Summer Camp Programming Podcast

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 websiteEmail - info @ academicentertainment.comAcademic Entertainment Blog Posts

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.

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 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 BoardsORTUR Laser Master 2 Laser Engraver

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 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.

This week's episode is a remix from episode 13 way back in 2019. (The Pre-Covid days)! The guys give 8 great ideas for camp-wide games that you can play with the whole camp! This episode is a great listen to update some of your current games!

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.

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

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!

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.

This is the episode to listen to now, not when it's too late! If you host a camp anywhere water falls from the sky, you need to have a plan ready. Unlike the rains down in Africa, these aren't blessed days. Check out this week's episode for new ideas (and remixed ideas from episode 11) about what to do in case of inclement weather.

If you're a camp that does themes, a pirate theme is definitely a must! Curt shares some of the greatest ideas from the book he wrote. This episode will give you plenty of ideas to host your own pirate-theme camp! Links: The Pirate Theme Book Pirate Blog Post Kate Backdrops

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/

Chris and Curt talk about some great activity ideas that are for, wait for it, staff only! That's right! Doing things specifically for your camp staff is a great way to keep the excitement going all summer! Give this episode a listen for some great ideas to prep for this coming summer!

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.

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).

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!

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.

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

Curt and Chris share their picks of items that they would like to see in a camp store. From challenge coins to Croc charms, they'll discuss a few items you'll consider adding to your camp store offerings. Links: Tenzi Koosh Balls Stickers from StickyBrand Button Supplies Challenge Coins Sleep Masks Metal Pins Croc Charms Floppy Cups Capes

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.

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.

In this episode, Curt and Chris talk about "top shot" ideas to spice up your target activities.

It's a new year. Curt and Chris talk about life changes (Chris is at a new camp) and what they they are up to as 2023 kicks off.

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  

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!

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maybe Math! Different camps do different things, some even call it Outdoor Education, but it all boils down to learning at Camp! Curt and Chris give some of their favorite STEM activities they do and how to incorporate that into your camp program.  Links for the Week: Butterfly Garden: Monarchwatch.org Engineer and Animal Lessons: Teacherspayteachers.com

Curt and Chris look at a very popular post on the Summer Camp Professionals page about Programming. Rich Birch posed the question, "What did you add at camp that was new and fantastic?", and it got a ton of answers! Listen to this week's episode to hear the guys discuss some of the more popular answers. Link for the Week: Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/camppros/posts/6046300622050208/

Episode 171 goes back to Episode 2 to “Remix” it! Chris and Curt go all the way back to 2019 to redo an episode they've already done! With new ideas, updated stuff, as well as just informing their listeners of great stuff 169 episodes ago, the podcast this week is a blast! Listen in for some great new ideas as well as recapping some old ideas of things your counselors should have at Camp! Links: Brain Break Book Alpha Dice Tenzi Tenzi Dice Peteca Koosh Balls Flop Balls Thumbballs Would You Rather Book

Go beyond Pumpkin painting and Spiced lattes for some unique ideas to do at your camp this fall! Check out this week's episode where the guys give you tons of great ideas you can easily do! From hayrides to Paint and Sips to Family Camps, listen in for some falltastic stuff!

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/

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

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

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.

If you're looking for some great ideas to end the season well with your staff, look no further! Curt and Chris toss up some excellent stuff that they have done (or seen done) at other camps with huge success! If your season has already ended, tuck this podcast away for next year!

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

It's pretty much a given that there will be at least a little burnout happening at your camp. The guys give some great ideas on how to beat that and keep your staff happy, healthy, and having a great season! These ideas are super easy to implement right now into your summer with very little preparation! 

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!

After 2 weeks of training and 2 weeks of camp, Chris shares how his summer has been going! Listen to this episode to see what's new, what's old, and what's all going wrong so far!

Curt and Chris bring back their fun new way of podcasting. Check it out this week for all new answers to their top 9 topics!

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!

Is the gas Station prices getting you down? Has the train left the Station without you? Tired of your local radio Station? Or feeling a little spacy on the International Space Station? Well then give our Stations a try! Curt shares a popular idea for camps about creating stations for the campers. A place that has some free play/choice. He gives tons of great ideas for themes and topics you can host a “Station” around!