CampWire

Coach BE (Bryan E. Stephens) believes in a simple but powerful truth: programs don’t transform young people—people do.

In this episode, we sit down with Coach BE, a keynote speaker for the upcoming Spring Leadership Conference in Palm Springs. He shares the story behind his work in youth development, his people-centered approach to leadership, and why the everyday choices adults make can have a lasting impact on young people.

Tune in for a preview of the energy and perspective he’ll bring to this year’s conference.

Thanks to our sponsor, Percussion Play.

Show notes:

The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

How do we prepare the next generation of camp leaders?

In this episode, we’re joined by Erec Hillis and Jack Schott to revisit the Camp Career Accelerator program — an initiative designed to help emerging camp professionals gain the skills, experiences, mentorship, and connections they need to become successful camp directors.

One year after launching the program, Erec and Jack reflect on what they learned from the first cohort, what surprised them along the way, and the impact the program has had so far. They also share how the Camp Career Accelerator is evolving and what camp professionals can expect as it continues to grow heading into summer 2026.

Show notes:

The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

In this special preview episode for the Spring Leadership Conference (SLC), we sit down with keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Pfeiffer to explore what camp leaders need to understand about the brain, belonging, and trauma-informed leadership.

If you’re committed to building a camp environment rooted in compassion, connection, and practical leadership tools, this episode offers a meaningful glimpse of what’s to come in Palm Springs.

Join us at the SLC April 14-17, 2026, for powerful professional development, dynamic networking, and actionable strategies you can implement as soon as you return to camp.

Show notes:

The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

CampCounts is more than a survey — it’s one of the most important tools we have to understand, support, and advocate for camps nationwide. In this episode, we break down what the CampCounts survey is, how the data is used, and why participation from camps of all types and sizes is critical. We also explore how CampCounts helps tell the collective story of camp, informs decision-making, and strengthens the future of the camp community.

Show notes:

The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

In this episode, we preview the 2026 ACA National Conference, happening February 17-20 in San Diego, CA.

We talk about what makes this four-plus-day experience so valuable for camp professionals, from learning opportunities, networking, volunteering, and more.

Whether this is your first ACA National Conference or you’ve attended for years, this episode will help you understand what to expect — and why it’s worth being there.

Show notes:

The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

In this episode, we’re joined by Angus Fletcher, professor of story science at Ohio State’s Project Narrative and a keynote speaker for the 2026 ACA National Conference in San Diego.

Angus brings together neuroscience, literature, and psychology to explore how camp uniquely cultivates grit, growth, and emotional resilience in young people—and why these qualities are declining in traditional K–12 environments. Drawing on his research and upcoming keynote, Angus explains what camp gets right: giving young people the chance to be their own role models and develop character in ways that feel organic, personal, and lasting.

We dive into powerful ideas like intentional wonder, story sharing, and the concept of “no hero like you,” and discuss how camp professionals can help campers carry grit and growth beyond the summer.

Whether you’re a camp director, educator, or youth development professional, this conversation will leave you feeling energized, affirmed in the impact of camp, and inspired to be even more intentional in the work you do every day.

Show notes:

The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

In this special preview episode of CampWire, we sit down with Dr. Patrice Buckner-Jackson — Dr. PBJ — to introduce her highly anticipated January keynote for the 2025–2026 Staffing Summit.

After delivering one of the most requested keynotes of 2024, Dr. PBJ returns to guide camp professionals through a deeper, more expansive conversation on burnout, capacity, and caring for the people who care for campers.

You can hear Dr. PBJ’s full keynote live on Wednesday, January 28, as part of the 2025–2026 Staffing Summit event series.

Show notes:

The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

When tensions rise, camp professionals often find themselves navigating the full spectrum of caretaker emotions—sometimes before they've even had their morning coffee. In this episode, Alicia Danenberg, Bristol Posatko, and Chris Rehs-Dupin sit down for an honest conversation about why parents and caretakers become upset, what’s really going on beneath the frustration, and how camp staff can respond with clarity, calm, and confidence.

Together, they share practical strategies for de-escalating charged conversations, communicating boundaries without fueling the fire, and staying grounded when someone else is not. They also explore tools for supporting your team, protecting your own well-being, and building trust even in the most challenging interactions.

Show notes:

The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

In this episode, we're joined by Alex McLellan, creator of BoxxyBall - the fast-growing catch-and-throw game that's taking camps by storm. What makes BoxxyBall special? It's intentionally designed so every participant can jump in, have fun, and succeed. No one is left on the sidelines.

Tune in for a conversation about innovation, inclusion, and the powerful role camps play in ensuring every child has the opportunity to move, play, and thrive.

Show notes:

The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

In this episode of CampWire, we sit down with Henry DeHart, the newly appointed CEO of the American Camp Association. Henry shares his journey to ACA, his background in leadership and the camp industry, and what drives his passion for ACA’s mission. He also offers a look ahead at his vision for the organization and the opportunities and challenges facing the camp community today. Tune in to get to know the person leading ACA into its next chapter.

Show notes:

The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.