Belonging doesn't happen by chance—it's created through the relationships, experiences, and culture that make camp feel like home. In this episode of CampWire, we're joined by Miriam Blanc-Gonnet, Senior Manager of User Strategy at Sanford Harmony, to explore why belonging is at the heart of every meaningful camp experience. Drawing on Sanford Harmony's work helping youth-serving organizations…
Every child deserves a safe childhood—and camps play an important role in making that possible. In this episode of CampWire, we're joined by Belinda Swan from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to learn more about the organization's mission and the free resources available to camp professionals. Belinda shares how NCMEC works to prevent child victimization, support…
What does it take to create a camp where every young person feels they belong? In this episode, Emmy® Award-winning filmmakers Samuel Habib and Dan Habib explore the power of inclusion, representation, and high expectations for campers with disabilities. Samuel reflects on his years at Double H Ranch, where camp became a place of confidence, friendship, independence, and belonging. Together,…
In the first episode of CampWire’s Research Digest series, we explore how research can help camp professionals better understand the challenges and opportunities ahead. Host [name] is joined by Katie Thurson, PhD, author of “Camps and Climate: How Maps Can Help Visualize a Changing Future,” featured in the ACA research newsletter. Katie shares how interactive climate maps can help camps visualize…
In this episode of the CampWire Podcast, we’re launching a new series highlighting ACA Educational Partners and the organizations that provide valuable resources, expertise, and experiences to support the camp community. Our first spotlight features Navigation Games, a nonprofit organization that uses map-based, outdoor experiential learning to help young people develop navigation skills,…
Have questions about building character through intentional camp programming? In this special companion episode to POWERFUL PROGRAMMING: How to Build Great Character Qualities with Outstanding Program Planning and Leadership, bestselling author and educator Michael Brandwein answers questions submitted by camp professionals following his webinar. From fostering kindness, confidence, and…
As young people spend more time online, understanding digital safety has become increasingly important for camps, families, and communities. In this episode of the CampWire Podcast, we talk with Rene Young and Alexandra Levi from Know2Protect (K2P), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign focused on preventing and combating online child sexual exploitation and…
Camp leaders are passionate about creating meaningful experiences, but sustaining and growing a camp requires more than great programming. In this episode, tune into a conversation with Mark P. Fisher of Inspiring Growth and Carl Lefever of Improve & Grow, co-hosts of the Grow Your Camp Podcast. Together, they discuss the challenges camps face in filling programs, increasing occupancy, and…
Looking to strengthen your staff training before summer begins? In this episode of CampWire, Michael Brandwein joins us to walk through three upcoming events designed to help camp professionals build stronger, more effective teams: Super Staff SuperVision (May 15) ACA Virtual Staffing Summit (April 28) ACA Character Academy Webinar (May 7) Michael shares what each event will cover, who should…
Coach BE (Bryan E. Stephens) believes in a simple but powerful truth: programs don’t transform young people—people do. In this episode, we sit down with Coach BE, a keynote speaker for the upcoming Spring Leadership Conference in Palm Springs. He shares the story behind his work in youth development, his people-centered approach to leadership, and why the everyday choices adults make can have a…
