The Pudding

Clipboards, Kaizen, and Connection: Revolutionizing Camp Attendance with Ryan Rosen *This is a piece of sponsored content by our friends from Camptivities and Whereabouts. We are so grateful for Ryan and the Camptivities team for their support of many Go Camp Pro podcasts and we're excited to bring you this episode to share more about Whereabouts and it's intentional design - Check them out whereaboutsapp.io* -- In this episode, Travis sits down with Ryan Rosen, a 28-year camp veteran and owner of a premier Los Angeles day camp, to discuss the intersection of "tech-free" camp philosophy and high-efficiency logistics. Ryan shares the origin story of Whereabouts, an innovative app designed to bridge the communication gap between parents and camp offices. From the "Spirit of Kaizen" to real-time attendance reconciliation, this conversation explores how small, iterative improvements in camp tech can lead to massive gains in safety, staff sanity, and parent satisfaction. Key Takeaways include: The Spirit of Kaizen:Closing the "Lunchtime Gap":Passive vs. Active Engagement:Empowering Gen-Z and Alpha Staff:WhereaboutsTech-Enabled Emergency Safety:--- Thanks to Camptivities and Whereabouts for sponsoring! Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected. Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time - so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out at whereaboutsapp.io --- Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/youth-as-co-creators Empowering Youth and Advancing Equity in Summer Camps: Insights from Alayna Schmidt In this episode, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison interview Alayna Schmidt, a PhD candidate at Clemson University. Alayna’s research focuses on empowering youth as co-creators in camp settings and integrating justice-centered environmental education. She discusses her journey into research and the significant impact of youth participatory action research. The conversation shifts towards the historical and cultural aspects of summer camps, highlighting the pervasiveness of white supremacy in culture. The podcast shares practical strategies for camp professionals to advance equity without overwhelming staff, including youth engagement in decision-making processes and restorative justice approaches. Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proAlayna SchmidtClemson Universityalaynas@clemson.edu Additional Links of Interest REYSE CollaboratoryAlayna’s WebsiteToolkit: Racial Healing and Youth DevelopmentThanks to our sponsors! 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/turner-and-maslow-to-transformation-and-magic Unpacking the Transformative Power of Summer Camps for Staff 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. Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proStar WilkesLecturer in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion StudiesUniversity of WolverhamptonS.Wilkes2@wlv.ac.ukThanks to our sponsors! 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 Insights on Gender Stereotypes and Expanding Leadership Styles in Camps 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. Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proDr. Kiah DeVonaAdjunct FacultyUConn Neag School of Educationkiah.devona@uconn.eduAdditional Links of Interest Kiah DeVona on Google ScholarThanks to our sponsors! 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 Exploring Inclusivity in Outdoor Leisure with Neil Carr 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. Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proNeil CarrProfessor, Department of Tourism, University of Otagoneil.carr@otago.ac.nzAdditional Links of Interest Neil Carr on Google ScholarInclusion and Equity in Outdoor Leisure: Whose Body Belongs?Thanks to our sponsors! 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 Exploring Camp Experiences, Neoliberalism, and Hidden Curriculum with Dr. Mary Breunig 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. Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proDr. Mary BreunigAssociate Professor, Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Administrationmary.breunig@csus.eduAdditional Links of Interest Dr. Mary Breunig on Google Scholar Thanks to our sponsors! 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 Creating Safe Spaces to Explore Faith & Identity In this episode of The Pudding, hosts Dr. Mandy Baker and Travis Allison speak with Jake Sorenson, founder and director of Sacred Playgrounds, to explore the significant impact of Christian summer camps. Jake, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in camping ministry and youth ministry, explains how Sacred Playgrounds uses data to tell compelling stories and improve camp ministries. The conversation delves into the five fundamental characteristics of effective (faith-based) camps: being unplugged from home; being participatory; being relational; being a safe space; and being faith-centred. And for camps that aren’t 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 and emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in camp practices. Episode Guide Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proDr. Jake SorensonFounderSacred Playgrounds jake@sacredplaygrounds.comThanks to our sponsors! 