PODCAST · education
The Camp Program Lab
by Curt Jackson
The Camp Program Lab is a podcast for summer camp professionals who want fresh, practical ideas for creating unforgettable camp experiences.Hosted by Curt and Chris, each episode explores the creative side of camp programming—from games, themes, crafts, special events, and staff training to traditions, trends, and the occasional questionable idea that deserves to be tested.Some episodes offer rapid-fire inspiration you can use immediately. Others take a deeper look at the challenges camp professionals face when building programs, leading staff, and keeping campers engaged.Whether you’re a camp director, program director, activity leader, counselor, or simply someone who loves camp, consider this your place to experiment, borrow ideas, and make good programs even better.Subscribe, head into the lab with us, and discover your camp’s next great idea.
Episodes
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SCP 210: "Zero Editing, People!"
Curt and Chris head back into the Camp Program Lab with another rapid-fire collection of ideas for camp professionals. They explore a new spin on the classic human-knot challenge, a collectible staff-recognition system, a low-cost Mardi Gras bead craft, and ways to encourage campers to…
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SCP 209: "You lost the Bob Ross name. Now you're just Bob Evans!"
Curt and Chris are back around the campfire! After catching up on the past two years, including a million-dollar camp grant, construction and inspection headaches, and the adventure of buying and selling an escape-room business, they introduce a new rapid-fire format focused on practical ideas…
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SCP 208: The Final Episode?
In this farewell episode of 'SCamp Life: The Programming Side,' Curt and Chris reminisce about the podcast's journey since 2019. They recount key moments, favorite episodes, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from over the years. Highlights include the origin story, the introduction of themes and...
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SCP 207: Useful Lessons We've Learned in Our Camp Careers
In their second-to-last episode (?), Curt and Chris dive deep into their rich history of camping experiences. They share invaluable lessons learned from their diverse roles, from being camp counselors to directors, across various camp settings. Highlights include the importance of staff training,...
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SCP 206: Spicing Up Capture the Flag
In this episode, Curt and Chris offer up creative ways to invigorate the classic game of Capture the Flag, offering 20 (19?) unique variations aimed at enhancing gameplay for campers. Their ideas range from incorporating themes and adding special abilities to players, to modifying game mechanics...
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SCP 205: After Hours Activity Ideas for Camp
Curt and Chris explore engaging activities at camp after the sun sets. They share personal stories, offer practical tips for implementing classic nighttime activities like kitchen raids, night swims, and campfire cooking, and offer some more innovative and memorable ideas.
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SCP 204: Magazine Style #11
In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide variety of topics for summer camps. This is their 11th magazine edition. This episode includes a special event idea, program idea, staff idea, new AI tool, some trivia questions, theme ideas, and more.
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SCP 203: Exploring Specialty Camps (Part 2)
In the second installment of their discussion on specialty camp ideas, Curt and Chris share an array of unique camp themes, drawing from both their personal experiences and broader trends. They delve into a variety of specialized camp options, including cooking, survival, archery, scuba diving,...
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SCP 202: Exploring Specialty Camps (Part 1)
In part one, Curt and Chris delve into the world of specialty camps and their significance in offering targeted experiences beyond traditional camping. They discuss the evolution and variety of specialty camps, from music and equestrian camps to coding, robotics, and even escape room camps,...
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SCP 201: 20 Special Guests Suggestions for Your Camp
In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide range of ideas for bringing special guests to camps. They explore the possibility of inviting guests such as wildlife experts, celebrities, local community leaders, scientists, engineers, athletes, craftsmen like blacksmiths, motivational speakers…
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SCP 200: Bringing Entertainers to Camps: A Chat with Academic Entertainment
Chris and Curt welcome Whitney Mueller from Academic Entertainment, who shares her journey with the company from its humble beginnings to becoming a leading provider of entertainers for camps and schools. The episode covers the variety of programs offered, ensuring no camp ever has to endure the...
