The Podcast
We're exploring the horizons of outdoor ministry from behind the mic. We're turning the latest research and insights on camp into stories and action steps for camp and connected ministry leaders and enthusiasts like you. subscribe
S4 E17: More or Less? 7 Insights from the OMC Director Survey
Some things are up, some things are down, some are holding steady, and it all has meaning and impact for how we can make informed decisions and tell impactful stories for this summer and in the months ahead. We've pulled out seven key insights from the 2024-2025 OMC...
S4 E16: Trending, Bending, or Ending: Camp Trends Over the Past 25 Years
The more things change, the more they stay the same? The only constant is change? If you’re not riding the wave of change, you’ll find yourself underneath it? Whatever your cliché du jour, the truth is, things aren't the same as they were a quarter century ago, and...
S4 E15: The Key to Fostering Faithfulness in Summer Staff
Where will they find spiritual grounding, these summer staff members of ours? These emerging adults that truly make ministry happen at our camps; what does it take to equip and encourage practicing faithfulness in their lives while they are at camp, and foundational...
S4 E14: 10 Tips for Pre-Camp Prep That Impacts Experience & Outcomes
Good news! Camps are, in general, keeping parents satisfied with the level of communication and preparation prior to camp. We learn that much in this week's #StatOfTheWeek. And, there's an opportunity to go beyond satisfactory amounts of information, to a noticeable...
S4 E13: Tips for Summer Staffing in 2025
2025 summer camp staffing is top of mind, heart, and task list for many camp leaders right now. We're in the heart of recruiting season, pre-camp prep time is on the horizon, our staff training schedules are maybe beginning to materialize, and our plans for the summer...
S4 E12: People Skills & Peer Ministry at Camp with Lyle Griner
The most impactful ministry just might happen in the under-programmed times, the times sitting by the well (or the campfire) hearing someone's story. When we give our staff members, and even campers themselves, the "how" - meaning the skills and the practice in...
S4 E11: Character at Camp
Self-confidence. Leadership. Resilience. Faith in daily life. These are all character traits we measure. There is real data that says camp in exceptional at building character through the highly experiential, highly relational programs you offer. And that's a good...
S4 E10: Why Camp? From the Perspective of Moms, Church Leaders, and Camp Enthusiasts
Answer: because kids need a safe place to __________________.Question: Why Camp? This question matters to you, camp or church leaders, because it's a question the parents in your world are asking. They have to, for one reason or another. It's because they have a lot...
S4 E9: 2025 New Year’s Resolutions for Camp
Campy New Year! Our 4th annual New Year's resolutions for camp episode is here! We have a blast with this each year, and we've got 5 fresh data-backed resolutions for camps and their leaders in the year ahead. Here is your keyword teaser: Scripture Enthusiasts Cabin...
S4 E8: Jesus is Coming…to Camp
Happy Advent and Merry Christmas from our sacred playgrounds to yours! We're donning Christmas hats and embracing Advent as we prepare for Jesus to come...to camp! This season reminds us that our ministries have audiences of influence - those we serve, those who serve...
S4 E7: Camp Director Perspectives – Interviews with 4 Current Camp Leaders at Camp Conferences
Leaders who thrive learn from other leaders. Recently, Jake and Jared got to participate in and lead workshops at annual camp conferences for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries and the Campfire Collective (PCCCA, OMA-UCC, OMI, + more). They had the chance to sit down with 4...
S4 E6: Leading a Christian Camp After Election Day
Sometimes we love to hang out in our camp bubble, don't we? Sometimes even so far as to, at least in part, shut out the outside world. It makes sense, because there's something special about camp being set apart. And yet, we're part of an ecosystem, a culture, a...
