Shows
The Mystery Soup PodcastS2-Ep11: We're Back!Chris and Curt explain their long absence. They dive deep into the complexities of managing and operating an escape room business. They discuss Curt and Tina's experiences with purchasing an existing escape room, updating games, marketing strategies, and the importance of customer feedback. They also touch upon Chris' creative initiatives like mobile escape rooms and unique merchandise, including 'Cypher Sippers' – puzzle-engraved water bottles. Additionally, they exchange ideas on enhancing the customer experience, such as implementing video briefings and immersive character interactions. The episode wraps up with thoughts on engaging educational groups and a lighthearted discussion on quirky challenges like de...2025-02-1959 minThe Mystery Soup PodcastS2-Ep10: Curt Jackson of Mystery Soup Escape RoomsIn this episode, Chris interviews Curt. Why? Because Curt and Tina are now escape room owners. The episode covers Curt's transition from a camp director to an escape room enthusiast and owner, his experiences and challenges with owning Lock and Clue Escape Rooms in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and insights from traveling and playing numerous escape rooms. Curt discusses the importance of set design, customer service, and his future plans for new themes and improving the current rooms. The episode also touches on the upcoming rebranding to Mystery Soup Escape Rooms.2024-11-0551 minThe Mystery Soup PodcastS2-Ep7: Sean Nash of Escape Room NoviIn this episode, Curt introduces Sean Nash from Escape Room Novi in Michigan. With co-host Chris absent, Curt and Sean dive into Sean's journey from England to Michigan, his experience as a general manager, and his passion for puzzles and immersive gameplay. Sean shares the history of Escape Room Novi, discussing their wide array of themed rooms. They also talk about the challenges of maintaining and running escape rooms, the joy of watching players' 'Eureka moments', and the innovative ways they engage customers with unique party packages and mobile escape rooms. The episode concludes with a fun speed round...2024-09-301h 01The Mystery Soup PodcastS2-Ep5: Robert and Joe of Giant Dream ProductionsCurt and Chris engage in a lively and detailed conversation with Robert and Joe from Giant Dream Productions. These two design and build turn-key escape rooms. Curt has played a handful of their games and really enjoyed them. The discussion covers various topics, including the creative processes behind designing immersive escape rooms, the unique challenges they face, and how their background in art and haunted houses influences their work. They also share anecdotes about their favorite escape rooms, the evolving industry landscape, and their collaborative method of constantly improving game designs.Giant Dream ProductionsFull...2024-09-171h 02
SCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 208: The Final Episode?In this farewell episode of 'SCamp Life: The Programming Side,' Curt and Chris reminisce about the podcast's journey since 2019. They recount key moments, favorite episodes, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from over the years. Highlights include the origin story, the introduction of themes and interviews, the impact of the pandemic, and special segments like 'question of the week' and escape room ideas. The hosts also share personal memories, challenges, and amusing tangents, such as experimenting with podcast formats and integrating a third co-host. Despite this being the final episode, Curt and Chris leave the door open for possible future updates...2024-06-0536 minThe Mystery Soup PodcastEp 2: Intro - Getting to Know Chris KallalIn this episode, Curt Jackson interviews his cohost, Chris Kallal. Chris begins with his start in escape rooms. The discussion moves on and ranges from the integration of escape rooms in summer camp settings to the nuances of designing escape rooms for kids versus adults.Chris' Camp2024-04-2345 minThe Mystery Soup PodcastEp 1: Intro - Getting to Know Curt JacksonIn the inaugural episode of the Mystery Soup podcast, Chris Kallal interviews his co-host Curt Jackson, who shares his personal journey into the world of escape rooms. Curt talks about the epic road trip across 46 states he took with his partner Tina to play nearly 300 escape rooms in 8 months. Curt delves into his personal preferences for escape rooms, what he looks for in a good game, his unique tradition of leaving tiny ducks in rooms he’s visited, and the establishment of the Glitter Duck Awards. The episode also introduces future podcast content, focusing on interviewing escape room owners, ga...2024-04-2240 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 178: It’s Story Time with Curt!In this episode, Curt tells a few stories from his time at camp and a few from other camp professionals. Some are heartwarming and others are amusing.
