Pondo Podcast

Jeremy and Lisa are amazing people and dear friends of the Pondo team. We talk about the relationship between camp and youth ministry and hear some awesome stories about how they've seen God use Pondo to impact their students, leaders, and family! If you or someone you know has been impacted by a camp experience as part of their story, would you consider partnering with us in our mission to create a unique space for students to encounter Jesus and help us keep pushing the mission forward by giving a gift of support today? It takes many walking in obedience to what God has called them to do to weave a story of redemption in a person’s life. Your support is another thread in the story God is weaving. Donate Now! pondo.org/woven

Chatting with one of the most adventurous pastors in Southern California about what it means to be gospel centered. Neal breaks down some moments from his life that have lead him to completely trusting and depending on the work of Jesus. Neal is heavily involved with Camp Pondo and sheds some light on how he sees God at work in and through camp!

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, the Tarkington brothers talk about their history and experiences of states of the good ol' US of A. The guys talk about the pros and cons of the states that they have lived in and briefly dive into some of their favorite states that they have visited throughout their lives.

This episode is part 3 of the "How To Creatively Engage With God..." Series On this episode of the Creative Stream, Alesha and Makaila sit down for an interview with Cody Bray. Cody is the Program Director at Pondo as well as being involved on the Pondo Worship Movement team. Listen in as Cody talks about the ways that he creatively engages with God while exploring trails on a mountain bike, playing drums and encountering God in unique ways through his favorite hobbies. For more information or to become a partner with the work and ministry of Camp Pondo, go to https://www.pondo.org/donate/bigredchairclub/

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, the Tarkington brothers talk about their all-time favorite television shows. From the early days of animated series, to the pivotal teenage years and now into their adult lives the guys share the shows that have had an impact on their lives.

On this episode of Camp Talk; Cody sits down for an interview with Kaitlin Wyse. Kaitlin share her incredible God Story of her time at Camp Pondo as a student, youth leader and seasonal staffer. She talks about the way that God opened up doors for her in the summer of 2021 with both opportunities to come on board at camp but setting up her future at GCU as well. For more information or to become a partner with the work and ministry of Camp Pondo, go to https://www.pondo.org/donate/bigredchairclub/

On this episode of the Youth Ministry stream; Ryan sits down for an interview with Zachary Bondoc, who is the Youth/Kids/YA Pastor at One Hope @ FB Temple City. Zach shares his stories about growing up in the church that he now serves in, his long relationship with Camp Pondo, and the expectations that he and his wife, Emily have about having their first baby boy (due any day now!) Pondo is hosting our first Youth Leaders Retreat on April 28-30, 2022 at Camp Pondo. You can find more details and register for the event here: https://www.pondo.org/camps/specialty/youth-leaders-retreat/ For more information or to become a partner with the work and ministry of Camp Pondo, go to https://www.pondo.org/donate/bigredchairclub/

This episode is part 2 of the "How To Creatively Engage With God..." Series On this episode of the Creative Stream, Alesha and Makaila sit down for an interview with Amanda Jenkins. Amanda is an Associate Professor of Theology at Grand Canyon University, an author and a long time member of the Pondo family. Amanda shares her experiences from being a staffer at Pondo, teaching pre-school students, to being a professor at GCU and more. She opens up about how she creatively connects with God through her heart, soul, mind and strength. For more information or to become a partner with the work and ministry of Camp Pondo, go to https://www.pondo.org/donate/bigredchairclub/

On this bonus episode of the Pondo Podcast, Cody and Makaila talk about an exciting new project that we will be launching in April. For more details about or to be a part of the Big Red Chair Club visit our website: https://www.pondo.org/donate/bigredchairclub/

On this episode of the Youth Ministry stream, Ryan sits down for an interview with Justin Knowles. Justin is the Director of Youth and Kids at Sandals Church in Riverside, CA and a Co-Host of the Youth Ministry Hacks podcast. Listen in as the guys talk about topics such as: the value of investing in your leaders, letting go of being "the guy" on stage, and a challenge to be more intentional with our time management. You can check out more of Justin's ministry insights on his podcast here: https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/youth-ministry-hacks/ Justin will be our keynote speaker and lead a breakout session at our Youth Leaders Retreat on April 28-30, 2022 at Camp Pondo. You can find more details and register for the event here: https://www.pondo.org/camps/specialty/youth-leaders-retreat/

On this episode of Camp Talk, Cody sits down for a conversation with the newest Pondo team member, Bleys Smith. The guys share their thoughts and perspectives of what it means to be "in ministry" and how that has shifted from their time of growing up in the Bible Belt state of Arkansas. Cody and Bleys end their time talking about a few favorite moments from this Winter Camp season.

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, the Tarkington brothers spend time talking about their favorite memories from going to theme parks throughout their lives. Sean dives in to his love for roller coasters and thrill rides. Ryan shares his love for the nostalgic aspect of the parks while also sharing how he has made making trips to Disneyland, Six Flags and other parks a big part of his own family's tradition.

On this episode of the Creative Stream: Makaila, Kimberly and Alesha talk about the ways they creatively engage with God as individuals. This upcoming season of episodes within the creative stream will include interviews with others from outside of the Pondo team who will share their own unique perspectives on creativity and how they choose to be intentional about using their creative outlets to engage with God and others.

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, the Tarkington brothers talk about their Christmas past; sharing a few awkward memories from their childhood and special moments as they grew older. The guys also dive into some of their favorite traditions including decorations and of course, their favorite Christmas movies.

On this episode of the Creative Steam; Alesha, Makaila & Kimberly talk about their Christmas traditions and stories from holidays past. The ladies also spend time talking through what this advent season is all about and how we can intentionally look for opportunities to engage with God and others during this beautiful time of the year.

Cody and Brittany talk through Pondo's Worship/Creative conference "Spirit and Truth", and how camps are uniquely positioned to equip and empower people in their giftings.

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, the Tarkington brothers talk about something they are very thankful for... Food! The guys share their favorite Thanksgiving day dish options, memories of food experiences, and close out answering a classic debate question... In-N-Out or Whataburger? Listen in, laugh a little and you'll probably end feeling hungry for your own favorite foods.

On this episode of the Creative Steam; Alesha, Makaila & Kimberly talk about the beauty of the spaces and places that God has provided for them in their lives. They also share their insights into what they hope their current spaces provide not only for themselves but for others as well. Makaila also shares some incredible truth about the way that Scripture reminds us how much God prioritizes a place to belong...

On this episode of the Youth Ministry podcast; Tark has a great conversation with Damean Easter who is the Young Adults pastor at Flood Church in San Diego, California. Damean shares some of the differences (and similarities) that he sees in Young Adult ministry compared to his time as a youth pastor. We also get to hear him share the value of working closely with the youth leadership to bridge the gap between those two important ministries. Damean finishes up by sharing the origins of his phase, "Halle-Glory!" and giving a heartfelt word to those serving in ministry today. You can meet Damean and hear him speak at Winter Camp on February 11-13, 2022. Registration is open and filling up fast! www.pondo.org