Building A Stomping Ground

In this episode, we speak with Ray, the former host of the Building A Stomping Ground Podcast, about his new non-profit organization, The Local Sound Collaborative. Ray shares his motivation for starting a non-profit and the challenges he has faced along the way. We also discuss the role of community and collaboration in the success of a non-profit, and how his experiences with Stomping Ground have influenced his approach to building The Local Sound Collaborative. Join us for an inspiring conversation on the intersection of arts, music, and community-building in the non-profit sector.

We speak with Adam Feldman, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in the community surrounding Stomping Ground. Adam discusses his long-term experience going to and working at summer camp and how it shaped his philosophy on community building and play-based learning environments. We also talk about the impact of Habitat for Humanity on the surrounding community and how Adam incorporates his background as a math teacher and investment banker into his leadership style. Join us for an engaging conversation on the importance of play, community, and leadership in shaping the world around us.

Well we had to do it. We HAD to bring in the best story teller we know and love, they have been doing it all the way since 2015. Laura is the co-founder and executive director of Stomping Ground. She drives the idea that story telling can be a powerful tool to create connection and understanding. Join us as she rounds off what we hope was an incredible season two of the BASG podcast! 

Shout out to Glennon Doyle for the idea of an "inner knowing" we are truly big fans! 

You didn't think we would forget the kitchen did you?! For our 9th episode we bring on our head chef, Nina Roberts, to tell you how it all goes down back there behind the kitchen wall curtain. Nina absolutely knocked it out of the park this summer, completely leveling up the way we see and make food at camp. She tells us the best camp meals, and what it is really like to work in the SG kitchen. We don't want to give away any spoilers... but lasagna has to be the best meal, right? 

So you sign up to work for camp, and you know you will interact with some kids. But you also might lead a photography class, or clean a bunch of dishes. You might work in the office for half a day, jump on the lawn mower, sit with a sick camper, or even plunge a toilet! It takes a lot to make our small little organization run and there are two people that understand that better than Jade and Maggie. We owe SO much to these two incredible humans - take a listen! 

We had to dedicate one whole episode to working and hanging with our teen campers, so it only made sense to bring on our talented teen expert: Squeaks! She has worked at many camps before finding her way to SG, and you will arguably learn a little about yourself while listening to her reflect on summer 2021 (I know I did). Plus, if you want a camp nickname, she explains the whole origin story behind her lovely identity as Squeaks. 

Do you ever have those people in your life that are just so reliable? That is our next guest, Maddy. She ran the buddy board, she led so many different activities, and she connected so well with every cabin she worked with. Maddy joins us today to share her experience with Stomping Ground after working at other summer camps for several years beforehand. Tune in! 

Well what a delight this episode was. Patrick Days is an energizer bunny that makes all of the other bunnies look tired. During summer 2021 you could find him leading all camp cheers, going hard on the basketball court, or playing 1000 games of magic. He is an example of loving your job so much that sometimes it might not even feel like work, and he shares is triumphs and struggles with us today on the BASG podcast! 

You know her and you love her, it's time for Nana!! Nana, AKA Alex Vaillancourt, is a parent coach/educator during the school year, and the Makerspace Maven during the summer. She has worked with children and families for over 30 years. Experiences have included working in a castle in the middle of Central Park, teaching English in Japan, and being a teacher/assistant director at three parent cooperative preschools. Check out her website here to learn more about what she does in the off season: www.availparentcoaching.com

MK Conner in the building!! They were a cabin counselor turned panda in just one summer, and after you listen to this episode you will understand why. MK is incredible at making connections with staff/campers, and is always looking to level up the fun and creativity that happens at camp. Looking to emulate your fav staff member? Well look no further!