SCamp Life: The Other Side

Episode 48: Not All Camp “Grit” is Healthy

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:30:00 -0400

What responsibility do camp leaders have in shaping workplace culture, and what happens when that culture turns toxic? In this episode of SCamp Life: The Other Side, Kelie and Shauna sit down with Katie Grenci to explore the realities of toxic leadership in camp settings. Katie reflects on her experience as a manager, the warning signs she encountered, and the lasting impact on both staff and campers. This episode doesn’t just tell a story; it challenges leaders to reflect, do better, and actively create environments where people can thrive.

Katie’s Contact: Katie Grenci

Episode 47: She has legs, ya’ll!: Meeting IRL @ the Women in Camp Summit

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:50:00 -0400

What happens when two podcast hosts who’ve only known each other virtually finally meet in real life? In this episode, Kelie and Shauna take you to the Women in Camp Summit, where they met in person for the first time. They swap stories, reflect on standout sessions, and talk about why spaces created by women in camp for women in camp are so powerful. If you love professional development, camp people, and a little behind-the-scenes reflection, this one’s for you.

Episode 46: The Night the River Rose

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:53:00 -0400

Trigger Warnings: Child death, drowning, religious trauma.

This episode investigates the deadly overnight flood at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas. We break down the events leading up to the tragedy, the emergency failures that left campers vulnerable, and the long-standing flood-warning and safety gaps that contributed to the loss of life. Drawing on verified reporting, survivor accounts, and public records, we examine what went wrong — and what must change to protect young people in the future.

Timeline Link

New Season, Who dis?

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Kelie and Shauna are back behind the mic for a brand-new season of SCampLife: The Other Side! In this opening episode, the duo catch up after a whirlwind summer—swapping stories, sharing lessons learned, and laughing through the highs (and the chaos) of camp life. Plus, Kelie drops a big announcement you won’t want to miss!

Episode 44: Tri-State Tales & Tangents

Tue, 20 May 2025 09:20:00 -0400

Kelie is back from the American Camp Association Tri-State Conference, and she’s bringing all the energy (and a few unexpected side quests) to this episode! Join Kelie and Shauna as they dive into Kelie’s favorite sessions, biggest takeaways, and ideas that camp professionals won’t want to miss. Of course, it wouldn’t be The Other Side without a few classic “Squirrel!” moments—because when camp people talk, things are bound to get a little off-trail.

Episode 43: Camp Counsel (But Not That Kind)

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:25:00 -0400

Hosts Kelie and Shauna break down how executive orders, local laws, and policy changes could impact the camp industry. From staffing regulations to funding shifts, they explore what camp professionals need to know—without the legal jargon. But let’s be clear: they’re not lawyers, and this isn’t legal advice—just two camp pros with microphones trying to make sense of the rules that shape our summers.

LINKS

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Episode 42: Building Neurodiverse Teams: ADHD as a Strength in the Camp Industry

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:58:00 -0400

In this episode, hosts Kelie and Shauna continue the conversation on embracing ADHD in camp leadership with special guests Travis Allison (GoCampPro) and Kate Taylor (Camp Industry Consultant). This is Part 2 of our discussion—catch Part 1 over on Camp Hacker!

We dive into ADHD as a superpower in the camp world, how to recognize ADHD in your staff, practical tools to support neurodivergent team members, and share personal stories of navigating camp life with ADHD. Whether you have ADHD, work with someone who does, or just want to build a more inclusive, strengths-based team, this episode is for you!

Tune in now and let’s rethink what it means to lead with ADHD!

LINKS

Episode 41: Behavior Policies Aren’t Just for Campers?! Navigating Caregiver Expectations with Emily Golinsky

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:42:00 -0400

Policies and procedures aren’t just for campers—they apply to caregivers too! In this episode, Kelie and Shauna welcome back Emily Golinsky of Bright Moose Training to dive into the world of behavior policies and procedures for both campers and their grown-ups. They break down the difference between a policy and a procedure, discuss when to be flexible, and explore how to balance empathy for upset caregivers while maintaining boundaries and respect for staff. Whether you’re a camp pro, educator, or youth program leader, this episode will give you the tools to navigate tricky conversations with confidence.

Bright Moose Training

Trackers Earth Camp “Because Knives” Behavior Policy

Michael Brandwein American Camp Association, IL Merch

Episode 40: Behind the Scenes of Camp Management

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Shauna is out with the flu, so Kelie takes the lead and sits down with Dr. Chad Nelson to dive into the fascinating history and ever-changing industry of summer camp. They tackle the big question—is camp a real job?—and share invaluable advice for current, veteran, and new camp managers and directors. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you thrive in the camp industry!

LINKS

Dr. Chad Nelson Bio and Contact Info

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Episode 39: It’s Camper Registration Season!