2023-01-1728 min
SCamp Life: The Other SideEp 13: Camper Choice vs. Group RotationNatalie is away. So, Kelie brought in some friends, Curt Jackson and Chris Kallal from the SCamp Life: The Programming Side podcast. In this episode they discuss which is better, camper choice where the kids get to choose their activities, or group rotation where the kids are forced to go to each activity.
2022-10-2037 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 171: Remix: Counselor Bag of TricksEpisode 171 goes back to Episode 2 to “Remix” it! Chris and Curt go all the way back to 2019 to redo an episode they’ve already done! With new ideas, updated stuff, as well as just informing their listeners of great stuff 169 episodes ago, the podcast this week is a blast! Listen in for some great new ideas as well as recapping some old ideas of things your counselors should have at Camp!
Links:
Brain Break Book
Alpha Dice
Tenzi
Tenzi Dice
Peteca
Koosh Balls
Flop Balls
Thumbballs
Would You Rather Book
2022-10-0625 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 167: Summer Recap with Chris KallalChris and Curt recap Chris’ summer on this week’s episode. Things he learned, things that worked well, things that didn’t work well, and more! Listen to this episode to hear all the highs and lows of Camp Good News Summer 2022!
Links for the Week
Watercolor Trees: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/777222848209876371
2022-09-0136 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 166: Running an Alumni Program with Jeff BradshawChris is busy wrapping up camp as we head to the end of the season. So, Curt has decided to replay an edited episode from his old podcast Rec Heads and Camp Nerds where he and Patti McDonald interview the amazing Jeff Bradshaw of Camp Wenonah. This is a GREAT episode for any camp or organization looking to start or improve an alumni program.
If you'd like to reach out to Jeff Bradshaw, email him at jeff@campwenonah.com.
2022-08-1034 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 165: End of Season Staff IdeasIf you’re looking for some great ideas to end the season well with your staff, look no further! Curt and Chris toss up some excellent stuff that they have done (or seen done) at other camps with huge success! If your season has already ended, tuck this podcast away for next year!
2022-08-0426 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 164: Magazine Style Episode #4What’s that? Did you hear that Curt and Chris are doing another Magazine Style Podcast? You bet your biscuits you did! Check it out this week for all new answers to their top 9 topics! Special Bonus idea from Carrie this week too! They are still looking for a total of 10 topics. Can you help them out with an idea?
Link of the Week
Pegboard Embroidery
2022-07-2833 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 162: Magazine Style Episode #3Curt and Chris are at it again with this popcorn podcasting style. Check it out this week for all new answers to their top 9 topics! They would like 10 topics, but need your help on an idea. Send them your best!
2022-07-1428 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 160: Magazine Style Episode #2Curt and Chris bring back their fun new way of podcasting. Check it out this week for all new answers to their top 9 topics!
2022-06-3024 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 158: Activity StationsIs the gas Station prices getting you down? Has the train left the Station without you? Tired of your local radio Station? Or feeling a little spacy on the International Space Station? Well then give our Stations a try! Curt shares a popular idea for camps about creating stations for the campers. A place that has some free play/choice. He gives tons of great ideas for themes and topics you can host a “Station” around!
2022-06-1716 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 157: S.T.E.M. ActivitiesScience, Technology, Engineering, and Math (well maybe not Math so much). Curt and Chris give some epic ideas on incorporating STEM (or STE) into your camp! This is a great way to get school groups, homeschool groups, or just add some learning to your camping program!
Links of the Week:
Chris’ Steal This Book: https://rb.gy/ufkznp
2022-06-0836 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 155: Ropes and Team Building ResourcesIn this episode Chris goes over his favorite ropes and team building resources. Curt just listens and gives his 2 cents.
Fun Doing Friday - Newsletter
Team Building From the Toy Aisle - Book
Kikori App
High 5
Vertical Playpen Podcast
Ask Michelle and Chris Podcast
On Team Building Podcast
2022-05-2716 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 154: Dangerous Camp ActivitiesIt's true that there are some dangerous activities at camps. Curt and Chris will explore some of these activities, and it might give you some ideas for programs to add to your camp. The great thing about summer camps is that it's a place where kids can try these (often perceived) "dangerous" activities in a safe environment.
2022-05-1835 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 153: Trivia Games and EventsAre you excogitating (verb for considering) hosting a Trivia event at your camp? They are resplendent (adjective for great idea) for retreats, special events, family nights, online stuff, or even during your training weeks! Chris and Curt give you a profusion (noun meaning large amount) of categories that make for an exceptionally clubbable (adjective for enjoyable) trivia event!
