Campy Hour

We're thrilled to have Amber Carroll (Director of Summer Programs at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy) join us on this week's episode of Campy Hour! We chat with Amber about how her career has evolved, including her time with YMCA of Greater Boston, Tenacity, and Emerson College. We also dive into Amber's work as a Youth Services Counselor, and how it informs the programming she creates and delivers today. Along the way, we talk hockey, puzzles, Cheez-Its versus Goldfish, and the power of camp narratives. If you like campy camp people, you're going to love Amber!

We're joined this week by Karen McCann McClelland, Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs at Sidwell Friends School and Senior Advisor for the Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative (SPARC). We talk with Karen about her path to Sidwell, her evolving role with the school, and her approach to succession planning. We also explore how Karen's consulting, coaching, and strategic work with SPARC helps her stay connected to her "why," and her approach to engagement on the professional conference circuit. In our "Off the Clock" segment, we learn about Karen's favorite things outside of the world of auxiliary programs. It's a can't-miss conversation with Karen, an amazing human being who helps shape the direction of our field!

Meet Chanel Sudds, Auxiliary Programs Manager at Open Window School, and hear how her journey from after-school programs to camp leadership shaped her passion for creating meaningful experiences. Chanel shares how finding belonging at camp changed her path and why authenticity is her secret to building strong connections with campers and staff. We dig into the power of community, creating environments where everyone thrives, and what it really means to lead in a camp setting. Along the way, Chanel develops her dream camp staff (with a twist). Summer runs on Chanel energy!

Join us as we explore the innovative programs and leadership insights of Dan O'Neil (Director of Auxiliary Programs at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA). Dan shares the steps in his entrepreneurial journey from Dan's Donut Delivery to becoming a leader in the world of independent school auxiliary programs. Topics include brave camp branding, team-building philosophies, launching cutting-edge auxiliary programs, and hosting a World Cup training site.

In the pilot episode of Campy Hour, hosts Michael Carmody and Katie Peterson explore the origins, mission, and vision of their camp-focused podcast. They share insights on community building, camp innovation, and the power of storytelling in the camp industry.