The Pudding

Go Camp Pro
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The sweet proof of research to back up what you already know about summer camp. Join Travis Allison and Dr. Mandi Baker as they focus in on prominent and emerging research in the summer camp world and share the ways that camp professionals can leverage that research to get more kids to camp.The Pudding is part of the Go Camp Pro podcast network. Find a Podcast for Camp Pros of every age and stage at https://gocamp.pro/podcasts

  1. 1D AGO

    Maslow and Turner’s Take on Transformation from Camp’s “Magic” - with Star Wilkes - The Pudding #21

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/turner-and-maslow-to-transformation-and-magic Unpacking the Transformative Power of Summer Camps for StaffIn this episode, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison interview Star Wilkes, Lecturer in Special Education, Disability, and Inclusion Studies at the University of Wolverhampton. Star shares her journey from working at a special needs camp in America to becoming a researcher and university lecturer in the UK. She explains her research based on sending her students to work for an American camp. Drawing on surveys, weekly journal entries and interviews, Star explores the links between liminal communities (Turner) and “peak experiences” (Maslow). Star reflects on the importance of reflective practices and mentoring cultures in enhancing the camp experience for staff and campers alike. The episode concludes on Star's future plans to publish her findings and explore the recipe for “camp magic” further. 00:19 Meet the Hosts and Star’s Journey to Camp Research08:51 Star’s Study on Camp Staff Diaries11:15 Unpacking the Concept of Liminality (Turner)22:01 Durkheim’s “Collective Effervescence”24:59 Maslow’s “Peak Experiences”29:39 Star’s Students at Camp & Further Research Goals35:53 Key Weeks with Shared Experiences37:12 Future Directions & Episode Wrap-upYour Hosts Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.comTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.proStar Wilkes, Lecturer in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion Studies, University of Wolverhampton - S.Wilkes2@wlv.ac.ukThanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - Illinois The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org. Camptivities You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com. Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.  Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

    44 min

  2. 12/03/2025

    Transforming Leadership Beyond the Binary - with Dr. Kiah DeVona - The Pudding #20

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/leadership-beyond-the-binary Insights on Gender Stereotypes and Expanding Leadership Styles in CampsIn this episode of The Pudding, hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison interview Dr. Kiah DeVona, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Connecticut. Kiah discusses her research on gender and leadership in camp settings, notably focusing on how camps can support women and non-binary individuals in leadership roles and the impact of gender stereotypes on leaders in day camps. The team also explores the broader implications of leadership structures and the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all genders in camp leadership. 00:00 Meet the Hosts & Kiah’s Path to Camp Research02:35 Exploring Gender Stereotypes and Leadership in Camps09:26 The Importance of Traditionally “Feminine” Leadership Skills15:24 Promoting Inclusive Leadership at Camps21:22 Shifting Thinking Around Leadership Styles27:18 Communicating Safety & Care Over Fun to Parents30:57 Encouraging Women and Non-Binary Leaders32:29 Future Directions & Episode Wrap-upYour Hosts Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.comTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.proDr. Kiah DeVona, Adjunct Faculty, UConn Neag School of Education - kiah.devona@uconn.eduAdditional Links of Interest Kiah DeVona on Google ScholarThanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - Illinois The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org. Camptivities You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com. Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.  Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

    39 min

  3. 11/05/2025

    Sensory Journeys and Freedom in Play - with Neil Carr - The Pudding #19

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/sensory-journeys-freedom-in-play Exploring Inclusivity in Outdoor Leisure with Neil CarrIn this episode of The Pudding, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison discuss with Prof. Neil Carr, from the Dept of Tourism at the University of Otago (New Zealand), the role of inclusivity in outdoor leisure. They explore Neil's journey into academia, his research on tourism and leisure, and the evolution of outdoor leisure studies. Key highlights include the importance of sensory engagement in leisure, traditional structures of camps, and the need to allow children freedom and control in their play. They discuss Mandi and Neil’s latest book collaboration on inclusion and equity in outdoor leisure that features a diverse range of voices and perspectives. 00:24 Meet the Hosts and Neil’s Journey in Academia04:25 Philosophical Differences of Tourism vs. Leisure12:03 Neil’s Inspiration for Sensory Experiences in Leisure14:41 Integrating All Senses for an Inclusive Experience19:54 Who is Camp Really For?26:22 The Transformative Power of Novelty32:01 Inclusion and Equity in Outdoor Leisure36:16 Beyond Human Beings: Interactions with Nature40:05 Structure vs. Play in Shaping Society of Tomorrow45:04 Episode Wrap-UpYour Hosts Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.comTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.proNeil Carr - Professor, Department of Tourism, University of Otago - neil.carr@otago.ac.nzAdditional Links of Interest Neil Carr on Google ScholarInclusion and Equity in Outdoor Leisure: Whose Body Belongs?Thanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - Illinois The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org. Camptivities You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com. Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.  Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