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 Hearing Youth Voices in Camp Research with Dr. Barry Garst 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 to the real focus of camp – the 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 Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proProfessor & CoordinatorClemson Universitybgarst@clemson.eduAdditional Links of Interest https://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/departments/prtm/index.htmlhttps://jyd.pitt.edu/ojs/jydhttps://allianceforcamphealth.org/https://www.acacamps.org/research/help-camp-research/research-evaluation-advisory-committeeThanks to our sponsors! 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 Insights into JCamp 180’s Camp Research and Consulting Model 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 Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proHerschel SingerConsultantJCamp 180hsinger@hgf.orgThanks to our sponsors! 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 How do you Define “Camp” and its Economic Impact? 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. Episode Guide Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proEli McClainRestorative Economics GroupThanks to our sponsors! 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/campahead/scenario-planning-101 Exploring Camp Futures: Key Drivers and Scenario Planning In this episode of Camp Ahead, hosts Joe, Jess, and KJ expand on the idea of scenario planning as an essential tool for thinking about the future. They discuss key drivers such as climate change, economics, demographics, technological advancements, and social shifts that can shape the next decade of summer camps. Through imaginative scenario planning, they aim to prepare the industry for both positive and challenging futures. Tune in as they explore the potential impacts of AI, climate mitigation, and more on the world of summer camps. - Episode Links: Imaginable by Jane McGonigalhttps://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreatorhttps://urgentoptimists.org/- Our Hosts: Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility KJ Williams - Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp - Sponsors: A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible. Campify: Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules. Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today. Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/intro-to-mental-time-travel Welcome to Camp Ahead: The Futurology of the Summer Camp Industry In this inaugural episode of the Camp Ahead podcast, Joe Richards, KJ Williams, and Jess Elfring-Roberts dive into the concept of future-proofing the summer camp industry. They discuss the importance of mental time travel, scenario planning, and preparing for larger global issues like climate change, financial instability, demographics, and migration. The hosts share their personal experiences and outline the goals for the podcast, emphasizing the need for proactive thinking to ensure the long-term success of camps. This episode sets the stage for exploring how the camp community can adapt and thrive amidst uncertainties. - Episode Links: Imaginable by Jane McGonigalhttps://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreatorhttps://urgentoptimists.org/- Our Hosts: Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility KJ Williams - Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp - Sponsors: A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible. Campify: Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules. Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today. Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

Diversifying the Narrative by Bringing Practitioners to the Research Table In this episode of 'The Pudding', hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison are joined by Drs. Lisa Meerts-Brandsma and Jim Sibthorp to dive into groundbreaking research in the camp world. The discussion covers their journeys of becoming researchers, the link between the camping and outdoor education industries, and pivotal findings from recent studies. Lisa emphasizes increasing camp access and inclusion, while Jim highlights the complexities of understanding developmental impacts when researching in isolation. They also share thoughts on the evolution of camp research, potential future directions, and the importance of collaborating closely with practitioners. Episode Guide Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proDr. Lisa Meerts-BrandsmaAssistant Professorlisa.meerts@utah.eduDr. Jim SibthorpProfessorjim.sibthorp@health.utah.eduThanks to our sponsors! 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 Staffing Retention and Recruitment Success: 37 Proven Strategies for Camp Directors is a comprehensive email course designed to help you attract, retain, and develop a high-quality camp staff team. This course is packed with practical tips and strategies that you can implement right away. Find out more at gocamp.pro/staff and use the code GOCAMPPOD10 at checkout!