Pondo Podcast

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 (www.pondo.org) beginning on Monday, April 4, 2022.

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. Link to Pondo blog to check out pics from their theme park adventures: Coming soon!

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

On this episode of Camp Talk: a long time friend of Pondo, Tom Chapin stopped by for a visit to the camp. While he was here Cody recorded a conversation with him about spiritual disciplines, mentoring, being yourself and so much more.

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, the Tarkington brothers share stories about their scary adventures and pranks from the past. Looking back, it became clear that this was a huge part of the community they developed with others.

On this episode of the Creative Stream; Kimberly, Makaila & Alesha talk about the value of journaling as a form of creativity. The ladies talk through practical processes and benefits - from where to begin, the science of journaling, to picking out a journal and the fruit that they have experienced from writing things down throughout their lives.

On this bonus episode of the Pondo Podcast we wanted to give you a sneak peak from one of our live recordings from week 9 of summer camp. Every Wednesday the Pondo Worship Movement team would lead an acoustic medley of worship songs to close out chapel that night. As a podcast listener you'll be the first to hear a part of that recording before we officialy launch it out into the world. Full version and other live song recordings will be coming to Spotify, Apple Music and more soon. Thanks for listening!

On this episode of the Youth Ministry stream, Tark takes an opportunity to talk about the current state of student ministry; pulling ideas & key topics that were discussed with youth pastors & leaders during our weekly "Leaders Lunch" each Thursday of the summer camp season. Listen in as Tark shares 6 key principles that were frequent focal points during our weekly conversations. 1. __________ Leadership 2. Go ________ 3. Create a Culture of _________ ______________ 4. Create a Culture of __________ 5. Invite Students to _____ __________ 6. __________ __________

On this episode of Camp Talk; Cody sits down to talk with Pondo's newest, full-time hire, Brittany Pierce. Brittany shares her excitement for stepping in to her new role and the expectations for the ministry ahead. Cody and Brittany also spend time recapping the events of Summer Camp and share some insight into what drives Pondo through our core values.

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, the Tarkington brothers share some of their funny, scary and awe inspiring moments they have had with animals throughout their lives.

On this episode of the Creative Stream; Makaila, Alesha and Kimberly dive into the topic of "daring to suck" in our creative efforts. So often the thing that holds us back is the perception of what others will think about what we are creating. Listen in as the ladies share their personal challenges and ways they've learned to push past the mental and spiritual barriers that often show up in our creativity.

On this episode of the Youth Ministry stream, Tark sits down to have a conversation with Matt Childers and William Fountain who will be staffers here at Camp Pondo this summer. Both Matt and William are students who loved their time in each of their own student ministries. Listen in as they give unique perspectives and insight into what they believe it will take to reach students in todays world.

On this episode of Camp Talk, Cody, Dan & Becky respond to sound bites from Pondo Friends who share the impact camp has had on their lives and ministries. We want to give a BIG thank you to Neal Benson (Pastor of Coastline Bible & Week 9 speaker), RJ McCauley (Student Pastor at Magnolia Church) and Zachary Bondoc (Student Pastor at FBC Temple City) for sharing their powerful thoughts and stories.

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, the Tarkington brothers dive into discussion about their favorite sports teams as they were growing up and some of the highlight moments of watching their teams win championships. On the back half of the podcast, you'll hear stories of their own playing days; from their time out in the backyard, to little league and on to being part of their high school teams, the guys share moments about what it has meant to be connected to God and to others through sports.

On this episode of the Creative Stream, Makaila sits down for a conversation with a special guest, Kristin Hernandez, to talk about their personal stories of loss and the creative processes that followed those difficult seasons. For even more about Kristin's journey you can check out her blog at www.sunlightindecember.com. There you can read stories, listen to her podcast and get more information on her upcoming book of the same title.

On this bonus episode of the Pondo Podcast, we get the entire staff together for a little Q&A session. You'll hear the team answer tough hitting questions like, "Would you rather live in space or in the ocean?" and "What's your favorite musical?" Towards the end of the conversation you'll hear the Pondo staff talk about the beauty and the challenges of being part of camp ministry and what they are most excited to see at Summer Camp 2021!