    48 min

  4. 10/02/2025

    Communities of Campfires and Kickball - with Dr. Mary Breunig - The Pudding #18

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/communities-of-campfires-and-kickball Exploring Camp Experiences, Neoliberalism, and Hidden Curriculum with Dr. Mary Breunig In this episode of The Pudding, hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison talk to Dr. Mary Breunig, an associate professor in the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration. Dr. Breunig shares her journey from flute performance to outdoor education to kickball den mother, emphasizing the transformative power of camp experiences. The conversation covers topics such as the significance of camp in personal development, the differences between guiding and educating, and the importance of diverse recruitment in camp staff. Dr. Breunig also discusses her research interests, including neoliberalism in education and leisure as the center of community. The episode concludes with insights into social justice education and the impact of outdoor education on both students and staff. 00:19 Meet the Hosts and Dr. Breunig’s Journey07:04 Current Research and Interests10:05 Kickball as Community and Introduction to Neoliberalism15:31 Teaching Social Justice to Disenfranchised Students19:39 Putnam's Theory on the Decline of Community22:15 Outdoor Education in the DNA of Camp24:23 Holding a Non-profit Ethos in a For-profit Business26:05 Case Study: Extroversion and Introversion in Camp Staff32:14 Future Plans and Reflections34:09 Recommended Researchers to Follow & Episode Wrap-upYour Hosts Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.comTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.proDr. Mary Breunig - Associate Professor, Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration - CSU-Sacramento - mary.breunig@csus.eduAdditional Links of Interest Dr. Mary Breunig on Google Scholar Thanks to our sponsors! The American Camp Association - Illinois The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org. Camptivities You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.  Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.

    39 min

  5. 04/02/2025

    Camp as a Sacred Playground: Research in Faith-Based Camps - with Dr. Jake Sorenson - The Pudding #17

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/camp-as-a-sacred-playground Creating Safe Spaces to Explore Faith & IdentityIn this episode of The Pudding, hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison speak with Jake Sorenson, founder and director of Sacred Playgrounds, to explore the impacts of Christian summer camps. Jake, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience, explains how Sacred Playgrounds uses data to tell compelling stories and improve camp and youth ministries. The conversation delves into the five fundamental characteristics of effective Christian faith-based camps: being unplugged from home; participatory; relational; a safe space; and faith-centred. For camps that are not faith-based, what is that alternative fifth pillar of effectiveness? Jake discusses the importance of creating environments where campers feel safe to explore big questions about faith and identity. Jake, also, emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in camp practices.  Episode Guide 00:41 Meet the Hosts and Jake’s Sacred Playgrounds02:52 The Concept of Ministry in Camps06:42 Jake's Personal Journey and Research Focus09:39 Key Characteristics of Christian Summer Camps16:16 Fostering Intentional Camp Experiences & Reimagining Camp Traditions26:16 Creating Safe Spaces in Faith-Based Camps30:50 The Power and Vulnerability of Camp Leadership38:45 Metrics of Success in Camping45:19 Recommended Researchers to Follow & Episode Wrap-upYour Hosts Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.comTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.proDr. Jake Sorenson, Founder, Sacred Playgrounds -  jake@sacredplaygrounds.comThanks to our sponsors! The American Camp Association - Illinois The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org. Camptivities You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

    47 min

  6. 03/05/2025

    Decoding How Camp Helps Kids Find Themselves - with Dr. Barry Garst - The Pudding #16

