I very short dive into the literature about what youth get from attending summer camp.

📚 Research & Studies on Camp Benefits

1. Wilson & Sibthorp (2018) – Youth learning outcomes at summer camps

Youths develop independence, perseverance, responsibility, confidence, emotion regulation, teamwork, and more

2. American Camp Association National Camp Impact Study (2023)

High-quality camp experiences promote youth independence, social awareness, belonging, and deeper connections

3. American Camp Association Press Release (2023)

Highlights lasting mental health benefits, resilience, and confidence among youth after camp

4. ACA “Directions” Research (2001–2004)

Found sustained increases in self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship skills, social comfort, spiritual growth, and more across 80 camps

5. Shafer (2016) – Harvard Graduate School of Education

A 2005 study of 80 camps showed significant growth in social-emotional skills—self-awareness, relationship skills, social comfort, decision-making

6. SeriousFun & Yale Child Study Center Report (2012)

Children with serious illness who attend SeriousFun camps show improved confidence, self-esteem, independence, reduced stress, and stronger social skills

7. ACA Article (2022) – Holistic benefits

Explores self-confidence, self-reliance, leadership, friendship skills, and environmental awareness gains through camp experiences

8. CAMExperst Overview (2016)

General summary: overnight camp fosters physical, emotional, intellectual, moral, and social growth

9. ACA “Summer Residential Camps” (2009)

Residential camps foster positive identity, social skills, values/spiritual growth, and physical/thinking skills

10. Templeton Foundation (April 2025)

Emphasizes development of moral virtues, perseverance, compassion, gratitude, and civic collaboration at camp

Welcome Back to Camp Cast! Season 3 is live, and while this was temporarily published via a different platform are back on Spotify and Apple Podcasts under our old banner.

In this episode, we sit down with Audrey Storm to talk about the importance of youth and adults membership. This is a delayed release due to multiple technical issues, but still full of useful information even if you have already hosted a Join Scouting Night or have your program year underway.

BSA Resources

"Back to Gillwell, happy land ..."

Time to sit down with a cup of Gillwell Joe and learn about this year's WoodBadge Course. Adam sits down with this year's course director, Tracey Stakem, to give you the inside scoop on WoodBadge.

It's not too late to sign up; we promise you a Mountain Top experience.

Adam and I are back from camp - and while he is still catching up after spending two glorious weeks at Camp Shenandoah, I sat down to reflect on all that camp means to the campers and staff. We would love to hear your stories of camp; please share them via email at [email protected].

View the Tributary

It is June, and that means it's time for Summer Camp. In this episode, Kyle sits down with Collin McCrone from Troop 111 and Crew 22 (with his mom listening in) to discuss why he is on Camp Staff and life at camp. He also provides some tips for new campers, not just what slushy to order this year.

You can learn more about Camp Shenandoah and sign up for week 2 or 4 here.

You can register for Woodbadge online today.

Wow - it has been too long since we gathered by the campfire, but we are back, and many episodes are being edited now. In this episode, we discuss the role of Native Culture and Cultural Appropriation in the BSA with Scouter Melissa Watts.

Melissa Watts is a member of the Yurok tribe and a Scouter with Troop 111 in the Monticello District of the Virginia Headwaters Council. Adam and I sat down with her to talk about the recent BSA survey on using Native Imagery in scouting and, of course, her favorite camping story.  In a recent email survey taken by 35,000 current and former members, the national organization asked a broad range of questions about what changes should be made to its usage and portrayal of Native American imagery, ceremonies, and rituals. Native Imagery and Culture is pervasive in the history of the BSA, from our cub programming to the Order of the Arrow. This has not been a positive history, but recent work by the BSA and OA has worked to address the past and our future. Melissa sits down with us to give her thoughts and perspective as one voice in the conversation, which you can continue by emailing us at:[email protected]. We hope this is the beginning and welcome you back to the campfire.

Hey Listeners!

Yeah, we screwed up and didn't get our episodes out, but we are recording and publishing again soon. Something you want to know more about, email us [email protected].

Not sure what to do this summer - join us at Camp Shenandoah for amazing scouting adventures, and if you are lucky join the podcast when we record there live.

I am always amazed by the youth in our council. In this episode of C^mp C^st, Adam sits down with former and future Camp Staff members during OA Spring Fellowship. What you will hear might bring a tear, it will surely make you laugh, and it will remind you that we have THE BEST camp staff! So grab a cup of coffee and come sit by the fire for another episode of C^mp C^st.

Have a comment or want to make a suggestion - email us at [email protected]

Welcome back to Camp Cast, exploring the ever-exciting world of tornados and money! No really, we sit down with Matt Phillippi to talk about one of his favorite campouts and to dig in a little around council finances. By the end of this episode, you will have a new appreciation for our Council Board and their work to make scouting a reality in our region.  Matt is an Eagle Scout, the District Commissioner for VAHC, and our Council Treasurer. 

Today's episode is made possible by VAHC's Board and Camp Shenandoah, welcoming you Home in 2023.

Music and Editing - Adam Sowers

Production and Concept - Kyle Enfield