The Camp Program Lab

Curt Jackson
  • 4.7 (18)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

The Camp Program Lab is a podcast for summer camp professionals who want fresh, practical ideas for creating unforgettable camp experiences. Hosted by Curt and Chris, each episode explores the creative side of camp programming—from games, themes, crafts, special events, and staff training to traditions, trends, and the occasional questionable idea that deserves to be tested. Some episodes offer rapid-fire inspiration you can use immediately. Others take a deeper look at the challenges camp professionals face when building programs, leading staff, and keeping campers engaged. Whether you’re a camp director, program director, activity leader, counselor, or simply someone who loves camp, consider this your place to experiment, borrow ideas, and make good programs even better. Subscribe, head into the lab with us, and discover your camp’s next great idea.

  1. Sep 23

    SCP 209: "You lost the Bob Ross name. Now you're just Bob Evans!"

    Curt and Chris are back around the campfire! After catching up on the past two years, including a million-dollar camp grant, construction and inspection headaches, and the adventure of buying and selling an escape-room business, they introduce a new rapid-fire format focused on practical ideas for camp professionals. This episode features creative programming concepts, staff-training activities, theme and craft ideas, a fictional-locations trivia break, and a $100 programming challenge. Curt and Chris also debate staff social time after lights-out and whether campers should ever be "required" to participate. They close by revisiting two classic ideas from earlier episodes: camp-name ceremonies and counselor bags filled with ready-to-use activities. Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction 00:21 – Curt and Chris return 02:37 – Camp updates and the million-dollar grant 05:20 – Buying and selling an escape-room business 08:39 – The new rapid-ideas format 10:15 – Program idea: Roll for It 13:48 – Staff idea: The Doodle Table 15:58 – Theme idea: Around the World 17:27 – Craft idea: Leaf Roses 20:31 – Trivia intermission: Fictional locations 26:09 – The $100 programming challenge 32:12 – Ideas from outside the camp bubble 34:56 – Keep It or Kill It: Staff time after lights-out 40:25 – Keep It or Kill It: Forced participation 45:37 – Classic takeaway: Camp names 50:34 – Classic takeaway: Counselor bags 53:18 – Closing Resources MentionedSummer Camp ProEDGIE Designs — challenge-course design, construction, training, and inspectionRoll For SodaDice SetCafe Bags Episode - Episode 191Pop DartsTenzyStealThisStuff.com - Chris' Steal This ShopHow to Hold a Camp-Name CeremonyMore Than 500 Camp Names for StaffCamp Names - Episode 3Counselor Bags - Episode 2 If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with another camp professional and let them know that Curt and Chris are back!

  2. 06/05/2024

    SCP 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, signing off with gratitude to their listeners.

  3. 05/28/2024

    SCP 207: Useful Lessons We've Learned in Our Camp Careers

    In their second-to-last episode (?), Curt and Chris dive deep into their rich history of camping experiences. They share invaluable lessons learned from their diverse roles, from being camp counselors to directors, across various camp settings. Highlights include the importance of staff training, cultivating a sense of family among team members, and seamlessly integrating new ideas into traditional camp formats. Their lively exchange not only reflects on their past but also explores the future of camping and leadership within the community. Full Show Notes with Links

  4. 05/16/2024

    SCP 206: Spicing Up Capture the Flag

    In this episode, Curt and Chris offer up creative ways to invigorate the classic game of Capture the Flag, offering 20 (19?) unique variations aimed at enhancing gameplay for campers. Their ideas range from incorporating themes and adding special abilities to players, to modifying game mechanics with invisibility aspects or involving staff in gameplay. Throughout their discussion, they share stories from their experiences, emphasizing the potential of these adaptations to make Capture the Flag even more engaging for participants.

  5. 05/01/2024

    SCP 205: After Hours Activity Ideas for Camp

    Curt and Chris explore engaging activities at camp after the sun sets. They share personal stories, offer practical tips for implementing classic nighttime activities like kitchen raids, night swims, and campfire cooking, and offer some more innovative and memorable ideas.

  6. 04/19/2024

    SCP 204: Magazine Style #11

    In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide variety of topics for summer camps. This is their 11th magazine edition. This episode includes a special event idea, program idea, staff idea, new AI tool, some trivia questions, theme ideas, and more.

  7. 03/27/2024

    SCP 203: Exploring Specialty Camps (Part 2)

    In the second installment of their discussion on specialty camp ideas, Curt and Chris share an array of unique camp themes, drawing from both their personal experiences and broader trends. They delve into a variety of specialized camp options, including cooking, survival, archery, scuba diving, music production, detective camp, and fitness camps, among others. This episode offers insights and inspiration for camp directors and planners looking to diversify their offerings and attract new campers with specialized interests. Links: Archery Games

  8. 03/27/2024

    SCP 202: Exploring Specialty Camps (Part 1)

    In part one, Curt and Chris delve into the world of specialty camps and their significance in offering targeted experiences beyond traditional camping. They discuss the evolution and variety of specialty camps, from music and equestrian camps to coding, robotics, and even escape room camps, highlighting the unique opportunities these provide for children with specific interests. The guys share insights into the operational aspects, including staffing, community involvement, and the challenges of attracting enrollment. They emphasize specialty camps as a means to engage kids who might not be interested in general camp activities, offering them a space to explore their passions among like-minded peers.

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4.7
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

The Camp Program Lab is a podcast for summer camp professionals who want fresh, practical ideas for creating unforgettable camp experiences. Hosted by Curt and Chris, each episode explores the creative side of camp programming—from games, themes, crafts, special events, and staff training to traditions, trends, and the occasional questionable idea that deserves to be tested. Some episodes offer rapid-fire inspiration you can use immediately. Others take a deeper look at the challenges camp professionals face when building programs, leading staff, and keeping campers engaged. Whether you’re a camp director, program director, activity leader, counselor, or simply someone who loves camp, consider this your place to experiment, borrow ideas, and make good programs even better. Subscribe, head into the lab with us, and discover your camp’s next great idea.

Information

  • Creator
    Curt Jackson
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    209
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Curt Jackson
  • Show Website
    The Camp Program Lab