2022-04-1618 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 152: Used To Be a ThingTravel down Nostalgia Lane with Chris and Curt as they discuss things that used to be super popular at summer camps. They go really old-school like back when there weren’t any rules about helmets, to not-so-distant stuff like Four Square. Listen in this week as the guys talk about why some of these are not seen at camp as much as they used to be. Hear them discuss some stuff that should be brought back as well as some stuff that definitely needs to stay in the past!
2022-04-0924 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 150: Summer Camp TraditionsThis week, the guys talk about Traditions and Ceremonies. Do you have any at your camp? Do you need some ideas for some new ones? Listen in this week for multiple ideas, some good, some bad! Curt and Chris give a huge list of traditions that they have either been a part of or heard about from other camps!
2022-03-2440 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 149: Our Favorite Carnival GamesDoes your camp do a carnival for the campers? Have you ever wanted to do a carnival? Do you enjoy eating carnival food like Chris? Well then, do we have a show for you! The podcast today is all about creating fun and unique carnival games! Curt has some awesome and very practical ideas while Chris goes overboard with carnival chaos!
2022-03-1733 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 148: Adding Whimsy to CampBefore you attempt to order whimsy from Amazon, listen to this week’s episode for better ideas! Curt and Chris discuss ways to make your camp a bit more magical without breaking the bank! From Tree Sharks to Fairy Gardens to Glitter on every leaf of every tree at camp…ok, maybe not that last one!
2022-03-1022 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 146: Escape BagsFrom Go Bags last week to Escape Bags this week, the guys are apparently doing a bag theme! (Fingers crossed for Sleeping Bags next week!) Escape Bags are little, portable escape rooms that make for a great activity! Curt and Chris have both created several that they will talk about plus give some tips about creating your own for your camp.
2022-02-2429 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 143: Winter Camp and Event IdeasNeed some unique ideas for winter camp? What about off-season events? Then have we got a show for you! If you already host or are planning to host a winter camp, Curt and Kelie have some great ideas for activities. If you are unable to host an entire camp but want to do some winter events, then Chris has a bunch of unique ideas that would make awesome events. Either way, this episode is great for adding a little extra camp this winter season!
2021-12-1031 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 138: Being a Conference PresenterIf you’ve never presented at a conference before and are wanting to get some great tips, or you’re a seasoned pro who just wants a few extra ideas, then this episode is for you. Kelie, Curt, and Chris talk about things they do while presenting, or things they wish presenters would do at classes they attend. As we are quickly nearing conference season, this episode will help you prep to be the best presenter you can be!
2021-10-2135 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 124: 9 Unique Summer Camp IdeasCurt, Chris and Kelie each share 3 very unique and different ideas that you can add to your summer camp. If you’re looking for something a little bit different that many other camps do not have, check out this episode.
2021-06-0631 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 114: Running Day Camp in 2021 with Shanelle Lambert-RauhKellie and Curt interview Shanelle Lambert-Rauh, director of Whippoorwill Farm Day Camp, about the lessons learned from running day camp in 2020 and how those will apply to the 2021 summer season. If you run a day camp and weren't able to offer programs last summer, this is the episode for you. You'll get some great insight on things you may not have thought about.
2021-04-1934 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 108: Running a Day Camp with Limited ResourcesL.E. Dubois guest hosts with the guys this week for an interesting episode about making day camp awesome with limited resources - really limited. Curt used to work at a camp on an island and they could only bring 2 carts full of supplies, so he challenges Chris and L.E. with coming up with ideas on what to put on those carts! If you have limited space or rent a location where you can only bring so much, this episode is for you!
2021-03-1037 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 107: Would You Rather Have This or That at Camp?Kelie Cook joins Curt and Chris again this week for this super fun episode! They play a game of Would You Rather! This isn’t the disgusting, gross choices you normally see in this game, these are all things that you would like at your camp. Would You Rather have a lake or pool? Would You Rather have go-carts or horses? Would You Rather have a zipline or high ropes? Would You Rather listen to this episode or get eaten by a bear? All great questions for you to consider!
2021-03-0332 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 106: Keeping Staff Engaged Pre-CampRoz Buck guest hosts this week as Chris and Curt talk about how to keep your staff engaged pre-camp. Do you have a hard time finding staff each year? Is the number of returning staff pretty small? Do your staff complain that they don’t feel engaged? Well then, this is the episode for you!