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/decoding-how-camp-helps-kids-find-themselves Hearing Youth Voices in Camp Research with Dr. Barry GarstIn this episode of 'The Pudding', hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison delve into the work of Dr. Barry Garst, a Professor at Clemson University in Youth Development Programs. Dr. Garst shares his journey into camp research, discussing his background and various projects that analyze the transformative impact of camp on youth development. The discussion also explores the importance of digital empathy for connecting campers and staff. Dr. Garst also highlights the Journal of Youth Development's role in bridging research and practice in youth development and offers insights on key issues that need more attention in camp studies.  Episode Guide 00:56 Meet Dr. Barry Garst: Youth Development Expert04:02 Exploring the Identity Ladder of Social Learning09:09 Camp’s Impact Long-Term & Emerging Issues in Research16:58 Digital Empathy and the MyView Tool22:21 Data Collection and Analysis Challenges31:57 Researcher Parents’ Perspective on Camper Data Collection45:41 The Journal of Youth Development51:29 Recommended Researchers to Follow & Episode Wrap-upYour Hosts Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.comTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.proDr. Barry Garst, Professor & Coordinator - Clemson University - bgarst@clemson.eduAdditional Links of Interest Dept of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at Clemson University https://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/departments/prtm/index.htmlJournal of Youth Development https://jyd.pitt.edu/ojs/jydAlliances for Camp Health https://allianceforcamphealth.org/American Camps Association- Research Evaluation Advisory Council https://www.acacamps.org/research/help-camp-research/research-evaluation-advisory-committeeThanks to our sponsors! The American Camp Association - Illinois The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org. Camptivities You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

    59 min

  7. 02/05/2025

    Building Sustainable Camps: The JCamp 180 Model - with Herschel Singer - The Pudding #15

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/building-sustainable-camps Insights into JCamp 180’s Camp Research and Consulting ModelIn this episode, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison talk to Herschel Singer from JCamp 180 about the critical work being done by his organization in supporting Jewish camps across North America, focusing on organizational effectiveness and financial sustainability. Herschel shares his thoughts about the economic landscape of camping, the importance of data-driven yet context-aware decision-making, and the trends observed from their research, particularly regarding costs, revenue, and deferred investments. He offers a refreshing take on the importance of understanding parent dynamics in camping and hints at the broader impact of implementing a data culture among camp professionals. Episode Guide 00:41 Meet the Hosts and Guest 01:08 Herschel Singer's Journey into Research03:27 Overview of JCamp 18005:58 Research Methodologies and Applications09:54 Economic Landscape and Financial Sustainability12:27 Impact of Research on Camps19:43 Trends and Challenges in Camp Staffing21:37 Deferred Investments and Resilience25:43 The Role of Parents in Camping29:52 Conclusion and Contact InformationYour Hosts Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.comTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.proHerschel Singer, Consultant - JCamp 180 - hsinger@hgf.orgThanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - Illinois The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org. Camptivities You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

    31 min

  8. 01/08/2025

    A Question of Value: The Economic Impact of Camps - with Eli McClain - The Pudding #14

    Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/a-question-of-value How do you Define “Camp” and its Economic Impact?On this episode of The Pudding, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison dive into the economic impact study of the camp industry with researcher Eli McClain, of the Restorative Economics Group. They talk about his process of working with a team of researchers and students to collect data from over 20,000 camps across the United States, and how this $70 billion dollar industry ripples out into the wider community. Eli also touches on how “camp” is defined for the purposes of this study, and additional questions for future research that came up in the course of writing their report, including the question of how seasonal employment in the camping industry prepares you for full time careers in both camping and other industries. Resources from this episode: National Economic Impact Study of the Camp Industry - Episode Guide 00:00 Meet the Hosts and Guest00:36 Eli McClain's Journey into Research08:31 Defining the Camp Industry13:30 From Data Points to Camp Operator Data Collection17:53 Key Findings and Insights from the Economic Impact Study21:15 Future Research Directions with the Magic Wand of Camp Research24:44 Recommended Researchers to Follow & Episode Wrap-up- Your Hosts Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.comTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.proEli McClain - Researcher, Restorative Economics Group- Thanks to our sponsors! The American Camp Association - Illinois The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org. Camptivities You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

The sweet proof of research to back up what you already know about summer camp. Join Travis Allison and Dr. Mandi Baker as they focus in on prominent and emerging research in the summer camp world and share the ways that camp professionals can leverage that research to get more kids to camp.The Pudding is part of the Go Camp Pro podcast network. Find a Podcast for Camp Pros of every age and stage at https://gocamp.pro/podcasts

Information

  • Creator
    Go Camp Pro
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Pudding
  • Show Website
    The Pudding