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SCP 199: The Art of the Mini-Camp
Curt and Chris discuss the concept of mini-camps as an introduction to the main camp for younger kids. They delve into how it gives children a taste of what a traditional overnight camp is like, and how it can help manage homesickness. Chris shares his experience of running a 'discovery camp',...
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Episode 198: Unleashing Your Campers’ Inner Problem Solver: Puzzle Hunts and More
Curt and Chris discuss various puzzle activities that can be a great addition to your camp program. They share their experiences with puzzle hunts, races, and escape rooms, highlighting the appeal of problem-solving over narrative. Four distinct puzzle-based camp activities are detailed including...
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SCP 197: Magazine Style #10
In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide variety of topics for summer camps. This is their 10th magazine edition. This episode includes a special event idea, program idea, staff idea, new AI tool, some trivia questions, theme ideas, and more. Links: Pika.art Stand-Up Paddle Boards ORTUR…
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SCP 196: Great Ways to Thank Your Staff at the End of Summer
In this episode, Curt and Chris ramble on (as they do) about ways to thank the staff and celebrate the end of the summer camp season. From holding an end-of-summer staff party, giving unique gifts like rose quartz or a piece of camp land, to conducting fun activities like a slumber party…
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Episode 195: Water Activities to Keep Your Campers Cool Next Summer
In this festive episode, Curt and Chris discuss pool and water activities, including games that use plastic Easter eggs, tennis balls, and kitchenware. They also give ideas for games like pool tic-tac-toe, slip-and-slide kickball, and Protect the President. Chris also talks about his successful...
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SCP 194: Remix: Camp Wide Games
This week’s episode is a remix from episode 13 way back in 2019. (The Pre-Covid days)! The guys give 8 great ideas for camp-wide games that you can play with the whole camp! This episode is a great listen to update some of your current games!
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SCP 193: Magazine Style Episode #9 (A.I. Edition)
This is the 9th magazine style episode and it’s a little different than the others. Why? Because the ideas the guys talk about are A.I. generated...and many of them are REALLY good.
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SCP 192: 8 Special Events You Should be Offering at Camp
The guys each give 4 camp-wide event ideas you should be offering at your camp. They give a very wide variety from Table-Top Escape Games, to Top Shot Activities, to Art Shows. If you’re looking to fill some time with something awesome, check out this episode for that awesome! Links: How to Run…
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SCP 191: C.A.F.E. Bags
C.A.F.E. Bags, which stands for Challenges, Activities, Feats, and Entertainment, is a brand new idea brought to you by Curt and Chris. These bags work great for rainy days and hot weather days that keep everyone inside. Or you can schedule this as an everyday activity time! The guys give you…
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SCP 190: We’re Back
After a long summer, we are back. Chris and his family have moved to Indiana and are at a new camp. Curt has been on an RV trip around the U.S. for six months. Both guys are exhausted but excited to return to the podcast.
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SCP 189: Remix: Spicing up Rainy Day
This is the episode to listen to now, not when it’s too late! If you host a camp anywhere water falls from the sky, you need to have a plan ready. Unlike the rains down in Africa, these aren’t blessed days. Check out this week’s episode for new ideas (and remixed ideas from episode 11) about what...
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SCP 188: Ideas for Your Pirate Theme Week
If you’re a camp that does themes, a pirate theme is definitely a must! Curt shares some of the greatest ideas from the book he wrote. This episode will give you plenty of ideas to host your own pirate-theme camp! Links: The Pirate Theme Book Pirate Blog Post Kate Backdrops
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SCP 187: Magazine Style Episode #8
Another Magazine Style episode this week! The guys “fast discuss” 10 topics that range from programming ideas to staff to crafts and more! It’s their favorite way to podcast! Links: Fluffy Letters: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRcaw7TL/ Email Roundtable FAQs and Sign-up:...
