[ENCORE] Ep. 98: “Camplifying” the World with Tom Rosenberg
In Episode 98, I’m chatting with Tom Rosenberg, CEO of the American Camp Association. Last year, in Episode 46, we talked about summer camp, accreditation, and #CampKindnessDay (July 20, 2021). In this episode, we talk about the research about the positive impact of camp, our joint passion for partnering with parents to bring camp to…
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5 Tips for Surviving Your Child’s First Stay at Overnight Camp
Your child’s at summer camp? That’s so exciting! And hard. For some of you, an internal “WA HOO!” went off as the bus filled with excited campers and their duffle bags pulled away. But for others, this whole experience of your child not being home is really hard and causes some emotional distress. In hundreds…
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Ep. 174: The Magic of Camp (Happy Campers Book Excerpt)
Start listening to Happy Campers now! Just in time for summer, HAPPY CAMPERS: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults is now available on Audible! This week’s podcast features an excerpt from the audiobook, “The Magic of Camp,” that precedes the 9 Summer Camp Secrets. Learn ways to better connect with your kids,…
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[ENCORE] Ep. 39: How to Handle Your Camper’s Homesickness
Visit Sunshine Parenting for more episodes & resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. In Episode 39, Sara Kuljis (of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp and Emerald Cove Day Camp) and I continue our conversations and advice for parents new to the overnight camp experience. In Episode 37, we talked about how…
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[ENCORE] Ep. 87: The Impact of Camp Experiences with Laurie Browne, Ph.D.
Visit Sunshine Parenting for more episodes & resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. In this episode of the podcast, I interview Dr. Laurie Browne, Director of Research for the American Camp Association, about the five-year camp impact study being done by an external research team through the University of Utah.…
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Ep. 173: Homesick and Happy with Michael Thompson, Ph.D.
Visit Sunshine Parenting for more posts, podcast episodes, and free downloadable resources. Best-selling author of nine books, child development expert, and psychologist Michael Thompson, Ph.D. talks about “good enough” parenting and the benefits of summer camp and other away-from-parents experiences. Hear tips from on expert on how to help kids grow their decision-making, self-reliance, and…
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10 Reasons Great Parents Choose Summer Camp for Their Kids
My shy, quiet nine-year-old went to camp not knowing a soul. Two weeks later, she came home transformed. She blossomed. She made friends, learned a multitude of activities, felt safe, loved, confident, and happy — really, really happy. As hard as it was on me, it was all worth it for her. It was the…
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Why Can’t School be More Like Camp?
Originally written in 2012, but still as heartfelt today. For more information about the work I’m doing to help educators make school more like camp, visit my speaking page or GATA (Gold Arrow Teacher Academy). Why can’t school be more like camp? Yesterday, my fourth grade son came home from school downcast. It’s his third…
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Ep. 149: The Impact of Positive Counselors & Mentors on Youth Development with Stephen Wallace
Show Notes In Episode 149, I’m talking with repeat podcast guest Stephen Gray Wallace about his new book, Impact: An Introduction to Counseling, Mentoring, and Youth Development. The book offers insightful commentary on the important role of mentors in the lives of children and teens. While it specifically addresses camp counselors, Impact is equally relevant…
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Ep. 142: Using Gratitude, Attitude, and Courage to Cope with COVID
Show Notes Tap into the camp values of gratitude, attitude, and courage to help you and your family cope during COVID-19! This week on the podcast, I’m chatting with camp professional and podcaster Cole Kelly about summer camp and how his family is coping with sheltering at home. Cole and his wife Kate are the…
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Ep. 129: A Manifesto to Strength: Raising Anti-Fragile Kids
Show notes & links available here. In this episode, I’m talking to Steve Baskin about raising strong, anti-fragile kids. Steve and his wife, Susie, are the owners and directors of Camp Champions in Marble Falls, Texas. For over 27 years, Steve has studied the camp experience and how to make it the best possible growth…
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Ep. 122: How to Connect with Your Teen with Chris Thurber
Show notes & links available here. In this episode, I’m chatting with Dr. Chris Thurber, a legendary trainer in the camp industry and a clinical psychologist who works at Phillips Exeter Academy, about how important it for parents to connect with their teens. Chris has developed online training programs for educators and youth leaders around…
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