On this episode of the Youth Ministry stream, Tark zooms in for an interview with his brother-in-law, Jedi Faulkner who is the Associate Student Pastor at Lakes Church in Lakeland Florida. Jedi shares his thoughts on how to balance the time, work and ministry of being someone who serves in multiple roles at a church. He also spends time talking about the adjustments he has had to make going from serving at a small church to coming on to the staff of a much larger church.

On this episode of Camp Talk, Cody sits down with Dan and Becky to discuss Pondo's desire to connect, equip, and encourage youth leaders both here at the camp and beyond. Listen in as they explain the importance of making the extra effort to come alongside churches and their leaders; how it all came together in the past, how it happens today and the dreams for the future of investing in the real heroes, Youth Leaders!

On this episode of the Creative Stream, Makaila, Alesha and Kimberly share their stories of how they have used creative outlets to process their own emotional journeys. Kimberly shares an original song called, "Beautiful Storm" and Alesha shares a deeply personal story that prompted both an illustrated and written piece of art. You can find Alesha's piece at this link: https://www.instagram.com/p/B_7zkUDjTR7/?igshid=1an76bjuancwe

On this episode of Campfire Conversations, Tark & Sean dive into the topic of Movies. The guys share stories of how Tark worked at a local movie theater and they discuss some specific movies that impacted their lives and connected them to God and to community. They also spit fire some of their favorite movies throughout the whole episode.

On this episode of the Youth Ministry Stream, Tark dives into a zoom conversation with Jonathan McDonald; student pastor at Calvary Church in Bellflower, California. Jonathan's journey took him from being a pesky little middle school student in the youth group to leading in that same church as their student pastor. You'll also hear some insight on how to challenge students to be generous givers, how to remind yourself that our students are not just another number and how to rise above discouragement.

On this episode of Camp Talk, Cody, Dan & Becky share some of their impressions of our Winter One Day season. The team also spends some time discussing what this year has allowed us to focus in on all while Dan wants everyone to know..... SUMMER CAMP IS ON!

On this episode, Tark and Sean discuss the topic of Nature and how they have found themselves connected to God and to the others during their experiences with the great outdoors and beyond. Also, for the first time the guys add to the conversation by sharing stories sent in by listeners.

On this episode of the creative stream, Makaila, Cody, Alesha & Kimberly talk about the importance of discovering the story that God has written into our lives. The team also walks through some very practical steps to unlock that story in you and help as you prepare to create unique ways share it with others. Presented by: The Pondo Worship Movement

On this episode, Tark sits down with his dad, Mr. Tark (Keith Tarkington) to talk about some of his keys to longevity in student ministry. Keith, who is now the Mature Adults Pastor at Summergrove Baptist in Shreveport, Louisiana was a student pastor for 37 years! His youth ministry career took place at 4 different churches in 3 different states and every stop along the way was unique. Listen in as he shares his stories and words of wisdom for setting your ministry up to stand the test of time.

On this episode of Camp Talk, Cody interviews Daniel and Brittany Pierce. Together they give a small recap of our Winter One Day events and then dive into their stories of coming to camp as junior high students, working as adult leaders with their church, to now serving alongside the Pondo Team.

Tark and Sean are joined by special guests (their parents), Keith "Lamar" Tarkington and Debbie "No Middle Name" Tarkington to have a conversation about the dynamics of their family growing up and how it has connected us to God and to the others throughout our lives.

Join Cody, Alesha, Makaila & Kimberly as they discuss different ways that creativity can connect ourselves and others to God. Presented by: the Pondo Worship Movement

Ryan and Sean continue their chat about the music and experiences that have impacted them over the years!

Cody and the Skippers talk through the meaning of "Double Portion" and the theme for the upcoming Winter One Day events

Tark sits down with Cobie Delfs, who is a youth pastor at Crosspointe Church in Anaheim, to talk about stepping into marriage, ministry, and being a youth pastor in 2020.

Pondo's Directors (The Skippers) talk about what they've learned about leading a camp ministry in a year with no camps. We talk about what it means to wait well and dream big.

Part of our Pondo Worship Movement hit the record button and chatted about what it means to be a creative, and what it means to be an artist. This is an important conversation that helps us set healthy expectations for our own creativity.

Tark and Sean talk about the bands and music that have impacted them over the years. This is part 1 of their music conversation.

Tark and Rj talk about Rj's story and his process for equipping and empowering student leaders.

Camp Pondo directors, Dan and Becky Skipper, share how they ended up at Pondo and what makes it such a unique place to encounter Jesus.