Advertise on podcast: SCamp Life: The Other Side

SHOW NOTES You know how to create an incredible camp experience. But who taught you how to build a budget, develop a strategic plan, or keep your organization financially sustainable? Kelie and Shauna welcome Dr. Megan Owens of BlueSky Recreation Consulting to discuss the business skills camp professionals are often expected to learn on the job. Megan introduces The Director’s School, a new educational experience developed with ACA Illinois. Through small cohorts, practical exercises, and group projects, the school helps camp professionals build knowledge they can bring back to their organizations. They also talk candidly about taking on leadership responsibilities without proper onboarding, learning from people outside your usual camp network, and why understanding the business matters—even when someone else handles your organization’s finances. IN THIS EPISODE The business knowledge gap in camp professional developmentHow The Director’s School combines instruction, practice, and collaborationChoosing a learning level based on your experience and responsibilitiesBuilding connections across different types of camps and organizationsWhy business knowledge strengthens both your camp and your careerApplication requirements, costs, and financial assistance THREE LEVELS OF LEARNING Level 1: Foundations Finance, human resources, risk management, and ethical decision-making for emerging professionals and those new to the camp field. Level 2: Organizational Planning Connecting budgets, strategic plans, risk management, and evaluation to the operation of an entire camp. Level 3: Strategy and Sustainability Long-term vision, organizational systems, financial sustainability, and growth for experienced camp leaders. Placement considers what you have actually done and what you need to learn, rather than relying only on your title or years in the field. THE DIRECTOR'S SCHOOL: IMPORTANT DETAILS Dates: January 18–22, 2027Location: Q Center in St. Charles, IllinoisApplication deadline: October 31, 2026Cost: $2,000, including four nights in a private room, meals, instruction, textbooks, and resources; travel is additionalApplication deposit: $500, refundable if you are not acceptedApplication materials: A one-page cover letter, a resume of up to two pages, a one-page letter of support, and responses to the online application questions Learn more about The Director’s School Review application instructions Ask about registration or financial assistance EPISODE CHAPTERS Approximate timestamps. 00:00 — Welcome back and a personal check-in 03:19 — Introducing Dr. Megan Owens and The Director’s School 06:10 — The knowledge gap behind the school’s creation 11:15 — Matching applicants with the right learning level 19:21 — Learning through practice, projects, and collaboration 30:06 — Networking across different types of camps 34:48 — Breaks, relationship-building, and the Q Center 39:47 — A closer look at the three learning levels 47:30 — Why business knowledge matters when someone else handles it 54:51 — Application requirements and the review process 59:08 — Connecting with Megan and meeting the instructors 1:02:55 — What we’re reading 1:09:07 — Cost, what’s included, and financial assistance CONTACT Contact Dr. Megan Owens: BlueSky Recreation Consulting BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS Megan’s Rec: Reinventing Organizations by Frederic LalouxKelie’s Rec: Never Eat Alone by Keith FerrazziShauna’s Rec: I’’m Gonna Get You Back by Elena Armas Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: [email protected]

What responsibility do camp leaders have in shaping workplace culture, and what happens when that culture turns toxic? In this episode of SCamp Life: The Other Side, Kelie and Shauna sit down with Katie Grenci to explore the realities of toxic leadership in camp settings. Katie reflects on her experience as a manager, the warning signs she encountered, and the lasting impact on both staff and campers. This episode doesn’t just tell a story; it challenges leaders to reflect, do better, and actively create environments where people can thrive. Katie’s Contact: Katie Grenci

What happens when two podcast hosts who’ve only known each other virtually finally meet in real life? In this episode, Kelie and Shauna take you to the Women in Camp Summit, where they met in person for the first time. They swap stories, reflect on standout sessions, and talk about why spaces created by women in camp for women in camp are so powerful. If you love professional development, camp people, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection, this one’s for you.

Trigger Warnings: Child death, drowning, religious trauma. This episode investigates the deadly overnight flood at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas. We break down the events leading up to the tragedy, the emergency failures that left campers vulnerable, and the long-standing flood-warning and safety gaps that contributed to the loss of life. Drawing on verified reporting, survivor accounts, and public records, we examine what went wrong — and what must change to protect young people in the future. Timeline Link

Kelie and Shauna are back behind the mic for a brand-new season of SCampLife: The Other Side! In this opening episode, the duo catch up after a whirlwind summer—swapping stories, sharing lessons learned, and laughing through the highs (and the chaos) of camp life. Plus, Kelie drops a big announcement you won’t want to miss!