2021-02-2532 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 104: Year-Round Engagement IdeasCurt and Chris give some great ideas for keeping your families and campers engaged with your camp all year long! This isn’t your grandma’s boring Birthday card ideas, these ideas are contemporary and awesome! From Weird Holidays to Virtual Escape Rooms, check out this episode for unique stuff!
2021-02-1122 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 102: Creating Programming around a BookOur guest host this week is Samantha Townsend from Kennolyn Camps. Samantha helps the guys come up with fun ideas around using a book to come up with fun programming or a theme. Samantha and Curt share some great tried and true ideas that they did at their camps! If you run a day-camp or need some fun programming ideas for your overnight camp, check out this week’s episode!
2021-01-2736 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 100: The Centennial EpisodeIt’s hard to believe that Chris and Curt have been doing this for 100 years…uh, episodes! The guys have a blast this week discussing fun and crazy memories from the past 99 podcasts. Hear about their favorite episodes, funny moments, dumb things they’ve done, and even some things they didn’t like! This week’s episode will be a fun walk down memory lane as well as some behind-the-scenes shenanigans!
2021-01-1338 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 99: Stolen Summer Camp IdeasCurt and Chris had Kelie Cook on this week to guest host. The three of them talk about Chris’ favorite thing: Stealing Ideas from other Camps!!! Give this show a listen for some super sweet ideas from programming to staffing to misc that our hosts have stolen! If you have a great idea that you would love to share with them, send Curt or Chris an email and they may just have you on to talk about it!
2021-01-0638 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 97: Should You Be Using JotForm for Your Camp?This special Friday Podcast has a great interview with Elliott Sprecher from JotForm! Curt and Chris learn how JotForm can be very beneficial for Camps! Everything from registration to payments, to forms to surveys! They also talk about some of the many widgets JotForm has available, too!
2020-12-2523 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 96: I Don't Like It! (Parent Version)In this episode Curt and Chris welcome Christina Gibbs as a guest host. Christina is the program Director at Mount Shepherd Retreat Center in North Carolina. The three of them discuss different things that parents have complained about at camp. Most camp directors have heard these same complaints. They also dive into solutions and tips on handling these complaints.
2020-12-2329 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 94: Interview with Kelie CookKelie Cook joins Curt and Chris on this week's episode. Kelie ran an in-person camp last year and has now switched to the director role at a different camp. Give this weeks episode a listen to hear about some of the craziness of running the various camps, being a part of the Camp Admin program at Touro, and even get some fun ideas for a couple games (the name Mortal Poodle should entice you enough!).
2020-12-0934 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 91: Tabletop Game ActivitiesThis is part 2 of a 2 part series. Curt and Chris talk about incorporating Gaming into your Camp with a whole theme! Get great ideas of what you can do as well as where to find some very helpful sites. Since Chris is planning on adding this theme this summer, he, as always, has gone way overboard on out-there ideas! With everything from coding, to diy escape rooms, to giant board games, these 2 episodes will give you a ton to start planning yourself!
2020-11-1728 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 90: Video Game ActivitiesThis is part 1 of a 2 part series. Curt and Chris talk about incorporating Gaming into your Camp with a whole theme! Get great ideas of what you can do as well as where to find some very helpful sites. Since Chris is planning on adding this theme this summer, he, as always, has gone way overboard on out-there ideas! With everything from coding, to diy escape rooms, to giant board games, these 2 episodes will give you a ton to start planning yourself!
2020-11-1727 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 89: Running Camp in 2020 with Michael GarciaCurt and Chris interview Michael Garcia this week. Michael is the Camp Director of Camp Centerland as well as the host of the Youth Development Professionals Guidebook Podcast. Michael talks about what it was like to run in-person camp during a Covid Summer. He also has Chris’s new favorite rules for camp: 1. Campers leave with same number of fingers and toes they came with. 2. They’re dirty (glitter counts as dirt). 3. They are a zombie at dinner when they get back home.
2020-11-1132 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 87: Teen Leadership ProgramsMaybe you have a CIT or LIT program or Jr Counselors or whatever you call it at camp, but it is essentially a teen leadership program. It seems that each camp does it differently, and Curt and Chris have definitely seen and run them very differently. Listen to the episode if you want some ideas on how they run them as well as great ideas to make your Teen Leadership Program even better.
