Maslow and Turner’s Take on Transformation from Camp’s “Magic” - with Star Wilkes - The Pudding #21
Unpacking the Transformative Power of Summer Camps for Staff
In this episode, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison interview Star Wilkes, Lecturer in Special Education, Disability, and Inclusion Studies at the University of Wolverhampton. Star shares her journey from working at a special needs camp in America to becoming a researcher and university lecturer in the UK. She explains her research based on sending her students to work for an American camp. Drawing on surveys, weekly journal entries and interviews, Star explores the links between liminal communities (Turner) and “peak experiences” (Maslow). Star reflects on the importance of reflective practices and mentoring cultures in enhancing the camp experience for staff and campers alike. The episode concludes on Star's future plans to publish her findings and explore the recipe for “camp magic” further.00:19 Meet the Hosts and Star’s Journey to Camp Research
08:51 Star’s Study on Camp Staff Diaries
11:15 Unpacking the Concept of Liminality (Turner)
22:01 Durkheim’s “Collective Effervescence”
24:59 Maslow’s “Peak Experiences”
29:39 Star’s Students at Camp & Further Research Goals
35:53 Key Weeks with Shared Experiences
37:12 Future Directions & Episode Wrap-up
Your Hosts
Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
Star Wilkes, Lecturer in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion Studies, University of Wolverhampton - S.Wilkes2@wlv.ac.uk
Thanks to our sponsors!
The American Camp Association - Illinois
The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.
Camptivities
You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.
