CampWire

Episode 99 | Beating Burnout Before Summer Begins: A Conversation with Dr. PBJ and Staffing Summit Preview

In this special preview episode of CampWire, we sit down with Dr. Patrice Buckner-Jackson — Dr. PBJ — to introduce her highly anticipated January keynote for the 2025–2026 Staffing Summit. After delivering one of the most requested keynotes of 2024, Dr. PBJ returns to guide camp professionals through a deeper, more expansive conversation on burnout, capacity, and caring for the people who care for campers. You can hear Dr. PBJ’s full keynote live on Wednesday, January 28, as part of the 2025–2026 Staffing Summit event series.   Show notes: * Register for the Staffing Summit [https://www.acacamps.org/events-education/event/aca-staffing-summit] * Disrupting Burnout podcast [https://www.patricebucknerjackson.com/podcast] * Center for Creative Leadership [https://www.ccl.org/] * Dr. PBJ's new book! [https://www.amazon.com/Disrupting-Burnout-Professional-Lifeline-Finding/dp/1736930214] 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.

Episode 98 | Take a Deep Breath: A Camp Pro's Guide to Angry Parents & Caretakers

When tensions rise, camp professionals often find themselves navigating the full spectrum of caretaker emotions—sometimes before they've even had their morning coffee. In this episode, Alicia Danenberg, Bristol Posatko, and Chris Rehs-Dupin sit down for an honest conversation about why parents and caretakers become upset, what’s really going on beneath the frustration, and how camp staff can respond with clarity, calm, and confidence. Together, they share practical strategies for de-escalating charged conversations, communicating boundaries without fueling the fire, and staying grounded when someone else is not. They also explore tools for supporting your team, protecting your own well-being, and building trust even in the most challenging interactions. Show notes: * Strengthening Parent/Caregiver Communication This Summer [https://www.acacamps.org/blog/strengthening-parent-caregiver-communication-summer] * TQAMP [https://www.tqamp.org/] 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.

Episode 97 | Inclusive Play for Every Camper: A Conversation with BoxxyBall Creator Alex McLellan

In this episode, we're joined by Alex McLellan, creator of BoxxyBall - the fast-growing catch-and-throw game that's taking camps by storm. What makes BoxxyBall special? It's intentionally designed so every participant can jump in, have fun, and succeed. No one is left on the sidelines. Tune in for a conversation about innovation, inclusion, and the powerful role camps play in ensuring every child has the opportunity to move, play, and thrive. Show notes: * BoxxyBall [https://www.boxxyball.com/] * Contact Alex [alex@boxxyball.com] * Special Olympics [https://www.specialolympics.org/] * Inclusive Sports Foundation [https://isfathletes.com/] * 2026 ACA National Conference [https://www.acacamps.org/conference] 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.

Episode 96 | Meet Henry DeHart: A Conversation with ACA's New CEO

In this episode of CampWire, we sit down with Henry DeHart, the newly appointed CEO of the American Camp Association. Henry shares his journey to ACA, his background in leadership and the camp industry, and what drives his passion for ACA’s mission. He also offers a look ahead at his vision for the organization and the opportunities and challenges facing the camp community today. Tune in to get to know the person leading ACA into its next chapter. Show notes: * Youth Impact Study [https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/acas-youth-impact-study] * Character at Camp Initiative [https://www.acacamps.org/research/special-projects/character-camp-initiative] * Events Calendar [https://www.acacamps.org/events] 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.

Episode 95 | Name It, Claim It, Define It: A Values and Virtues Conversation

In this episode, we explore what it means to intentionally shape character at camp through the lens of values and virtues. Our guests, Rabbi Avi Orlow and Jonah Canner—both longtime educators and leaders in Jewish learning—join us for a thought-provoking discussion about how camps can name, claim, and define the values that guide their communities. Show notes: * ACA Character at Camp Initiative [https://www.acacamps.org/research/special-projects/character-camp-initiative] * Rabbi Avi Orlow [https://www.hartman.org.il/person/avi-orlow/] * Jonah Canner [https://www.jonahcanner.com/about] 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.