2020-10-2032 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 86: Starting a Podcast Program at CampIf you’ve ever considered doing a podcast for your campers this episode has lots of tips that need to be considered before starting that fun idea! From mics to tech tips to show format ideas, Curt and Chris go through it all.
2020-10-1526 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 85: Revenue Beyond RegistrationOn this episode, the guys discuss something that probably has affected most camps this year: Revenue! Chris and Curt have a ton of great ideas, some that worked and some that didn’t work for them but may work for you! During a pandemic season, these are some great ideas to try, but even after we’re back to normal, this is a great episode for some extra revenue at your camp!
2020-10-0732 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 84: Virtual Escape RoomsKeeping with the theme of 2020, Virtual, the guys discuss the where, how and what of Virtual Escape Rooms! There’s lots out there and lots of different varieties of rooms available and the guys talk all the good and bad of them. Even more exciting is Curt and Chris are building their own Virtual Rom that you can check out as part of the ACA Southeastern Conference!
2020-09-2824 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 83: Programming ResourcesNot sure where to find the best resources for your camp? Tired of searching endlessly on Google for something good? Well, Curt and Chris have the answer for you: This Episode! They talk about all the resources that they use (not just a Google search)! Check out this week for tried and true stuff that actually works! Got great resources yourself? Share them with us so we can share them with others!
2020-09-2024 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 82: Virtual ConferencesWith everything going virtual this year, it was only a matter of time before camping conferences did too. Curt has been doing a virtual conference for a couple of years now and is ahead of the game with ideas for it! This episode, the guys discuss all the pros and cons of virtual camp conferences as well as talk about a few coming up that you can be involved in!
2020-09-0830 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 81: Camp Cancelled? Let's Talk Ideas for a Plan BA serious, but needed topic this week. What if we can’t have Camp next summer? The guys give some great ideas that you and your Camp need to start working on now as a “Plan B”, just in case! With all the camps and directors Chris and Curt have talked to over the last couple of months, they have a slew of great options to stay open in 2021, if we are still quarantined. Check out this week’s episode for some ideas to keep on the back burner!
2020-09-0135 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 79: Pinterest FindsFinally, Curt has agreed to talk about Chris’s favorite thing: Pinterest!!!! The guys share some great finds, and some not-so-great finds. Also, did you know that Summer Camp Programming Podcast has its own Pinterest board? We have links for all of our episodes!
2020-08-1830 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 77: Online Apps, Sites and Software to Help with Your Virtual ProgrammingCurt and Chris (or maybe they should just be called the Virtual Camp Guys at this point) discuss all things online this week. Great ideas of apps, games, sites, etc. that can help with your Virtual Camps (or even your normal camps provided you have a decent internet connection on-site!)
2020-08-0537 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 76: Virtual Camp Success Stories part 4Chris and Curt interview 10 different camp directors on the success of their virtual camps. The interviews are divided into 4 different episodes this week. The guys ask the same questions to each person in a 10 min time limit, so bring your notebook because these great ideas are coming at you at a rapid-fire pace. This episode includes Conor Murray from Camp Rio and Jessica Wexler from Girls Rock Math.
2020-07-3121 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 75: Virtual Camp Success Stories part 3Chris and Curt interview 10 different camp directors on the success of their virtual camps. The interviews are divided into 4 different episodes this week. The guys ask the same questions to each person in a 10 min time limit, so bring your notebook because these great ideas are coming at you at a rapid-fire pace. This episode includes Isaiah Apfel from Between the Pages and Jordon Morris from Camp Indian Creek.
2020-07-3022 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 74: Virtual Camp Success Stories part 2Chris and Curt interview 10 different camp directors on the success of their virtual camps. The interviews are divided into 4 different episodes this week. The guys ask the same questions to each person in a 10 min time limit, so bring your notebook because these great ideas are coming at you at a rapid-fire pace. This episode includes Christina Williams from Science Explorers, Guy and Sheila Siler from Mia Cake House, and Maureen Myrie from The Steam Generation.
2020-07-2930 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 73: Virtual Camp Success Stories part 1Chris and Curt interview 10 different camp directors on the success of their virtual camps. The interviews are divided into 4 different episodes this week. The guys ask the same questions to each person in a 10 min time limit, so bring your notebook because these great ideas are coming at you at a rapid-fire pace. This episode includes Laura Kelly from The Hand Work Studio, Kaley Stephens from WorldSong Missions Adventure Camp, and Kevin Pettigrew from JM Feltner 4H Camp.
