Dr. Mandi Baker

We are excited to introduce you to Mandi! She is co-hosting our The Pudding podcast with Travis.

Mandi is a passionate researcher and lecturer with a special interest in the emotional demands, people skills, and power-relations of people-centric service work. She explores these concepts in organized outdoor experiences, youth & community development, recreation and leisure contexts. Her work explores everyday work experiences through sociological concepts to offer fresh insights into ethical and just employment, leadership and education.

Mandi currently teaches at Brock University and the University of Waterloo. She holds an adjunct position with the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock and the Research Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing at Torrens University Australia. She is an editor for the Journal of Youth Development and the World Leisure Journal and serves internationally on peak camp association councils. Mandi also runs Lamped Research and training consultancy, which you can find at lampedresearch.com

About Mandi

Where did you go to camp as a child? Camp Ganadaoweh in Ontario

What's your favourite thing to lead at camp? Greasy Watermelon or Craft

Who was the first non-parent/teacher adult who made you feel noticed and appreciated? How did they do that? Muriel McMahon, my youth group leader, by writing a story about me for her Master's thesis and then letting me read it so I could see myself through her eyes.

What Quote/phrase best describes your camp philosophy? Get 'er done! (Larry the Cable Guy)

What smell always reminds you of camp? White Pine and wet socks/shoes

What is your favourite meal at camp? Homemade macaroni and cheese, jello and taco buffet

What is something that not a lot of camp people know about you? I'm an introvert, so I can find camp hard after a couple of days. I enjoy peopling, but it makes me tired.

What is your go-to act in the camp talent show? I'm much happier in the audience, although even that is tough because I get nervous for the performers. My favourite part of children's performances, though, is that one wild kid that's grooving entirely to their own beat! That brings me oodles of joy!