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 experimenti...
Jun 05, 2024•37 min•Ep. 208
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 o...
May 28, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 207
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 e...
May 16, 2024•37 min•Ep. 206
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.
May 01, 2024•41 min•Ep. 205
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.
Apr 19, 2024•59 min•Ep. 204
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...
Mar 27, 2024•35 min•Ep. 203
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...
Mar 27, 2024•28 min•Ep. 202
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, b...
Mar 12, 2024•41 min•Ep. 201
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...
Feb 28, 2024•45 min•Ep. 200
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.
Feb 14, 2024•25 min•Ep. 199
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 contex...
Jan 30, 2024•28 min•Ep. 198
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 Boards ORTUR Laser Master 2 Laser Engraver...
Jan 18, 2024•39 min•Ep. 197
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 fe...
Jan 02, 2024•32 min•Ep. 196
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.
Dec 20, 2023•42 min•Ep. 195
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!
Nov 22, 2023•21 min•Ep. 194
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.
Nov 08, 2023•31 min•Ep. 193
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...
Oct 24, 2023•18 min•Ep. 192
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!
Oct 11, 2023•45 min•Ep. 191
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.
Sep 28, 2023•31 min•Ep. 190
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.
Jun 02, 2023•31 min•Ep. 189
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...
May 18, 2023•36 min•Ep. 188
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/
May 01, 2023•39 min•Ep. 187
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!
Apr 13, 2023•48 min•Ep. 186
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.
Mar 24, 2023•50 min•Ep. 185
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).
Mar 13, 2023•44 min•Ep. 184
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!
Mar 08, 2023•44 min•Ep. 183
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.
Feb 16, 2023•45 min•Ep. 182
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.co...
Feb 16, 2023•35 min•Ep. 181
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...
Feb 03, 2023•37 min•Ep. 180
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.
Jan 27, 2023•32 min•Ep. 179