2020-07-2833 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 72: Lessons from Running a Virtual Harry Potter CampCurt talks about his virtual Harry Potter camp. He speaks about what went well and the changes he made along the way. Listen in to get some ideas as well as lessons learned from an already completed virtual camp.
2020-07-2138 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 71: Interview with Allison Miller and Steve Slavkin with Happy Camper LiveCurt and Chris talk with the creators of Happy Camper Live, Allison Miller (Founder/CEO) and Steve Slavkin (Executive Producer). Happy Camper Live is the OG of virtual camp. They have been working on this amazing website for over 2 years!!! There are TONS of videos and shows and activities and more! If your camp is looking for a way to connect virtually and with an incredibly professional, already made site, give this episode a listen!
2020-07-1432 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 70: Programming Through Different LensesThis week, Curt and Chris talk about how to look at programming through the lenses of each type of person at your Camp: First Time Camper, Returning Camper, Parent, Staff, Board Member, Marketing, etc. Thinking through each of your new programming (or even current programming) this way will help you determine how beneficial this activity actually is for your camp.
2020-07-0728 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 66: Interviewing The Dynamic DuoCurt and Chris have some VERY SPECIAL guest stars on today to be interviewed; themselves!!! The guys ask each other all the questions you’ve surely wanted to know! From personal lives to future dreams, this episode will tell you everything you’ve wanted (or likely really didn’t want to know) about the World’s Okayest Podcasting Duo!
2020-06-0940 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 65: Virtual Camp Kits and BoxesIs your camp considering doing Kits or Boxes this summer? Chris and Curt discuss some great ideas for them and how to make them awesome! If this is something you are considering “instead of Camp” or even if you are considering in “addition to Camp”, this is a really unique opportunity!
2020-06-0233 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 63: Virtual Camp Ideas 2.0 - Part 2This is part two of two. If you haven't listened to episode 62, you should start with that one. Curt and Chris continue to give great ideas you can use for your virtual programs this summer.
2020-05-1939 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 62: Virtual Camp Ideas 2.0 - Part 1Check out all the new stuff that Curt and Chris have picked up from others and learned from their time doing Virtual Camp. This is part one of two. In these two episodes, you’ll be getting a ton more great ideas to implement into Online Camp this summer. We all know that this isn’t the same as normal camp, but the guys give some excellent ideas to help make Virtual Camp pretty close to the epicness of normal camp. This is a great episode to get info as you begin to plan your very odd summer this year...2020-05-1938 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 61: Virtual Camp Storytelling - An Interview with Meghan Gardner from Guardian AdventuresCurt and Chris have a very awesome and timely conversation with Meghan from Guard Up. She runs an incredibly amazing camp on a normal year, but this year, she has created the coolest Virtual Camp ever!!! From Zombies, to Knights, to Wizards, she and her team have put together some seriously cool stuff! Best of all, you can buy and use her already created programs for your camp!!!
2020-05-0547 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 59: Native Americans - What's Appropriate at Camp with Paul GowderCurt and Chris interview Paul Gowder about Native American culture at camp this week. This is a great eye-opening episode to learn from Paul about the proper way to include Native American culture into camp. The guys ask lots of great questions that you probably have! Check out this week to make sure you and your camp are doing it right!
2020-04-2128 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 56: Virtual Camp IdeasCurt and Chris discuss lots of great ideas for hosting your own virtual camp. In this current craziness of covid19 and quarantine, creating a virtual camp will help keep you connected to your campers and give them some fun campy things to do! This is a great episode to listen to now and then get with your team and start planning your very own E-Camp!
2020-04-0138 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 52: Hatchet Throwing Programs with Drew DemeryCurt and Chris celebrate their 1 year anniversary with their guest, Drew Demery, who is on the show to talk about all the coolness that is Hatchet Throwing! Drew is even available to come to your camp and help you set it up!! Listen to this episode for some great advice on adding this new popular activity to your camp!
2020-03-1027 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 51: Creating Mystery TrailsCurt and Chris discuss a fairly new concept this week. Mystery Trails are like Escape Rooms on a Hike/Walk! The guys talk about what’s all involved in these and some great ideas to figure out your own. They also share a little preview of the Escape Room Summit where there’s an entire session about Mystery Trails!
