Creating Belonging - With Kate Kelly - Intentionally Intentional Leaders

Written By Rachel Kent

The Everyday Practices That Shape Camp Culture

What does it really take to create a culture of belonging at camp? In this episode, Kate Kelly of Camp Weequahic shares practical lessons on gratitude, intentional staff training, family communication, and the “thousand tiny decisions” that build trust over time. From nightly bunk logs to pre-camp postcards and a 25-year gratitude practice, Kate offers thoughtful ideas that camp leaders can put into action right away. Listen for a refreshing reminder that belonging isn’t created through one big initiative, it’s built through countless small, intentional choices.

  • 02:42 How The Game Works

  • 03:39 Childhood Freedom Bikes

  • 07:27 Leadership Models Coaches

  • 11:57 Enrollment Trust Lessons

  • 13:44 The Happys Gratitude Book

  • 19:57 Insight Voices To Turn Down

  • 21:49 Preparing Families Postcards

  • 23:55 Demystifying Camp Fears

  • 25:20 Efficiency vs Culture

  • 25:50 Teen Night Owl Experiment

  • 27:05 Why Bunk Logs Matter

  • 28:47 Finding the Camp Sweet Spot

  • 29:38 Taking It Less Seriously

  • 31:07 Training Intentional Staff

  • 39:01 Belonging and Small Gestures

  • 41:03 Legacy and Gratitude

  • 42:27 Saying No for Culture

  • 44:09 Parents as True Partners

Your Hosts

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Camptivities

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Rachel Kent