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 21:41:00 -0400

It’s camper registration season! What are parents and caregivers looking for in a camp? Who makes the final decision about which camp to attend? How much communication is too much communication? Kelie and Shauna chat with Courtney Russell, camp parent, to answer all of your burning questions. Listen in as Courtney dishes the downlow on camp choices and Shauna goes on a soapbox about providing as much information as you can to the camp director.

Episode 38: Little Ways to Appreciate Your Staff While Also Building Staff Culture

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:23:00 -0400

It’s almost hiring season and to save future you some time, so Kelie and Shauna have staff on their mind. In this episode, our hosts share the ways they like to show appreciation to their staff and also share how it builds their staff culture. Kelie and Shauna also share how they implement these staff moments so they are easy to duplicate at your camp!

Show Notes

Episode 37: We Asked, You Submitted! Time for Camp Counselor Confessions

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:41:00 -0400

In this fun and revealing episode, Kelie and Shauna dive into the hilarious and sometimes shocking, shared by listeners, "Counselor Confessions." From pranks gone wrong to heartwarming moments with campers, current and former counselors spill their best-kept camp secrets, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the antics of camp counselor life.

LINKS

Episode 36: Our 2024 Summer Recap

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 12:22:00 -0400

Kelie and Shauna ARE BACK! In this episode, they recap their AMAZING summers and absolutely GUSH about their 2024 Staff. Shauna shares the celebrity children she had as campers and Kelie finally has a great summer after last year’s fiasco of a season.

Full Show Notes

Ep 35: Understanding Bullying vs. Conflict with Emily Golinsky

Thu, 09 May 2024 08:37:00 -0400

In this episode, Kelie and Shauna are joined by Emily Golinsky from Bright Moose Training to discuss the crucial differences between bullying and conflict in youth programs, camps, and schools. Emily shares insights on how to recognize the signs of both, strategies for prevention, and handling conflicts effectively. The conversation explores real-world applications of these strategies, the importance of educating staff and parents, and the role of restorative practices in resolving conflicts. The episode also touches on the unique social dynamics among children post-pandemic and addresses common scenarios faced by camp staff.

Links:

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 34: Elevating Staff Training at Camp

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:42:00 -0400

This episode dives into the transformative approaches Kelie and Shauna are implementing for staff training at their respective camps. From reinventing traditional methods to integrating dynamic activities. The conversation reflects on past experiences, anticipates future challenges, and explores strategies to enhance the camp experience for both staff and campers, highlighting the importance of adaptability, engagement, and fun in staff development.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 33: Lights, Camera, Campfire - Camp in Media

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 12:15:00 -0400

Kelie and Shauna explore the portrayal of camp in movies, TV shows, and documentaries, touching on both fiction and non-fiction. They discuss the accuracy and cultural impact of camp-themed media, sharing their personal experiences and critical perspectives as camp professionals. The episode highlights a variety of titles, including 'Camp Nowhere', 'Heavyweights', 'The Parent Trap', and 'Bug Juice', alongside discussions on the darker aspects of camp portrayals such as in 'Hell Camp'.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 32: Insights and Takeaways from Tri-State Camp Conference

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:24:00 -0400

Kelie and Shauna discuss their recent experiences and key takeaways from the ACA Tri-State Camp Conference. They touch on their busy travel schedules, staffing updates, and a variety of sessions attended at the conference. Highlights include discussions on staff recruitment, dealing with camper and staff behavior, the importance of respect over hierarchy, and innovative ideas for camp traditions and staff training. They also mention valuable resources like Project Real Job's TikTok and the Greetings of Gratitude app. Personal anecdotes and analogies like using the Kleenex box before the toolbox in conflict resolution provide practical advice for camp directors. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the closing keynote by Katie Sowers and the impact of conference takeaways on preparing for the upcoming camp season.

Links:

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 31: Exploring Camp Traditions: A Rapid Fire Discussion

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:26:00 -0400

Hosts Kelie and Shauna, after a series of serious episodes, decide to lighten the mood by introducing a fun, rapid-fire segment focused on camp traditions. Utilizing a wheel to randomize selections, they explore their experiences and thoughts on a variety of camp traditions, such as the Apache Relay, family/parent days, awards for campers and staff, the use of indigenous names, special birthday acknowledgments, the transfer of ashes ceremony, and the iconic Color War. Each tradition prompts a discussion that touches on the fun, the problematic aspects, and potential improvements. This episodic journey through camp culture not only reminiscences about the hosts' camp experiences but also critically examines traditional practices within the camp setting.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 30: Understanding Mass Violence and Its Impact on Children in Camps with Shane Meserve

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 13:50:00 -0400

In this episode, Kelie and Shauna, are joined by Shane Meserve, a consultant and trainer on mass violence and child abuse prevention, for a discussion on the topic of mass violence and its impact on children and camps. The episode focuses on ways in which programs like camps can aid in prevention, utilization of trauma-informed care, and maintaining a safe environment for the children. The hosts also discuss techniques to manage the aftermath of a mass violence event and look at how these incidents may leave trauma on younger children. Shane emphasizes the importance of having mental health resources and maintaining communication with parents. The discussion wraps up with helpful resources that are linked below.

