The Intentional Camp - with Michael Brandwein - The Camp Owners Podcast #66
Michael Brandwein on "The Intentional Camp": Making Your Mission Matter
What's the secret to running a camp that truly changes lives? Michael Brandwein joins Howie Grossinger and Kelly Schuna to answer that question, sharing wisdom from his new book, "The Intentional Camp." This isn't just another conversation about fun and games; it's a deep dive into how camp owners can be incredibly intentional about developing character qualities in their campers. Brandwein challenges the "camp is magic" idea and offers concrete steps to make every activity—yes, even tie-dye!—a tool for growth. You'll hear practical tips for staff training, marketing your camp's purpose, and creating a camp culture where everyone understands the "why" behind what they do. Prepare to be inspired to make your camp more than just a summer experience, but a place where young people become their best selves.
Highlights:
07:37 The Intentional Camp: Book Introduction
11:11 The Magic of Camp and Intentionality
14:06 Implementing Intentional Practices at Camp
17:10 Engaging Staff and Leadership
28:28 Purposeful Picking and Training Techniques
39:07 Communicating Camp Values in Interviews
41:03 Pre-Camp Preparation and Partnering
44:51 Building Connections Among Staff
57:05 Marketing Your Camp's Unique Value
01:05:00 Rapid Fire Questions with Michael Brandwein
-
Links from this episode
Michael’s books, including his newest, The Intentional Camp: Putting More Muscle in the Mission of Character and Youth Development, are at www.michaelbrandwein.com/store
For staff or leadership team training this year, you can contact him at mail@michaelbrandwein.com
Information about getting your Leadership Team trained at Michael’s upcoming live May webinar on staff supervision is at www.acail.org/michaelbrandweinYou can follow Michael on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at michaelbrandweinspeaker
-
Your Hosts:
Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com
-
Thanks to our sponsors:
CampBrain
Celebrating 30 years, CampBrain camp management software not only provides a great tool and caring support for your best ever workdays, but a delightful registration experience for parents. Discover what more than 1800 camps know and how you can love your software too, visit https://www.campbrain.com/ownerspod
Camptivities
Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools, designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com