2020-03-0330 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 48: Disney ThemeLooking for a new theme to be “Part of Your World”? Maybe you have another theme that’s a “Tale as Old as Time” and you just need to “Let It Go”. We’ll “You Gotta Friend” in Curt and Chris as they talk this week all about a Disney Theme! “You’re Welcome!” The guys have some fun and kinda crazy ideas that will make this theme a “Whole New World” for your Camp. Go “Into the Unknown” and give it a listen!
2020-02-1125 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 47: Destination HikesCurt and Chris talk all about Destination Hikes this week. What are they? What are you supposed to do? Should you have one at your Camp? Who let the Dogs Out? The guys answer MOST of these questions and more! Listen to this episode to hear about an interesting and easy to do programming activity for your camp!
2020-02-0422 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 46: Programming BindersWhen you started at your camp, don’t you wish you would have had a book with everything you needed to know? Yeah, pretty much everyone does! Curt and Chris talk about making program binders for yourself, your staff, and your future replacement! They come up with a bunch of ideas for different binders and what you might want to include. Get started on them now before the chaos of summer gets here!
2020-01-2838 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 45: Olympics Theme Ideas2020 is the year of the Summer Olympics. Chris and Curt spend this week discussing some great ideas on how to use this year to bring an Olympic Theme to your camp! From competitions to decorations, to even food, the guys give some epic ideas for this summer’s theme!
2020-01-2133 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 42: Evening Activities for Summer CampRight before the new year starts, listen as Curt and Chris share some epic evening activities. Ring in the new summer evenings with some World Record or Minute 2 Win it games. Hold an evening Video Game night. Host a carnival or Trivia night. As you celebrate the new year, plan some new evening ideas for your upcoming summer!
2019-12-3132 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 40: Best Things We Did Last SummerChris shares the top 8 best things he did last summer at Camp Good News, and Curt shares some great things he learned from other camps last summer!
2019-12-1735 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 39: S.T.E.M. Programming with Tara LaidlawCurt and Chris interview Tara Laidlaw this week about adding STEM into camping. Tara has immense knowledge of STEM learning and a crazy amount of great advice for camps looking to do this. This week’s episode is a great listen for not only the “What-to-dos” or the “How-to-dos”, but also the “Why-you-shoulds”!
2019-12-1032 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 37: Tips for Hosting Retreats with Andy McClungChris and Curt have a great chat with Andy McClung from ChristianCampPro.com about his retreat center. Andy shares some great tips and tricks about how he's able to fill every weekend of his retreat center. This episode is a great listen for those camps wanting to expand into the retreat season or those camps that already do, but need to improve on it!
2019-11-2630 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 35: Scavaganza with Jenn Ward and Amanda BorbeeChris and Curt talk with Jenn and Amanda all about Scavaganza! Scavaganza is where you combine Scavenger Hunt Awesomeness with Extravaganza Fun! This is a great activity you can do with your campers, or staff, or even a bunch a camp professionals like Jenn and Amanda did at the ACA Tri-State Conference. Listen in for some great tips and tricks they have learned to run your own Scavaganza!
2019-11-1235 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 34: Things We'd Like to See Happen in the Summer Camp IndustryCurt and Chris discuss some great ideas of things we would love to see happen in the camping industry. So if there is anyone out there that has some skills to do some of this stuff, you’ll have at least 2 customers! From more podcasting, to online courses, to meet-ups, to apps...there are some awesome ideas for some possible camp entrepreneurs.
2019-11-0533 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 33: The Exciting World of Pali Adventure Camp with Stephen “Snacks” SmigielskiCurt, minus a sick Chris, talks with Snacks this week about some of the incredible amount of programming that Pali Adventure Camp offers. They have literally a little bit of everything! Magic, Stunts, High Adventure, Circus, Comedy, Street Art, Aviation, and so much more! Learn how they came up with some of these crazy cool programs and why these specialties are so popular with the campers!
2019-10-2931 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 30: Anytime ActivitiesChris and Curt discuss random small programming at camp. This is stuff that doesn’t require daily set up or staff supervision. Great ideas for some fun anytime activities that can help fill up time or keep campers busy while waiting for something else. Listen now to prep for next summer!