Links

Shane's email and Linked In
National Mass Violence Resource Center www.nmvvrc.org
National Child Traumatic Stress Network www.nctsn.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association www.samhsa.gov
Books
Disaster Planning and Preparedness in Early Childhood and School-Age Settings by Charlotte Hendricks
Trigger Points: Inside the Mission to Stop Mass Shootings In America by Mark Follman
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 29: Understanding Gen Z: Trauma-Informed Care in Camp Settings

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:30:00 -0400

Kelie and Shauna are joined by Claire Griffith, a recreation specialist working with cognitively impaired individuals. Claire addresses trauma informed care within a camp setting, stressing the importance of safety, trust, transparency, peer support, and collaboration, and acknowledging cultural, historical, and gender issues. They explore how trauma informed care can influence Gen Z, considered the first generation heavily into online and social media, and touches on how managers and older generations can often hinder progress with mindsets of 'it was hard for me, so it should be hard for you.' Claire also underlines the necessity of setting clear boundaries in management roles and models the evolution of trauma informed care moving forward with newer generations.

Links:

Clair's Instagram - @claire.griff17

Ep 28: Insider's Look: Women in Camp Summit 2023 - Conversations and Takeaways

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:44:00 -0400

In this episode, Shauna gives a detailed rundown of her experiences at the Women in Camp Summit 2023, also known as WICS. The episode includes discussions on several important topics including the significance of intersectionality in camping, the importance of transparency in job descriptions to accommodate neurodivergent individuals, trauma-informed management, and the impact of privilege. The conversation includes insightful discussions between Shauna and Kelie and highlights some inspirational presenters from the summit.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 27: The Other Side of Rethinking the Counselor

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 15:08:00 -0400

In this episode, Kelie and Shauna give a different take on the Summer Camp Society’s November 14th episode: Rethinking the Counselor Role.

Links:

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 26: Camp is for the Counselor with Joel Van Egbert

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:43:00 -0400

In this episode, Shauna and Kelie get raw with Joel Van Egbert as they discuss ways camp directors can improve the mindset, conditions, and retention rates of camp counselors. #CampJesus

Joel’s email: joel@wildchild.camp

Ep 25: Camp Behavior – It’s Getting Worse

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:17:25 -0400

Kelie and Shauna discuss what they have seen in camper behavior over the last two summers, their experiences, and their ideas to begin combating it.

Ep 24: The Rising Cost of Childcare with Riel Peerbooms

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 15:00:52 -0400

In this episode, Shauna and Kelie talk with Frost Valley CEO, Riel Peerbooms, about the rising childcare cost and how it affects camps.

Links:

Riel Contact: ceo@frostvalley.org

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 23: Staff Training Ideas and Thoughts

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 10:42:20 -0400

This episode was recorded before the 2023 summer season. Shauna and Kelie share their plans for staff training and share some great resources. Take a listen and get some cool ideas for your 2024 staff training.

Links:

Gamestorming: A Playbook for Innovators, Rulebreakers, and Changemakers (book)
How Long To Visiting Day?: Creative Role-Playing for Training Camp Counselors (book)
AhaSlides.com (add polls and Quizzes to live presentations)
Mintimeter.com
M.E.S.H. Resources

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 22: Sticking Points- A Book Review and Discussion of Generations in the Workplace

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 12:52:46 -0400

Shauna and Kelie discuss a recent book they read, Sticking Points by Haydn Shaw about the 4-5 generations that are in the workplace and how it relates to camp!

Ep 21: Our 2023 Summer Recap

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:08:49 -0400

Shauna and Kelie ARE BACK! In this episode, they recap their VERY different summers. Shauna had her best summer EVER, while Kelie had her hardest. Also, find out why we included a photo of a cactus in the show notes.

Ep 20: Consequences of Actions

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 12:44:35 -0400

Kelie and Shauna discuss what constitutes acceptable reasons when to bring a staff member back after they’ve been fired.

Ep 19: Let’s Talk Weed

Fri, 19 May 2023 14:08:09 -0400

Marijuana! Let’s start the conversation that is soon to be a reality in many camps across the country.

Ep 18: Define CAMP!

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:25:04 -0400

Shauna and Kelie talk discuss what the definition of camp should be, and who should be able to call themselves a camp.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 17: Should Pronouns be Mandatory on a Job Application?

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:16:48 -0400

Kelie and Shauna talk with CJ Greco about if pronouns should be something employers should ask on job applications.

