Rec Heads and Camp Nerds podcast

This is a flashback episode of Curt's very first podcasting effort. In it Curt talks about the pros and cons of camp names for staff. This was the first episode of the Summer Camp Pro podcast. Next month Curt will be resurrecting and revamping that podcast with all new episodes.

Professor Dave invites H Rothenberg back as his co-host to chat with guest Andy Pritikin about bridging the work he does at his for-profit day camp and starting a foundation, while Patti is off running SCampCon with Curt. We learn about Andy's passion for his camp and the foundation he created, that he's an actual rock star, and that he thinks the 10 word lightening round rule is impossible.

Patti discusses her experience with imposter syndrome; the feeling that you're not good enough or that you 'tricked' people into thinking you deserve what you have. And outlines some ways to combat that negative self talk and start feeling confident again. She even highlights some silver linings of feeling a little unsure of yourself. And of course, talks about SCampCon!

Patti chats about how to dismiss staff professionally and gracefully. She walks us through what should be front loaded to manage expectations, things we should and shouldn't do during the dismissal conversation, and what needs to be done after the staff member has been dismissed. She also talks about two things she would never do when letting a staff person go.

Patti chats with H Rothenberg about what it takes to own and operate your own camp program and have a long and successful career in camping.

Dave and Patti have both worked at camp for people with disabilities, so they spend some time sharing some (very) basic tips and advice for those thinking about working with people with disabilities for the first time, and camps looking to become more inclusive. They cover, what someone should consider before applying to camp/ accepting a job, what camp directors can do to improve their offering, some things staff should consider when helping campers with disabilities during programming,...

In this solo quick bite episode, Patti walks us through 20 questions that will help us thoughtfully reflect on the past year and help us get ready for planning the year to come. Questions about creating, consumption, and challenges (and a bunch other questions that don't start with the letter C) allow us to figure out where our priorities were, and celebrate some of the awesome things we did, while growing from the things we learned. She also offers the 20 Year End Reflection Questions in...

Curt stops by for a special Christmas Eve episode with Patti where they brainstorm some ideas for celebrating Christmas in July. From various types of fake snowballs to activities and decoration suggestions, our hosts laugh their way through a list of ideas. Check out the Pinterest board for lots of fun Christmas in July ideas. This podcast wasn't sponsored by Pinterest.... but it should have been!

Our hosts discuss all things Tri-State Camp Conference with the delightful Samara & Allison from the ACA Tri-State office. We find out what Samara, Allie's and Dave's favourite moments are from conferences gone by, how Dave met his wife, who the 2019 key note speakers are, and more! In this old school, hour long episode Allison & Samara give advice for first time attendees, returning attendees, vendors, and speakers. The also share a little bit of the conference's history and what they're...

Patti and Dave give their two cents on which tools help them do their jobs best, baking, travel, email lists, and more.

Our hosts answer your burning questions about dealing with burn out, stepping away from camp, staff appreciation, self care, fundraisers, and memorable campers. There was a call on social media for questions and you guys sure delivered! Huge thanks to all those who submitted questions, there will be another episode like this in the future so if your question didn't get answered, there's always next time, and keep asking them in the meantime. We also celebrate Dave's anniversary, find out...

Curt re-joins Patti for an old school list episode all about holiday activities. We also get some spoilers about the upcoming SCamp Con, and get what is possibly the most hilarious, but NSFW bloopers!!

Professor Dave and Patti are back from their respective conferences and they want to tell you all about them. Patti talks about her first ever conference speaking experience and Dave gives some sage advice about presenting to your peers, and the two discuss what made each conference awesome, as well as the small details that stood out to them.

Patti and Professor Dave chat about some of the books that have helped them become better camp leaders. We learn about Dave's AWESOME job as a teen, and the workshop he's going to run at the inaugural Digital Summer Camp Con (Sign up now!), as well as Patti's cool Canadian Camping experience... and that maybe she can't count.

In this quick bite episode Patti bribes her husband Wayne to come on the podcast to talk about what it's like as a "non-camp" person being married to a camp professional. Wayne shares what he thought Patti did when they met, things that confuse him about camp, and his tips for being a supportive spouse during camp season. He also makes up a new word, divulges what his favourite camp song is, and as in life, makes our host laugh.. a lot.

Donna MacPherson took on the difficult task of taking over as director in the middle of the camp season. Our hosts Professor Dave and Patti explore what prompted such a sudden change, what Donna did to help ease the transition, and what surprised her most about the situation. Donna also gives advice for others who may find themselves in similar circumstances, AND for directors who may have to leave mid season in the future. Patti also throws a little bit of shade.

*Trigger Warning* Sensitive topics discussed in this episode. Alan Cooper from AMSkier gives us tips on building a good relationship with your insurance provider. His number one tip: be upfront and be honest. He discusses the top three trends he saw during the 2018 camp season, including staff : staff encounters, staff:camper encounters, and staff/camper: parent encounters and gives advice on how to mitigate these types of situations in the future.

Unpack your camp session with Professor Dave & Patti. Our hosts discuss some refection questions, and review the answers that were supplied on the Summer Camp Pros Facebook page. Dave talks about the importance of pausing and shares his tips for making time for himself each day - and what he does to reboot his brain. Patti and Dave also discuss celebrating wins and the importance of taking some vacation this time of year.

Curt joins Patti on the podcast to finally chat about the project he's been working on these past few months. He fills us in on the digital conference - Summer Camp Con (better known as "SCamp Con") coming up in January and discusses his reasons for deciding to take this on, what to expect as an 'attendee' and presenter, and what he's most excited about. Patti says some stuff too. :P For more information about becoming a presenter, sponsor, or to sign up to be notified when registration...

John Beitner from the ACA joins Patti to give some insider tips on attending conferences, whether it’s your first or fifty-first one he has some advice for you. John also shares the secret to ensuring great evaluations as a presenter AND gives some major hints about who the top-secret keynote speakers are for Tri-State (to be announced in Mid-Oct) and fills us in on the exciting keynote at National this year. PLUS Patti finally spills the beans on the big project she's been teasing for a...