S1 E8: Democracy, HIstory, and Camp
We're getting a little historical and a little political this episode, and we're not sorry. Camp is rooted in democratic process - one built on participation, shared decision making, and shared outcomes. The space we create has the potential to actually impact...
A Place at the table
The simplest and the greatest joy: time together with loved ones. This blessing was mine on Thanksgiving Day. We had not been together for two years, but there we were: gathered around a single table. Both of my parents were there. Both of my brothers were there,...
S1 E7: Conference Recaps + Why In-Person Matters for Camp
Did you make it to the UMCRM or LOM Annual Confererences? The Sacred Playgrounds team did, and in addition to hearing valuable things from conference presenters and conversations, we paid some attention to the spirit of camp leaders right now, and how important it was...
S1 E6: Interview with UMCRM Director Jessica Gamache
Meet Jessica Gamache, Director of the United Method Camp and Retreat Ministries Association, an organization connecting more than 180 camp and retreat ministries across the country. Jessica has been leading this association since 2019, and in addition to hearing her...
S1 E5: The B-Word: Bullying
Camp has the power to help heal society. That's powerful. The research says bullying has increased in prevalence in the past few years, with a breakdown in positive public discourse, online pathways to saying what shouldn't be said, and a pandemic that stunted social...
S1 E4: Camp + Leadership
We've always FELT like there was a connection between camp experiences and leadership development. Let's take a look at some data to see if we were right. The Camp and Church Leadership Project explored being a camper and/or a camp staff member, along with a handful...
S1 E3: Camp2Congregation
If you're a camp person, you'd love to pick camp up and take it on the road with you wherever you go. That's effectively what we get to do in traveling day camps, a way for the camp experience to go on the road and, in partnership with churches and their leaders, give...
S1 E2: COvid-19 & Camp
Good news. The glass is way more than half full for outdoor ministry. We're talking Covid-19 and the effect this pandemic has had on outdoor ministry. What changed, how were camps able to operate safely, and what did we learn? This episode, you'll find us...
S1 E1: Our Origin Story & the ECP
Here's the Sacred Playgrounds Podcast launch episode! Dr. Jake Sorenson, Lead Researcher and Founder of Sacred Playgrounds, shares its origin story, down to the seminary coffee shop conversation that ended up where most good ideas start, with the phrase "maybe you...
Podcast Launch Trailer
Camp enthusiast, this podcast is for you! We're sharing the latest research in outdoor ministry, learning how to apply it in your own sacred spaces, and telling a good camp story or two. Welcome to the Sacred Playgrounds podcast.
New Life from Death at Camp
We made it up the mountain at midday. It was the day after camp ended. Most of the summer staff had already departed, and the rest were packing up. Exhaustion was in the air, almost palpably. I distinctly remember the feeling. After weeks of expending tremendous...
Sacred Playgrounds has arrived!
At long last, a project that was nearly a decade in the making has made it to print! From the back cover: Sacred Playgrounds explores the wisdom of camping ministry for Christian education and faith formation, examining its rich history and fundamental characteristics...