2019-10-0931 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 28: Horse Programs with Christy Landwehr of CHACurt and Chris have a great conversation (well actually 2 because they forgot to hit record the first time) with Christy from CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association). If you’re thinking about starting a horse program, already have a horse program, or just want to know more about it, then CHA is a great place to start!
2019-09-2445 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 27: Themed Specialty Camps with Ilana SchlamCurt and Chris talk with Ilana Schlam of MJCCA Summer Day Camps on the subject of Themed Camps. Ilana has an enormous amount of themed weeks for her campers and an incredible amount of insight. Check out this week's episode for great ideas and how-tos for themed camps.
2019-09-1738 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 26: What is Color War?The guys discuss Color Wars this week. If you’re like Chris and have no idea how to run one or even what they actually are, then this is the week for you! Curt gives some great advice and great ideas on how to make your Color War awesome!
2019-09-1034 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 25: Listener QuestionsCurt and Chris use their expertise to help answer some questions from their listeners! Listen to this episode for some helpful tidbits to questions you may have too. This will be an episode that will be recurring, so if you have any questions that the guys have not answered yet, please send it their way so they can share any advice (good or bad) they may have!
2019-09-0335 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 24: Nature Watch with Jeff SalzmanChris and Curt talk with Jeff from Nature Watch about their origin story, all the cool stuff they offer and new items that are coming soon.
2019-08-2834 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 21: Would Chris Try It?This week’s episode sounds like a new game show! Curt asks Chris about some fun ideas to see if he would try them at his camp. Spoiler Alert: Chris has tried or is willing to try almost all of them.
2019-08-0735 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 20: Team BuildingCurt and Chris talk about some of their experiences with leading Team Building, as well as some of their favorite resources.
2019-07-3033 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 19: Treasure and Scavenger HuntsJoin Captain Curt and First-mate Chris on this swashbuckling podcast in search of treasure! The guys give out some arrrrrguably great ideas to help make your camp a cannon blast! Ignore these great ideas and you might be forced to walk the plank.
2019-07-2323 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 17: Recognition ProgramsCurt and Chris would like to take this opportunity to recognize Recognition Programs for your camp! They talk about some great ideas to give your recognition program a Gold Star!
2019-07-0930 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 15: Making Day Camps Feel More "Campy"Are you running a day camp in a park, at a church or in a community center? Do you wish it felt more like a traditional overnight camp? Curt and Chris discuss ideas on how to make day camp feel much more like "campy".
2019-06-2525 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 14: Escape Rooms at CampThis week Curt and Chris lock themselves up in a room to come up with the best ideas for your escape room. Learn what an escape room is and some great ideas for it!
2019-06-1831 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 13: Camp-Wide GamesCurt & Chris talk about Camp-Wide Games and a bit of Icebreakers.
2019-06-1125 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 9: Spicing Up Your AquaticsThis week, Chris and Curt and giving you some great ideas on how to make your aquatics spicier!
2019-05-1427 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 8: Spicing Up Your Target ActivitiesThis week’s episode is all about Spicing up Target Activities. Curt and Chris each shared some great ideas...with Chris sharing WAY too many!
2019-05-0740 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 7: Specialty Summer CampsCurt and Chris talk about Specialty Camps, where the entire camp is all themed around
one main idea. Decorations, games, activities, even registration all fits into that theme. Think
Immersion Camp!
2019-04-3039 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 5: Our Favorite Summer Camp ThemesChris and Curt talk about their favorite themes and what makes them so special.
2019-04-1630 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 4: Pros and Cons of Camp ThemesCurt and Chris talk about the pros and cons of weekly and summer long themes at camp.
2019-04-1027 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 3: Giving Counselors the Opportunity to Make the Most of CampCamp counselors get a lot out of camp; they gain experience in leadership, responsibility, communication, persuasion, and much more. However, they can get even more out their summer experience, if they are given the chance. In this episode Curt and Chris explore things counselors can do to make their group's experience more memorable and magical, and in turn enhance their own camp experience.
2019-04-0243 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 2: Time FillersCurt and Chris talk about some of their favorite time fillers that counselors can do when they have a few minutes with their group. Instead of just sitting and waiting for lunch or the next activity, it's better to engage our campers with a quick game or conversation.
2019-03-2648 minSCamp Life: The Programming SideSCP 1: An IntroductionIn this introductory episode the hosts, Curt Jackson and Chris Kallal, introduce themselves and talk about what the podcast is all about and thing to come.
2019-03-2528 min