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SCP 186: Staff Only Activities
Chris and Curt talk about some great activity ideas that are for, wait for it, staff only! That’s right! Doing things specifically for your camp staff is a great way to keep the excitement going all summer! Give this episode a listen for some great ideas to prep for this coming summer!
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SCP 185: Our Favorite Skits
The guys discuss their favorite skits. Some are classics and some are original, but all of them entertain the campers! If you are looking to add skits to your program (we're looking at you, day camps), or you want to add to your library of skits, check out this episode.
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SCP 184: Our ACA National Conference Experience
Chris and Curt attended and spoke at the 2023 ACA National Conference. They talk about what they did on Orlando, the things that they liked, the things they didn't, as well as the things that really frustrated them (like the ACA woman who didn't want to give them chairs for their session).
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SCP 183: Magazine Style Episode #7
Here we go again! This is our 7th Magazine Style episode. Check it out this week for all new answers to their top 10 topics!
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SCP 182: The ACA National Conference is Next Week!
The guys will be at the ACA conference in Orlando next week. They talk about the sessions they may attend, their session (and possible giveaways), and what they'll be doing for fun around Orlando.
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SCP 181: Camp Websites We Like
Chris has a list of camp websites that he likes certain things about. This is the first time Curt has seen them. You'll hear what the guys like about each of these sites...and a few things they don't like. If you're looking to update your camp website, this is a great episode to listen to. Feel...
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SCP 180: Fun Items You Should Be Selling in Your Camp Store
Curt and Chris share their picks of items that they would like to see in a camp store. From challenge coins to Croc charms, they'll discuss a few items you'll consider adding to your camp store offerings. Links: Tenzi Koosh Balls Stickers from StickyBrand Button Supplies Challenge Coins Sleep…
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SCP 179: Summer Camp Themes Based on 2023 Movies
Curt and Chris talk about 2023 movies that can be used as inspiration for camp themes this year, as well as possible activities to go along with the movie themes.
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SCP 178: It’s Story Time with Curt!
In this episode, Curt tells a few stories from his time at camp and a few from other camp professionals. Some are heartwarming and others are amusing.
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SCP 177: Top Shot Ideas for Target Activities
In this episode, Curt and Chris talk about "top shot" ideas to spice up your target activities.
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SCP 176: A New Year - 2023
It's a new year. Curt and Chris talk about life changes (Chris is at a new camp) and what they they are up to as 2023 kicks off.
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SCP 175: I Saw It on TikTok
After hearing Chris mention TikTok in pretty much every episode, they finally decided to dedicate an entire episode for TikTok ideas! Check out this week for some fun and unique camp ideas that Chris found on the app! Be sure to watch the videos by clicking on the link in these show notes below....
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SCP 174: Magazine Style #6
They like doing them so hopefully, you like listening to them! Another Magazine Style episode this week! The guys “fast discuss” 10 topics that range from programming ideas to staff to crafts and more!
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SCP 173: STEM Activities
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maybe Math! Different camps do different things, some even call it Outdoor Education, but it all boils down to learning at Camp! Curt and Chris give some of their favorite STEM activities they do and how to incorporate that into your camp program. Links for…
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SCP 172: New and Fantastic Program Additions?
Curt and Chris look at a very popular post on the Summer Camp Professionals page about Programming. Rich Birch posed the question, "What did you add at camp that was new and fantastic?", and it got a ton of answers! Listen to this week’s episode to hear the guys discuss some of the more popular...
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SCP 171: Remix: Counselor Bag of Tricks
Episode 171 goes back to Episode 2 to “Remix” it! Chris and Curt go all the way back to 2019 to redo an episode they’ve already done! With new ideas, updated stuff, as well as just informing their listeners of great stuff 169 episodes ago, the podcast this week is a blast! Listen in for some…
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SCP 170: Fall Event Ideas
Go beyond Pumpkin painting and Spiced lattes for some unique ideas to do at your camp this fall! Check out this week’s episode where the guys give you tons of great ideas you can easily do! From hayrides to Paint and Sips to Family Camps, listen in for some falltastic stuff!