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/excel-doesnt-have-to-be-scary Harnessing Data for Camp Success with Lee Biear Hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison engage with Lee Biear, Business Development Director at Camptivities, to explore the transformative power of data in camp management. Lee shares her journey from public health research to camp data analysis, including stories of success in enhancing program quality, diversity, and staff retention rather than just focusing on the bottom line. Highlights the role of storytelling in marketing, how to build good data collection in your organization, and why you should pester your camp registration software company to offer you an API. This episode is a mini-masterclass in leveraging data for operational success and community building in camps. Episode Guide Your Hosts Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.comTravis AllisonSummer Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proLee Biear Camptivitieslee@camptivities.com Thanks to our sponsors! 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/camp-research-catalyzing-change Exploring the Future of Camp Research & its Impact with Laurie Brown In this episode, hosts Travis Allison and Dr. Mandi Baker discuss the significant research efforts and initiatives undertaken by the American Camp Association to understand and improve summer camps. Special guest Laurie Brown, Ph.D, Senior Director of Innovation and Learning at the ACA, shares insights from her journey as a researcher, as well as some behind-the-scenes info about research grants and the innovative approaches the ACA is exploring to enhance camp programming and outcomes. The discussion also highlights ACA's collaborative projects and future ambitions in camp research, emphasizing the need for our industry as a whole to develop professional support for Camp Pros and recognize their expertise as creative problem solvers. Episode Guide Your Hosts: Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proLaurie BrownePh.DAmerican Camp Association- Thanks to our sponsors! 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/impact-of-research Exploring Camp Research Innovations with Victoria Povilaitis In the first episode of the second season of 'The Pudding,' hosts Dr. Mandy Baker and Travis Allison invite Victoria Povilaitis, Director of Program Innovation at Tim Horton Foundation Camps, to discuss the exciting developments and research initiatives in camp programming. Victoria shares her insights on the program quality and artistic methods used to enhance camper experiences. She details the Impact 365 measurement approach and explains the importance of inclusivity and diverse perspectives in modern camp research. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of camps in fostering positive youth development, the significance of social and emotional learning, and the innovative project of bringing camp experiences directly to children in schools. Episode Guide Your Hosts: Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proVictoria Povilaitis- Thanks to our sponsors! 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/camp-researchers Let’s shed light on some of the most prominent camp research, right from the researchers themselves! Our guests, Victoria Povilaitis, Lori Brown, and Jake Sorenson, are not your typical academics. They are the frontline champions of camp research, dedicated to unveiling the intricate ways camps contribute to community building, character building and emotional growth. From the playful yet practical enhancements at Tim Hortons Foundation Camps to the community-driven research of the American Camp Association and the spiritual connections at Christian summer camps through Sacred Playgrounds, each guest brings a wealth of knowledge and a shared passion for nurturing the next generation. Tune in to hear more about: Your Hosts: Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.proVictoria PovilaitisLaurie BrowneJacob SorensonSacred Playgrounds- Thanks to our sponsors! 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/ethics Camp Research - The Ethical Way Mandi gives us a mini-masterclass on all things research and how it applies to both the formal and informal research that we conduct at our camp. In this episode, we cover: - Your Hosts: Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.pro- Thanks to our sponsors! 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/gen-z Unlocking the Potential of Gen-Z at Summer Camp Staffing continues to be one of the biggest thorns in the paws of our industry. It’s a challenge that isn’t likely to go away soon, so what can we do to ride this wave, rather than just letting it crash into us? Travis and Mandi dig into this topic and share how an approach of curiosity is a Camp Pro’s best tool when working with this generation of camp staff. In this episode, we cover: - Your Hosts: Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.pro- Thanks to our sponsors! 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/power-between-people With great power comes…well, you know the rest. We all know that even in the sunshine and butterflies that is summer camp, there is evil lurking about. An evil that affects people and communities from all over. It has a name, too. Are you ready? Power. Okay, maybe a bit dramatic, but it’s something nonetheless that we need to talk about when it comes to the microcosm that is summer camp. On this episode, Mandi and Travis discuss how the power structures of the summer camp world have consequential effects on not just the employees, but the entire culture and program. You’ll hear about: - Your Hosts: Dr. Mandi BakerResearchergetlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison Camp ConsultantGo Camp Protravis@gocamp.pro- Thanks to our sponsors! 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.