The Camp Okema Podcast

The Camp Okema Podcast

The Camp Okema Podcast Hosted by Jesse Holmes, Kaleb Schulz, and Landon Nelson, The Camp Okema Podcast is made by the community, for the community. Each episode, we dive into the stories, memories, and traditions that make Camp Okema so special. We’ll also explore the rich history of the camp, from its origins to the impact it’s had on generations of campers and staff. With interviews featuring alumni, staff, and current campers, we’ll keep you connected to the camp’s past and present. Whether you’re a longtime camper or new to the community, tune in to relive the magic and keep the Camp Okema spirit alive all year long.

  1. Apr 14

    Episode 26: Leila Mitchell

    In Episode 26, Jesse, Sam, and Anna are joined by Leila Mitchell, calling in from Edmonton, to talk about a lifetime spent at Camp Okema—starting at just two months old and returning nearly every summer since. From being a tag-along in Sleepy Hollow to stepping into leadership roles as a pre-teen, Leila shares what it was like to grow up right alongside camp. She reflects on early camper memories, volunteering at a young age, and some classic Okema experiences—horseback riding, WALO, and the chaos (and creativity) of teen camp. From prank-filled weeks to night games like Mission Impossible, her stories capture the energy and unpredictability that define those years. She also shares what it was like leading a pirate-themed Small Fry camp—complete with a buried treasure that almost didn’t make it back. The conversation dives into camp traditions too: baked oatmeal loyalty, Johnny Appleseed grace, dish pit roles, and a spirited dough bake debate. Add in campfire songs, skits, talent shows, and evolving camp culture, and it’s a full snapshot of the Okema experience across generations. The episode wraps with reflections on Sleepy Hollow’s legacy, the importance of certificates, faith, and friendships—and of course, Leila’s take on the ever-mysterious Moose Man. It’s a story-filled episode that captures what it means to grow up at Camp Okema. Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

    2h 14m
  2. Mar 10

    Episode 24 : Lauren Burningham

    Episode 24 welcomes Lauren Burningham to the podcast, joining Jesse, Kaleb, and first-time co-host Anna for a conversation that stretches across generations of Camp Okema history. With deep family roots through her grandparents, Ken and Betty Burningham, Lauren shares how camp has shaped her life from her earliest Grand Camp memories (now Family Camp) to her years as a camper, cabin leader, and youth ministry intern. Lauren reflects on early homesickness that slowly transformed into a powerful sense of belonging, along with unforgettable childhood stories — including sleepwalking adventures, Murray Point trips, archery range memories, and the quiet magic of growing up alongside the same camp community year after year. The episode captures the evolution of teen camp culture too: extreme power napping trends, shifting traditions, and the energy of a full-summer staff experience packed with off-site adventures, creative programming, and the kind of chaos that only makes sense in hindsight. The conversation dives into dining hall loyalties and favorite graces, strategic dish pit roles, and a passionate dough bake debate. Lauren shares her campfire song picks, skit and talent show memories, and the influence of the people who shaped her faith and leadership journey. From WALO and Okema Olympics to night games and canoe trips, her stories paint a full picture of what it means to grow up at Okema. The episode closes with heartfelt reflections on Sleepy Hollow, certificate signing, giving back to camp, and the legends that keep evolving — including Moose Man and Guyman. It’s a generational look at Camp Okema tradition, community, and the moments that stay with you long after summer ends. Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

    1h 35m
  3. Feb 17

    Episode 23 : Hannah Story

    Episode 23 welcomes Hannah Story to the podcast, joining Jesse, Landon, and first-time co-host Samantha — with Hannah calling in from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Hannah shares how she first discovered Camp Okema from across the lake near family friends’ cabin — drawn in by the lights, the noise, and the unmistakable energy of camp — and how early nerves as a new camper quickly turned into a deep sense of belonging. She reflects on her journey from junior camper in the mid-2010s to cabin leader training, cabin leading, and eventually co-leading Small Fry in 2022 alongside Katrine Sinclair during a unique post-pandemic summer. The conversation highlights standout teen camp memories, including winning the first year of the “campaign,” the infamous trophy mishap, decade day, teen dances, and earning the nickname “Toe Dog” in one of camp’s more chaotic games. Hannah also answers the Manna House questions — the peanut butter grace, baked oatmeal as her top pick (recipe secured), and her loyalty to drying dishes in the dish pit. The crew debates ideal dough bake strategy (butter and raspberry jam preferred, Cheese Whiz questioned), shares campfire favourites like rounds and Pharaoh Pharaoh, and revisits the skits and music videos that defined their teen years. The episode closes with reflections on Sleepy Hollow’s legacy, night game memories, and the ever-expanding Moose Man lore — plus a few new mythical contenders. An episode full of laughter, tradition, and the kind of stories that only Camp Okema can produce. Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

    1h 33m

About

The Camp Okema Podcast Hosted by Jesse Holmes, Kaleb Schulz, and Landon Nelson, The Camp Okema Podcast is made by the community, for the community. Each episode, we dive into the stories, memories, and traditions that make Camp Okema so special. We’ll also explore the rich history of the camp, from its origins to the impact it’s had on generations of campers and staff. With interviews featuring alumni, staff, and current campers, we’ll keep you connected to the camp’s past and present. Whether you’re a longtime camper or new to the community, tune in to relive the magic and keep the Camp Okema spirit alive all year long.