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SCP 169: Magazine Style Episode #5
Another Magazine Style episode! Check it out this week for all new answers to their top (now 10) topics! Links for the Week Yarn Ball: https://www.homemadesimple.com/in-the-home/diy-yarn-balls/
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SCP 168: Summer Recap with Kelie Cook
The guys welcome back Kelie Cook this week to talk all about her summer. Kelie gives them an update of her summer and lessons she learned from this year. Check out this week for some new ideas from Kelie Cook! Links for the Week SCamp Life Podcast - The Other Side
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SCP 167: Summer Recap with Chris Kallal
Chris and Curt recap Chris’ summer on this week’s episode. Things he learned, things that worked well, things that didn’t work well, and more! Listen to this episode to hear all the highs and lows of Camp Good News Summer 2022! Links for the Week Watercolor Trees:...
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SCP 166: Running an Alumni Program with Jeff Bradshaw
Chris is busy wrapping up camp as we head to the end of the season. So, Curt has decided to replay an edited episode from his old podcast Rec Heads and Camp Nerds where he and Patti McDonald interview the amazing Jeff Bradshaw of Camp Wenonah. This is a GREAT episode for any camp or organization...
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SCP 165: End of Season Staff Ideas
If you’re looking for some great ideas to end the season well with your staff, look no further! Curt and Chris toss up some excellent stuff that they have done (or seen done) at other camps with huge success! If your season has already ended, tuck this podcast away for next year!
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SCP 164: Magazine Style Episode #4
What’s that? Did you hear that Curt and Chris are doing another Magazine Style Podcast? You bet your biscuits you did! Check it out this week for all new answers to their top 9 topics! Special Bonus idea from Carrie this week too! They are still looking for a total of 10 topics. Can you help them...
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SCP 163: Mid-Season Burnout Busters
It’s pretty much a given that there will be at least a little burnout happening at your camp. The guys give some great ideas on how to beat that and keep your staff happy, healthy, and having a great season! These ideas are super easy to implement right now into your summer with very little...
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SCP 162: Magazine Style Episode #3
Curt and Chris are at it again with this popcorn podcasting style. Check it out this week for all new answers to their top 9 topics! They would like 10 topics, but need your help on an idea. Send them your best!
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SCP 161: How Chris’ Summer is Going So Far
After 2 weeks of training and 2 weeks of camp, Chris shares how his summer has been going! Listen to this episode to see what’s new, what’s old, and what’s all going wrong so far!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Camp Program Lab is a podcast for summer camp professionals who want fresh, practical ideas for creating unforgettable camp experiences.Hosted by Curt and Chris, each episode explores the creative side of camp programming—from games, themes, crafts, special events, and staff training to traditions, trends, and the occasional questionable idea that deserves to be tested.Some episodes offer rapid-fire inspiration you can use immediately. Others take a deeper look at the challenges camp professionals face when building programs, leading staff, and keeping campers engaged.Whether you’re a camp director, program director, activity leader, counselor, or simply someone who loves camp, consider this your place to experiment, borrow ideas, and make good programs even better.Subscribe, head into the lab with us, and discover your camp’s next great idea.
HOSTED BY
Curt Jackson
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Camp Program Lab have?
The Camp Program Lab currently has 209 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Camp Program Lab about?
The Camp Program Lab is a podcast for summer camp professionals who want fresh, practical ideas for creating unforgettable camp experiences.Hosted by Curt and Chris, each episode explores the creative side of camp programming—from games, themes, crafts, special events, and staff training to...
How often does The Camp Program Lab release new episodes?
The Camp Program Lab publishes regularly with 209 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Camp Program Lab?
You can listen to The Camp Program Lab on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Camp Program Lab?
The Camp Program Lab is created and hosted by Curt Jackson.
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