CampWire

In this special episode, we're joined by Scott Ehlers, Chief Kindness Strategist at Kindness Is Free—a nonprofit initiative launched by the Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside. We explore how small acts of kindness can spark big change, especially in camp and youth-serving communities, and how Kindness Is Free is helping young people become ambassadors of compassion and inclusion. Scott shares the story behind the organization, its mission, and how it connects with Camp Kindness Day [https://www.acacamps.org/campkindnessday] on July 16. We also talk about the Kindness Pledge—a simple but powerful commitment you can make right now to help build a more caring world. Show notes: * Kindness Is Free [https://www.kindnessisfree.org/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kindnessisfreeorg/] * Take the Kindness Pledge! [https://www.kindnessisfree.org/get-involved/#pledge] * Email Scott [sehlers@wsgvbgc.org] * Camp Kindness Day [https://www.acacamps.org/campkindnessday#:~:text=Camp%20Kindness%20Day%20%E2%80%94%20July%2016%2C%202025%20%7C%20American%20Camp%20Association] The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

In this episode of CampWire, we talk with Christen Peterson, ACA’s director of inclusion and belonging, about Ms. Opal Lee—known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth—and her inspiring movement, Opal’s Walk for Freedom. Learn how camps can honor her legacy, engage their communities, and take steps toward a more inclusive future. Join us as we explore how a single walk became a national movement—and how your camp can be part of it. Show notes: * Juneteenth Camp Celebrations [https://www.acacamps.org/resources/inclusion-belonging/juneteenth] * Opal's Walk for Freedom [https://raceroster.com/events/2025/106078/opals-walk-for-freedom-a-nationwide-camp-initiative] The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

In this episode, we’re joined by Kendra Perkins and her beloved therapy dog, Harbor, to explore the heartwarming impact of therapy animals at summer camp. Kendra shares how Harbor supports campers through moments of anxiety, homesickness, and emotional challenges—while also bringing smiles, connection, and calm to the entire camp community. Discover how therapy dogs like Harbor are helping create more inclusive, supportive, and emotionally resilient camp environments. Special thanks to our sponsor, UltraCamp [https://ultracampmanagement.com/]. Show notes: * Contact Kendra [kendra@say.org] * Camp SAY [https://www.campsay.org/] * Alliance of Therapy Dogs [https://www.therapydogs.com/therapy-dog-certification/] * AKC Recognized Therapy Dog Organizations [https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/therapy-dog-program/therapy-dog-organizations/] * Innovative Camp Company [https://www.innovativecampcompany.com/] The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re diving into the impact and evolution of women in the summer camp industry! Join us as we chat with Colette Marquardt, CEO of the American Camp Association, Illinois, and founder of the Women in Camp Summit. Colette shares how the summit grew into a thriving community with an annual conference, pop-up events, and year-round support for women in camp. Special thanks to our sponsors: * UltraCamp [https://ultracampmanagement.com/] * Percussion Play [https://www.percussionplay.com/] Show notes: * ACA, Illinois [https://www.acail.org/] * Women in Camp [https://www.acail.org/Women-In-Camp] * Women in Camp Summit [https://www.womenincampsummit.com/] The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

Looking to take your camp career to the next level? In this episode, we're joined by Erec Hillis, owner and Executive Director of Camp Champions in Marble Falls, TX. Erec is speaking at the upcoming Tri-State CAMP Conference and sharing insights on the new Camp Career Accelerator program — designed to help camp professionals grow their skills and chart a path for long-term success in the camp industry. We explore what it means to be an indispensable part of your camp community, with practical tips on leadership, adding value to your team, and advancing your camp career. Show notes: * Camp Career Accelerator [https://campchampions.com/career-accelerator#:~:text=Program%20Overview,the%20end%20of%20the%20program.] * Tri-State CAMP Conference [https://www.acanynj.org/tri-state-camp-conference] * Camp Champions [https://campchampions.com/] The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.