CampWire

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 TQAMP 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 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 Character at Camp Initiative Events Calendar 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.

This episode is for everyone who wants expert techniques in staff training and making the camp mission really happen, including: scheduling training with good time management, creating a staff team committed to mission from the first minutes, and much more. We welcome back the incredible educator, staff trainer, and author Michael Brandwein for an exclusive peek at the content of the in-person, small group, learn-by-doing professional development event held in Chicago January 12-14, 2026, near Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and from his latest bestselling book, The Intentional Camp: Putting More Muscle in the Mission of Character & Youth Development. This event is sponsored by ACA Illinois and open to everyone, everywhere (ACA membership not required). The tools in this episode are simple to use and powerful in effect. Show notes: ACA, Illinois 2026 Women in Camp Summit Global Camps Africa For information on Michael’s upcoming in-person, small group interactive professional development event sponsored by ACA Illinois (open to everyone, everywhere, ACA membership not required), “The Brandwein Skill-A-Thon on Training & Leading Your Best Camp Team Ever” held in Chicago (near O’Hare) on January 12-14, 2026, please go to www.acail.org/michaelbrandwein. For Michael’s annual online one day virtual training for camp Leadership Team members, “Super Staff SuperVision: The Quick Course on Outstanding Skills to Coach, Motivate, & Bring Out the Best in Staff,” please go to www.acail.org/michaelbrandwein sponsored by ACA Illinois (open to everyone, everywhere, ACA membership not required). Books by Michael Brandwein are available at www.michaelbrandwein.com/store. To contact Michael with questions, and for more information about contacting him to work with you on your character development projects or for staff or Leadership Team training, you can reach him at 847-940-9820 and at mail@michaelbrandwein.com. Michael has free resources on his website: www.michaelbrandwein.com/freeresources. 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 Amy Brady, founder of The Flourish Lab and keynote speaker at ACA’s upcoming Rocky Mountain Fall Conference. Amy’s work centers on supporting adults who work with kids and youth—helping them build connection, belonging, and understanding in their communities. Together, we explore what it means to flourish as humans—both for staff and the campers they serve. Amy shares insights into navigating challenging behaviors, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. Tune in for a preview of Amy’s keynote and a thoughtful reminder that, at the end of the day, we’re all human—and we all need connection to thrive. Show notes: Rocky Mountain Fall Conference The Flourish Lab The Nature Place 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 are joined once again by Bob Ditter, alongside ACA's own Alicia Danenberg and Laurie Pearson to discuss character work at camp. Tune in as they explore how camps can affirm and expand the character-building work they’re already doing. They discuss what “character” really means in a camp context, how to define and live out your camp’s values as staff, and ways to create an environment where kids and staff alike feel a deep sense of belonging and growth. Whether you’re a camp director, program leader, or staff trainer, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to make your camp community even stronger. Show notes: Character Conversations with Bob Ditter Character at Camp Initiative ACA Bookstore 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.

It's a camp! It's a conference! It's a Campference! On this episode, we're joined by Sterling Nell Leija and Kendra Perkins from Innovative Camp Company to learn all about the upcoming ACA, Northern California Campference. Tune in for a taste of what you can expect, some fun and heartfelt camp stories, and - did we mention this event is in Napa? We hope to see you there Oct. 14-16. Show notes: Learn more and register for the Campference Innovative Camp Company 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 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 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 Instagram Take the Kindness Pledge! Email Scott Camp Kindness Day 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. Show notes: Contact Kendra Camp SAY Alliance of Therapy Dogs AKC Recognized Therapy Dog Organizations Innovative Camp Company 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.