Sacred Playgrounds Podcast Sacred Playgrounds

On this episode, we're sharing the mic with a good friend and camp research colleague! We're deeply honored to chat with the Senior Director of Research and Education for the American Camp Association (ACA), Laurie Browne, PhD.

Laurie joins us to unpack some key camp research learnings from the big picture at the ACA including important projects like the ACA Youth Impact Study, the Character at Camp Initiative, and the National Economic Impact Study. Not only does she have incredible insight into our industry and ministry, but also makes it accessible and applicable in how she shares it.

Listen close, take notes, and know that you, camp friends, are part of an elaborate, impactful ecosystem of youth development, and the research says your role matters.

Learn more about ACA Research and get involved at acacamps.org/research.
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Every now and then, I get a little bit restless
And I dream of something wild
- Bonnie Tyler "Total Eclipse of the Heart"

Eclipse week! Epic, singular experiences are our specialty at camp, and yet, how we prepare campers and families for integration of faith in the totality of life is the real heart of our ministry.

On this episode, we'll hear the story of Jake and his family's adventure into the path of totality for the April 2024 solar eclipse and draw some interesting, actionable connections with our partnered, integrated, connected ministries. We'll share how  Rhythms of Faith is seeking out how we maximize and harness these connections and share a quick project update on RoF as well.

Plus, we'll share some a book recommendation or two in our #QuickQampQuestion and have some fun with eclipse data in our #StatOfTheWeek.

PS, don't burn out their (or your) retinas.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RHYTHMS OF FAITH
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It's launch week for Holy Ground 2024!

It's no secret, so says the research, that summer staff are the heart of camping ministry. We know they need support, agency, and faithful community to thrive. That's why we constructed the Holy Ground summer staff guidebook for the third year.

On this episode, we'll quickly share the what, how, and why of Holy Ground. Then, the heart of this episode is two conversations we had with special guests Renzi Ricketts, Director of Summer Camp at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center and Pastor Val Teppo, Lead Chaplain from Park River Bible Camp and Red Willow Ministries. They'll share some of the specifics on ways their camp communities use this resource and how it helps provide support for summer staff, and even some other partners.

Plus, we've got a #StatOfTheWeek around the impact of resources like this on personal devotion and Bible reading time.

LEARN MORE + ORDER HOLY GROUND 2024
DOWNLOAD THE #STATOFTHEWEEK
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Check!

We're gearing up,  camp family! For many, it's time to begin forming our plans for staff training, even as we continue to recruit and hire staff. We're bringing you 8(+1) items on a summer staff training checklist to help you frame up a successful, impactful staff training experience that gets your summer staff well-equipped and wisely-prepared.

Have an idea to add to this list? Have an idea for a resource for summer staff members? Drop it in the comments wherever you're listening. We'll also dive into what it means and what to do when staff can't make parts of training with our #QuickQampQuestion, and share average weekly counselor salary in our #StatOfTheWeek.

DOWNLOAD THE STAT OF THE WEEK GRAPHIC
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We're constantly learning. Every season, we take care of each individual and/or group of camps we work with - creating reports, digging in with consults about the findings, and creating ways to help those insights tell stories. And, we take that data and compile it, looking at it from a higher level with richer numbers of responses. We do this to learn and identify trends across our broad outdoor ministry community.

So, we've got 3 interesting, and more importantly, actionable, findings from the collective 2023 camper experience. You'll hear about:
The trends on breakdowns in the 5 fundamentals of effective campsThe trend in church engagement and family faith practicesThe experience gap in different types of camper groupsOur #StatOfTheWeek shares a statistically significant story on family church engagement, and our #QuickQampQuestion is one for you or a camp person you know.

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We're making a new friend in this episode as we talk with author Maria Warner who wrote a book all about her family's transformational experiences at family camp, a specialized kind of camp that can, as Maria passionately shares, help families thrive. Listen as we hear stories from the book and capture some of the secrets that make family camp work so well, and wonder what might be possible with this kind of experience as a vital part of your outdoor ministry.

Embark on a heartwarming journey with the Warner family in 'Family Camp: S'more than a Vacation,' as they rediscover joy, strengthen family bonds, and cultivate a resilient community spirit in the tranquil embrace of nature. This book offers readers an inspiring blueprint for creating their own happy and healthy family connections. This book is for anyone who appreciates the healing power of nature and community. stories of resilience, personal growth, and family dynamics. Maria's memoir resonates with those seeking inspiration or understanding in the face of challenges.

Maria Warner is an author based in Arizona with one published book and additional featured short stories and articles. Her memoir focuses on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. In her free time, she enjoys being outside in the mountains and spending time with her family, friends, and adorable shih tsu's.

MEET MARIA
BUY THE BOOK
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Come help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.