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 realize
• How international staff can turn one summer into a long-term career path
• What Luke learned from a major kitchen crisis that forced him to lead under pressure
• Why saying yes to unfamiliar roles can unlock opportunities you never planned for
• How 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 England
• The significance of a shared vision for regional growth
• Leadership insights from Ian Morehouse, past board president
• The upcoming role of Jeff Gleason, current board president
• How the North Star aligns with camp success and community support
• The strategic importance of networks for professional development
• Encouragement to stay connected and supportive throughout the summer

• ACA New England
• More about the North Star concept

• Ian Morehouse - LinkedIn
• Jeff 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 Conference
• Educational Sessions and Program Highlights
• Expo 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