The Campfire Effect - with Matt Kaufman - The Camp Owners Podcast #74
Using Brain Chemistry to Engineer Belonging
What if belonging wasn’t left to chance, but intentionally designed? In this episode of The Camp Owners Podcast, Matt Kaufman unpacks “The Campfire Effect,” revealing how camps can use brain chemistry to foster deeper connection, resilience and growth. From navigating homesickness to building powerful staff cultures, this conversation offers practical strategies rooted in the simple idea that stress plus support creates lasting impact. Whether you work in camps, schools or teams, you’ll walk away with actionable ways to create environments where people truly feel they belong.
04:20 Matt’s Camp Origin Story
06:55 Why He Wrote Campfire Effect
10:38 Engineering Belonging at Camp
14:53 Neurochemicals and Dopamine Goals
19:53 Stress Plus Support Equals Growth
24:57 Training Staff to Support Campers
28:50 Camp Beyond Camp
32:13 Belonging Culture Non-negotiables
32:53 Welcoming New Staff Right
39:18 Belonging by Design
41:31 Inspect Your Rituals
44:58 Healthy Dopamine
-
Your Hosts:
Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
-
Your Guests:
Matt Kaufman - Director - Camp Ramaquois
-
Episode Links:
The Campfire Effect: How to Engineer Belonging in a Disconnected World
Thanks to our sponsors:
Whereabouts
Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.
Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io