Advertise on podcast: New England Camp Podcast

A career in camp can start with one yes and turn into a life built on leadership, resilience, and real-world growth. Luke joins Bud to share how a kid from England who never expected to work in the U.S. found his path through Camp America, turned summer camp into a calling, and built a life and career in Maine.Luke opens up about the mentors who shaped him, the teachers and coaches who pushed him toward education, and the moment he realized camp was not just a summer job but a powerful training ground for life. From coaching basketball and rugby to learning how to lead in unpredictable moments, he explains why camp develops the skills employers actually want: teamwork, adaptability, confidence, and emotional intelligence.You’ll discover: Why camp and school are more connected than most people realizeHow international staff can turn one summer into a long-term career pathWhat Luke learned from a major kitchen crisis that forced him to lead under pressureWhy saying yes to unfamiliar roles can unlock opportunities you never planned forHow camp helps kids and staff build confidence by trying, failing, and trying again Luke also shares the story of building a camp life alongside his wife Alana, a nurse and fellow camp professional, and what it means to make big decisions as a team. Along the way, he offers direct advice for future camp counselors, especially international staff wondering whether the leap is worth it.If you’ve ever wondered whether summer camp could be more than a seasonal job, this episode is your answer. Essential listening for aspiring camp professionals, international staff, educators, and anyone who wants a career that changes people as much as it changes you.

Adair Arbor is our first guest on season two of the New England Camp Podcast. Adair is a camp director with Farm and Wilderness Foundation and President of the Vermont Camp Association. Bud and Adair trace her path from first attending overnight camp at age four to leading camps, mentoring staff, and navigating a major flooding crisis in Vermont. We discuss how camp shapes careers, why clear expectations matter for staff, and why human connection is still one of camp’s biggest strengths.

In this episode, Bud introduces season two of the New England Camp Podcast, focusing on the camp professional career path, the role of emerging professionals, and key lessons learned from years of working with EPIC. KEY TOPICS Camp career paths are rarely linear and often shaped by opportunity and chance.The concept of Epic as a community for emerging professionals in camping.The importance of networking, mentorship, and community in career growth.Vertical conversations and how to navigate them effectively.The challenges of change and how to leverage it for personal and professional growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Season Two and Podcast Goals 02:04 The North Star and Focus Areas for ACA New England 03:50 The Role of Epic in Developing Emerging Professionals 06:06 The Diversity and Inclusivity of the Epic Community 08:10 Five Key Observations About Camp Careers 09:59 The Non-Linear Nature of Career Paths in Camping 12:04 The Importance of Vertical Conversations 13:51 The Challenge and Opportunity of Change 14:48 Building Your Network and Industry Engagement

Discover the new North Star guiding ACA New England and its role in uniting camp professionals. In this episode, we reveal the vision, introduce key leaders shaping the future, and explore how this guiding principle fosters community and growth across the region. Key Topics: The adoption of a new North Star for ACA New EnglandThe significance of a shared vision for regional growthLeadership insights from Ian Morehouse, past board presidentThe upcoming role of Jeff Gleason, current board presidentHow the North Star aligns with camp success and community supportThe strategic importance of networks for professional developmentEncouragement to stay connected and supportive throughout the summerACA New EnglandMore about the North Star conceptIan Morehouse - LinkedInJeff Gleason - LinkedIn

In this episode of the New England Camp Podcast, Michele shares insights from her recent Hill Day experience, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, international programs, and engaging with policymakers to support the camping industry. Thank you to Chalmers Camp Insurance for sponsoring this episode.

Bud and John McNair, the Standards Chair for New England, talk about the accreditation process in camping. They discuss the importance of standards, the role of visitors, and how accreditation supports professional growth and program quality.

Bud and Gillian explore the upcoming New England Camp Conference, highlighting its community focus, educational opportunities, and fun activities. Conference Chairs Carly Vargas and Zach D'Arbeloff also stop by. See ya'll in Manchester! Key Topics Community and Networking at the ConferenceEducational Sessions and Program HighlightsExpo Hall and Vendor Opportunities Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the New England Camp Podcast 02:51 Overview of the New England Camp Conference 10:54 The Importance of Community at the Conference 13:54 Navigating the Conference Experience 16:54 Networking Opportunities and Building Connections 19:51 The New England Camp Expo: A Hub of Innovation 23:06 Fun Activities and Engagement at the Expo 25:45 Keynote Speaker and Conference Highlights 30:33 Engaging with Keynote Speakers 31:08 Introduction to Project PK 32:21 Innovative Program Highlights 33:00 Volunteer Opportunities at the Conference 36:32 Volunteer Incentives and Raffles 39:17 Conference Preparation Tips 41:43 Food and Beverage Options 44:14 Personal Connections and Anticipations 48:26 Looking Forward to Community Engagement 51:56 Upcoming Events and Opportunities https://acanewengland.org/necc