Kelie is back from the American Camp Association Tri-State Conference, and she’s bringing all the energy (and a few unexpected side quests) to this episode! Join Kelie and Shauna as they dive into Kelie’s favorite sessions, biggest takeaways, and ideas that camp professionals won’t want to miss. Of course, it wouldn’t be The Other Side without a few classic “Squirrel!” moments—because when camp people talk, things are bound to get a little off-trail.

Hosts Kelie and Shauna break down how executive orders, local laws, and policy changes could impact the camp industry. From staffing regulations to funding shifts, they explore what camp professionals need to know—without the legal jargon. But let’s be clear: they’re not lawyers, and this isn’t legal advice—just two camp pros with microphones trying to make sense of the rules that shape our summers. LINKS Executive OrdersAfter School and Summer Learning ProgramsRemoval of DEI Language and ProgrammingJackson Walker Legal Summary of Immigration Related Executive OrdersMayer Brown Legal Summary for Enhanced Screening and Vetting Want to add to our conversation?  Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: [email protected]

In this episode, hosts Kelie and Shauna continue the conversation on embracing ADHD in camp leadership with special guests Travis Allison (GoCampPro) and Kate Taylor (Camp Industry Consultant). This is Part 2 of our discussion—catch Part 1 over on Camp Hacker! We dive into ADHD as a superpower in the camp world, how to recognize ADHD in your staff, practical tools to support neurodivergent team members, and share personal stories of navigating camp life with ADHD. Whether you have ADHD, work with someone who does, or just want to build a more inclusive, strengths-based team, this episode is for you! Tune in now and let’s rethink what it means to lead with ADHD! LINKS Kate TaylorConfessions of a Camp Pro with ADHD- Camp Hacker Episode #209

Policies and procedures aren’t just for campers—they apply to caregivers too! In this episode, Kelie and Shauna welcome back Emily Golinsky of Bright Moose Training to dive into the world of behavior policies and procedures for both campers and their grown-ups. They break down the difference between a policy and a procedure, discuss when to be flexible, and explore how to balance empathy for upset caregivers while maintaining boundaries and respect for staff. Whether you’re a camp pro, educator, or youth program leader, this episode will give you the tools to navigate tricky conversations with confidence. Bright Moose Training Trackers Earth Camp “Because Knives” Behavior Policy Michael Brandwein American Camp Association, IL Merch

In this episode, Shauna is out with the flu, so Kelie takes the lead and sits down with Dr. Chad Nelson to dive into the fascinating history and ever-changing industry of summer camp. They tackle the big question—is camp a real job?—and share invaluable advice for current, veteran, and new camp managers and directors. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you thrive in the camp industry! LINKS Dr. Chad Nelson Bio and Contact Info Want to add to our conversation?  Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: [email protected]

It’s camper registration season! What are parents and caregivers looking for in a camp? Who makes the final decision about which camp to attend? How much communication is too much communication? Kelie and Shauna chat with Courtney Russell, camp parent, to answer all of your burning questions. Listen in as Courtney dishes the downlow on camp choices and Shauna goes on a soapbox about providing as much information as you can to the camp director.

It’s almost hiring season and to save future you some time, so Kelie and Shauna have staff on their mind. In this episode, our hosts share the ways they like to show appreciation to their staff and also share how it builds their staff culture. Kelie and Shauna also share how they implement these staff moments so they are easy to duplicate at your camp! Show Notes

In this fun and revealing episode, Kelie and Shauna dive into the hilarious and sometimes shocking, shared by listeners, "Counselor Confessions." From pranks gone wrong to heartwarming moments with campers, current and former counselors spill their best-kept camp secrets, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the antics of camp counselor life. LINKS Bissli BBQBetter Camping for All Institute2024 ACA Staffing SummitTo Our Reddit Hater

Kelie and Shauna ARE BACK! In this episode, they recap their AMAZING summers and absolutely GUSH about their 2024 Staff. Shauna shares the celebrity children she had as campers and Kelie finally has a great summer after last year’s fiasco of a season. Full Show Notes

In this episode, Kelie and Shauna are joined by Emily Golinsky from Bright Moose Training to discuss the crucial differences between bullying and conflict in youth programs, camps, and schools. Emily shares insights on how to recognize the signs of both, strategies for prevention, and handling conflicts effectively. The conversation explores real-world applications of these strategies, the importance of educating staff and parents, and the role of restorative practices in resolving conflicts. The episode also touches on the unique social dynamics among children post-pandemic and addresses common scenarios faced by camp staff. Links: [email protected] Phantom Tollbooth book2024 May/June Camping Magazine - Staff Training Issue Want to add to our conversation?  Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: [email protected]