In this episode of Cabin Chats, I connect with psychologist Dr. Richard Ryan, co-founder of Self-Determination Theory (SDT)—whose work has profoundly shaped the way I approach working with young people. We discuss why traditional schools often struggle with motivation, what actually drives kids (and adults!) to learn, and how we can practically support autonomy, competence, and genuine connection in education and beyond. Richard shares powerful insights on using rewards effectively, building meaningful relationships, and embracing AI as an educational tool. This conversation has completely refreshed my perspective on what it means to help others truly flourish—I hope it does the same for you.

Self Determination Theory, Richard Ryan, Jack Schott, Motivation, Education, Intrinsic Motivation, Autonomy, Student Engagement

I write a weekly newsletter about kids today. Find it and more at https://jackschott.com/

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In this conversation, I connect with Dr. Meena Julapalli—a pediatric dermatologist, founder of The Joyful Path, and one of the most joyful humans I’ve ever met. We talk about why she starts every visit with the question “What brings you joy?”, how summer camp shaped her approach to medicine, and how she’s redefining what healing really looks like. We dig into the difference between joy and toxic positivity, the role of play in building resilience, and how connection is at the heart of everything—from patient care to purpose. Meena shares her journey through burnout, her mom’s health crisis, and how that led her to build a life and practice rooted in curiosity, compassion, and community. If you care about kids, camp, medicine, or just being a little more human—this one’s for you.

I write a weekly newsletter about kids today. Find it and more at https://jackschott.com/

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In this episode, Peter Gray, evolutionary psychologist and author of Free to Learn, breaks down why modern childhood is failing kids—and what we can do about it. From skyrocketing anxiety and depression to the decline of free play and autonomy, Peter explains how overstructured education, constant adult supervision, and a lack of independence are harming children’s mental health and ability to thrive.

Drawing insights from hunter-gatherer societies, historical childhood norms, and psychological research, he challenges the conventional school system and argues for more self-directed learning, risk-taking, and real-world problem-solving. If you’ve ever wondered why kids today seem more anxious, less resilient, and struggling with basic life skills, this conversation is a must-listen.

I write a weekly newsletter about kids today. Find it and more at https://jackschott.com/

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In this episode, Jack Schott and Lynn Lyons explore the complexities of anxiety in children and the crucial role parents play in managing it. They discuss how parents can balance support with fostering independence, the importance of letting kids experience discomfort, and the need for clear communication about skills developed through experiences like summer camp. 

Lynn highlights the value of critical thinking and emotional intelligence, the challenges of navigating mental health messaging, and the importance of fostering a growth mindset. They also emphasize the need for meaningful conversations between parents and camp directors to address concerns and encourage children's development.

I write a weekly newsletter about kids today. Find it and more at https://jackschott.com/

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In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into how summer camp is more than just crafts and campfires—it’s a hands-on incubator for empathy, independence, and creativity. Think of it as the friendliest startup accelerator you can find, where kids learn face-to-face connection in an age when the internet is literally in our pockets.

Scott Brody, camp owner and policy advocate, teams up with Jack Schott, a self-described “camp geek” who’s built and consulted for camps across the country. Together, they explore why “going off the grid” each summer is increasingly critical in a hyper-connected, AI-fueled world.

Featuring:

• Scott Brody (Owner/Director of Camps Kenwood & Evergreen)
• Jack Schott (New Kenwood & Evergreen Leadership)

I write a weekly newsletter about kids today. Find it and more at https://jackschott.com/

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In this episode, the discussion revolves around the multifaceted benefits of summer camp. Sylvia van Meerten and Jack Schott explore why summer camp is considered one of the healthiest and most beneficial environments for kids, highlighting its impact on physical health and psychological well-being. 

They delve into the unique role of camp in fostering autonomy, belonging, and competence among children, emphasizing the importance of decision-making skills and social connections. The conversation also touches on the significance of enthusiastic and inspiring leadership at camp, and how these immersive experiences can lead to meaningful and lasting personal growth.

I write a weekly newsletter about kids today. Find it and more at https://jackschott.com/

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Seth Godin, best-selling author of 21 books, discusses the true purpose of summer camps, emphasizing that they are designed for growth rather than just activities. Godin explains that camps transition children from dependence to independence, teaching them connection, generosity, and growth in a safe environment. He argues that camps must communicate their true value through storytelling and by focusing on benefits rather than features. 

Godin also addresses the role of tradition, risk, and authenticity in camps, urging camp directors to understand the importance of apparent risk over real risk, and to create experiences that people talk about. He shares insights on how to position and market camps to parents, stressing the importance of maintaining professional consistency and nurturing a supportive community for both children and staff.

I write a weekly newsletter about kids today. Find it and more at https://jackschott.com/

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How many more times can we say, "camp is coming up"? On this podcast episode, host EmJ is joined with Allison Krabill and Alice Hospitel to talk about the summer ahead. They talk about trends they're seeing across the camp community, and how they plan to be successful at their own camps this summer. The group talks about a few ways to think about feedback, including Kool-Aid levels and emotion banks, how to address change in traditions, and how fun camp staff kids are. 

You don't want to miss this send-off into the summer and the pump up speech of the season.

If you're looking for a think tank around what to anticipate this summer, this is the pod for you. 

Producer EmJ's Takeaways:

1. Even between the three of us, we are all different leaders. It's a good idea to reflect upon the leader you want to be when it comes to feedback and building relationships. 
2. I loved what Alice said about group problem solving when it comes to messing traditions with new lenses of safety. 
3. What TikTok can you send your staff today as a deposit into their Kool-Aid bucket? IYKYK 

Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.

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What are we doing about chaos this summer? On this episode EmJ is joined by Allison Klee and Alice Hospitel to talk about what mindsets we're bringing with us when chaos and conflict arise at camp this summer. 

The crew talks about anti-adultism, how we're treating campers with dignity, and what that looks like when we have to keep in mind personal confidentiality and general safety rules. 

If you're looking for a more high-level chat about treating kids and young people with dignity and respect, this is the pod for you. 

Producer EmJ's Takeaways:

1. How do we give people the room to meet their needs while being safe? What does that supervision look like?
2. Mental Time-Travel 🤯🤯🤯
3. Do it for the plot. 

Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.

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WE'RE BACK BABBYY. After a little spring break, EmJ reclaims the mic and sits down with Simone Gamble, Jessica Tingle, and Sabrina Alvarado to talk different hair textures at camp. All three guests grew up going to camp and often found themselves left to their own devices when it came to maintaining their hair. The three share experiences that played a part in their hair journeys and cultivate a long list of reasons hair and hygiene affirming practices should be taught during your staff training, among so so much more.

If you're looking for a real conversation about what camps can get right with camper hair care and hygiene, this is for you. 

Producer EmJ's Takeaways:

1. We don't have enough time to get into how deep this conversation goes! Start with this podcast, and then call a friend and then talk more about and then do something about it. 
2. More mirrors at camp.
3. It probably costs more to overnight combs to camp -- just order them now (: 

SHOW NOTES:

• Check out these products 

Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.

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