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SCamp Life: The Programming SideA weekly discussion of summer camp programming ideas with Curt Jackson and Chris Kallal. Author: Curt Jackson
The Camp Program Lab is a podcast for summer camp professionals who want fresh, practical ideas for creating unforgettable camp experiences. Hosted by Curt and Chris, each episode explores the creative side of camp programmingfrom games, themes, crafts, special events, and staff training to traditions, trends, and the occasional questionable idea that deserves to be tested. Some episodes offer rapid-fire inspiration you can use immediately. Others take a deeper look at the challenges camp professionals face when building programs, leading staff, and keeping campers engaged. Whether youre a camp director, program director, activity leader, counselor, or simply someone who loves camp, consider this your place to experiment, borrow ideas, and make good programs even better. Subscribe, head into the lab with us, and discover your camps next great idea. Language: en Genres: Business, Non-Profit Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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SCP 209: "You lost the Bob Ross name. Now you're just Bob Evans!"
Episode 209
Wednesday, 23 September, 2026
Curt and Chris are back around the campfire!After catching up on the past two years, including a million-dollar camp grant, construction and inspection headaches, and the adventure of buying and selling an escape-room business, they introduce a new rapid-fire format focused on practical ideas for camp professionals.This episode features creative programming concepts, staff-training activities, theme and craft ideas, a fictional-locations trivia break, and a $100 programming challenge. Curt and Chris also debate staff social time after lights-out and whether campers should ever be "required" to participate.They close by revisiting two classic ideas from earlier episodes: camp-name ceremonies and counselor bags filled with ready-to-use activities.Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction00:21 – Curt and Chris return02:37 – Camp updates and the million-dollar grant05:20 – Buying and selling an escape-room business08:39 – The new rapid-ideas format10:15 – Program idea: Roll for It13:48 – Staff idea: The Doodle Table15:58 – Theme idea: Around the World17:27 – Craft idea: Leaf Roses20:31 – Trivia intermission: Fictional locations26:09 – The $100 programming challenge32:12 – Ideas from outside the camp bubble34:56 – Keep It or Kill It: Staff time after lights-out40:25 – Keep It or Kill It: Forced participation45:37 – Classic takeaway: Camp names50:34 – Classic takeaway: Counselor bags53:18 – ClosingResources MentionedSummer Camp ProEDGIE Designs — challenge-course design, construction, training, and inspectionRoll For SodaDice SetCafe Bags Episode - Episode 191Pop DartsTenzyStealThisStuff.com - Chris' Steal This ShopHow to Hold a Camp-Name CeremonyMore Than 500 Camp Names for StaffCamp Names - Episode 3Counselor Bags - Episode 2If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with another camp professional and let them know that Curt and Chris are back!
