, or if you’re the one in charge of figuring out meal times, then this is the episode for you…them…whoever makes decisions about food! The group talks all about unique meals from various foods to eat to even mealtime programming! Be sure you don’t listen to this episode on an empty stomach though, because you’re gonna get hungry!

Is your camp considering doing Kits or Boxes this summer? Chris and Curt discuss some great ideas for them and how to make them awesome! If this is something you are considering “instead of Camp” or even if you are considering in “addition to Camp”, this is a really unique opportunity!

Curt and Chris had Kelie Cook on this week to guest host. The three of them talk about Chris’ favorite thing: Stealing Ideas from other Camps!!!  Give this show a listen for some super sweet ideas from programming to staffing to misc that our hosts have stolen! If you have a great idea that you would love to share with them, send Curt or Chris an email and they may just have you on to talk about it!

The guys will be at the ACA conference in Orlando next week. They talk about the sessions they may attend, their session (and possible giveaways), and what they'll be doing for fun around Orlando.

B4….B4…..BINGO! This week the guys take a cool old-school program of Bingo and spice it up! Hear some great ideas on how to do Bingo at your camp. With both virtual and in-person suggestions, you’re sure to hear something that would be perfect for you!

They like doing them so hopefully, you like listening to them! Another Magazine Style episode this week! The guys “fast discuss” 10 topics that range from programming ideas to staff to crafts and more!

The guys talk with Matt Ralph about his awesome site summercampculture.com! This is the site that has literally everything in pop culture that talks about camp. Literally everything! If you want to see how much Camp infiltrates the world, this is the place to go! Check out this episode to learn a bit about Matt and why he chose to create this super cool site!

Curt and Chris (or maybe they should just be called the Virtual Camp Guys at this point) discuss all things online this week. Great ideas of apps, games, sites, etc. that can help with your Virtual Camps (or even your normal camps provided you have a decent internet connection on-site!)

We all can be better directors. This week’s episode focuses on how we can better supervise the staff we are in charge of!

The guys welcome back Kelie Cook this week to talk all about her summer. Kelie gives them an update of her summer and lessons she learned from this year. Check out this week for some new ideas from Kelie Cook!

Links for the Week

SCamp Life Podcast - The Other Side

Curt and Chris give some great ideas for keeping your families and campers engaged with your camp all year long! This isn’t your grandma’s boring Birthday card ideas, these ideas are contemporary and awesome! From Weird Holidays to Virtual Escape Rooms, check out this episode for unique stuff!

Check out all the new stuff that Curt and Chris have picked up from others and learned from their time doing Virtual Camp. This is part one of two. In these two episodes, you’ll be getting a ton more great ideas to implement into Online Camp this summer. We all know that this isn’t the same as normal camp, but the guys give some excellent ideas to help make Virtual Camp pretty close to the epicness of normal camp. This is a great episode to get info as you begin to plan your very odd summer this year!

C.A.F.E. Bags, which stands for Challenges, Activities, Feats, and Entertainment, is a brand new idea brought to you by Curt and Chris. These bags work great for rainy days and hot weather days that keep everyone inside. Or you can schedule this as an everyday activity time! The guys give you gobs of ideas to create a huge amount of bags that you can have ready to go!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!! The time when Summer Camp Conference, better known as SCampCon, comes around! Never heard of it before? It’s only the greatest (online) camping conference ever!!! Hear how SCampCon got started and what it’s all about on today’s episode.

The guys each give 4 camp-wide event ideas you should be offering at your camp. They give a very wide variety from Table-Top Escape Games, to Top Shot Activities, to Art Shows. If you’re looking to fill some time with something awesome, check out this episode for that awesome!

Links:

• How to Run The Amazing Race: For Camps and Youth Centers
• TableTop Game: New Campground
• 101 Summer Camp Special Events

Curt and Chris are at it again with this popcorn podcasting style. Check it out this week for all new answers to their top 9 topics! They would like 10 topics, but need your help on an idea. Send them your best!