In this episode of the New England Camp Podcast, Bud Copeland and Ayla Gudelsky discuss the importance of connections made at camp, especially around Valentine's Day. They share stories of how camp experiences have led to lasting relationships. The conversation highlights the significance of community and networking within the camp environment, encouraging listeners to share their own camp stories and connections.-Connections made at camp can last a lifetime.-Valentine's Day is a great time to reflect on camp relationships.-Camp experiences often lead to unexpected friendships and romances.-The ACA New England emphasizes the importance of community.-Sharing stories helps strengthen the camp network.-Camp milestones are worth celebrating, no matter how small.-Personal stories can inspire others to share their own.-Networking at camp can lead to professional opportunities.-The camp experience teaches valuable life skills.-Building connections is essential for a thriving camp community.00:00 Introduction to Camp Connections02:51 Valentine's Day and Camp Relationships05:51 Personal Camp Stories and Experiences09:57 Submissions of Camp Love Stories15:04 Celebrating Camp Friendships and Connections

Summary In this episode of the New England Camp Podcast, Bud and Kerry Salvo discuss the importance of community in camping, Kerry's journey in the camp industry, and the upcoming New England Camp Conference. They highlight the role of the expo hall in connecting vendors and camps, and introduce the new New England Business Membership aimed at supporting local businesses and consultants in the camping community.

Shoutout to Gillian for her work in updating the sign here at New England HQ. We're closed starting Christmas Day and will return the Monday after New Years. New England Camp Conference registration will remain open along with ACA's CampCounts survey.https://acanewengland.org for more. See you in 2026

In this episode of the New England Camp Podcast, Bud and Michele reflect on the past year in the camping industry, discussing the successful return to normalcy post-COVID, highlights from the New England Camp Conference, and the importance of community engagement and professional development. They emphasize the need for diverse leadership within the organization and the financial support available for members. The conversation wraps up with a look ahead to future plans and a warm holiday message.TakeawaysThis year was a positive year for the camping community.The team has become more stable and effective.The overarching theme was a return to normalcy.The New England Camp Conference is a key highlight.Organizational goals include finding diverse board members.Professional development offerings are expanding.Financial support is available for members in need.Community engagement is crucial for growth.The camping industry is focused on improving experiences.The podcast aims to connect and support camp professionals.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:51 Reflecting on a Successful Year03:55 The New England Camp Conference Highlights08:57 Organizational Goals and Board Development13:58 Professional Development and Member Engagement19:39 Financial Support and Community Growth25:56 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

ACA, New England has two more Coffee & Camp Chats for 2025. Check acanewengland.org/events for the links. Friday 12/12 online at 10am and Monday 12/15 LIVE in Bridgton, ME from 11am - 2:30pm.Also, CampCounts from ACA Inc. is back. Primary Contacts for camps should've received an email Friday with the deets. Get in touch with Bud or any of your friends at ACA Inc. if you have questions.

Last week, 14 dedicated camp pros met at Camp Sunshine on Sebago Lake to complete Part II of the Accreditation Volunteer Course (formerly Associate Visitor Course). Thank you to our partners at ACA Inc. for the materials; Scott Malm and Jo-Ellen Ross for their instruction and education; Haillie, Gillian, Ayla, and Kerry in our office for putting this together and getting the word out; Michele and the Board for their ongoing support (and lunch!); our fourteen NEW New England Visitors; and of course you. Help us help camping, and spread the word or get involved with ACA Accreditation. acanewengland.org for more.

On today's Monday Message, Bud talks about Giving Tuesday goals for ACA, New England including where the money goes. He teases the latest episode of the New England Camp Podcast which features ACA, New England teammate, Gillian Gold. Gillian shares her camp story, and the two of them dive into the New England Camp Conference. What is it? Where is it? What to expect?

In this episode of the New England Camp Podcast, Bud and Gillian discuss the importance of camp experiences, share personal camp stories, and highlight the upcoming New England Camp Conference. Gillian shares her journey through various camps, emphasizing the value of diverse experiences in shaping her love for the camp community. The conversation also includes fun icebreaker questions and a detailed overview of the conference, including the innovative PechaKucha presentation used for Saturday's general session.