Links:

CJ Greco's Instagram - @cj.greco
TheBirdyBunchPodcast.com

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 16: Should We Be Asking Silly Interview Questions?

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 10:58:12 -0400

Kelie and Shauna talk about brain teasers and fun questions during the interview process. Do you ask silly questions when interviewing staff?

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 15: DEI - Bringing it to your Seasonal Staff

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:34:27 -0400

This week Kelie & Natalie sit down with Carmella Montenegro to discuss the best ways to help support our summer staff through real life DEI conversations.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Links:

Here are Carmella Montenegro’s links

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmela-montenegro/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chikychikycarm
Podcast Information: https://notmadjustmisunderstood.podbean.com/
Email: notmadjustmisunderstood@gmail.com

Ep 14: Recapping with First Year Directors

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 10:45:34 -0400

In this episode, Kelie and Natalie reconnect with Jonathan and Sami to recount how their first summer as full time Directors went!

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Links:

Jon’s email: jon@campkadesh
Sami’s email: seron@mdausa.org

Ep 13: Camper Choice vs. Group Rotation

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 08:11:08 -0400

Natalie 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.

Ep 12: Quiet Quitting and Summer Camp

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 20:54:31 -0400

The new “Quiet Quitting” trend is all over social media. Have you thought about how it will affect your hiring process this summer? Natalie and Kelie start the conversation that you should start thinking about with your team.

Ep 11: We’re Back!

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 10:40:09 -0400

Natalie interviews Kelie on her post camp “vacation”. Kelie went back to her home camp to help out, and you’ll never guess what she offered to do!

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 10: The New Director Interview: Overnight Edition

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 11:02:33 -0400

Last episode was Day Camp, this week Overnight. Natalie and Kelie speak with Jonathan DuHamel and Sami Eron as they prepare for their first summer as Camp Directors for overnight camps.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Links:

Jon’s email: jon@campkadesh
Sami's email: seron@mdausa.org

Ep 9: The New Director Interview: Day Camp Edition

Tue, 31 May 2022 14:11:33 -0400

Kelie and Natalie interview a brand new Day Camp Director, Emily Suggs, as she prepares for her first summer as Camp Director.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Links:

Emily’s Email: esuggs@shiawasseeymca.org
Camp Shiawassee

Ep 8: Getting to Know Gen Z with Adam Baranker

Fri, 13 May 2022 14:18:13 -0400

Kelie & Natalie interview Adam Baranker from Jeff Lake Camp about his Gen Z panel he hosted during the ACA Tri-State Conference. Find out what Gen Z needs are when working at camp.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Links:

Ep 7: Why Can’t We Find Staff? Here’s Some Data!

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 00:26:08 -0400

Natalie came up with a great survey for high school students in Alabama. In this episode Kelie and Natalie go over their results as to high school student’s perspectives on seasonal employment. We then ask you to share the following survey with any high schools you know. We will share the data via ScampLife in early May.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Links:

Survey Results (PDF)
Nation Survey: National Seasonal Work Survey (google form)

Ep 6: How has COVID Trauma Effected our Campers with Dr. G

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 17:38:35 -0400

Dr. Deborah Gilboa joins Natalie and Kelie to discuss how the 2020’s have affected our adults and the ripple effect to our youth. This is one episode you don’t want to miss!!

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Links:

Dr. G’s website: askdoctorg.com
StressedtoResilient.com

Ep 5: The UnComfy Safety Restrictions – Height, Weight, and Age

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 13:20:27 -0400

Natalie talks horse world restrictions of height, weight, and age, and Kelie talks about all the other specialized program areas. The two then go into how to empower your staff to stick to your policies.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 4: Are we Preparing our Staff for the Real World?

Sat, 05 Mar 2022 10:09:30 -0400

In this episode Natalie and Kelie discuss if how we treat our staff is truly preparing them for work in the “real world”. From the start of the interview process through holding them accountable… are we doing enough?

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 3: Seasonal Leadership, Why Pay Them More?

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:00:35 -0400

Looking for ways to increase your staff salaries? Aren’t we all! Can you take it from leadership salaries? See how the team feels about the positions of General Counselor vs. Unit Lead. Is it something you can do?

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 2: Are We Asking Too Much of Our Staff?

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 15:03:10 -0400

This week Kelie and Natalie debate about if we as Directors are asking too much of our seasonal staff. Both reflect on their time as seasonal staff comparing to their expectations now in Director roles and how they train staff.

Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?
Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com

Ep 1: Exploring the Other Side of Camp Uniqueness

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 15:30:09 -0400

Kelie Cook and Natalie Hamilton introduce the world to ScampLife: The Other Side, the podcast where they explore questions and topics that may not be the norm. In this first episode Kelie and Natalie discuss if they feel camps are losing their uniqueness.