Sacred Playgrounds Podcast

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 with us, and those we impact, sometimes without even knowing it. On this episode, we'll break down how Jesus comes to camp through these different perspectives and connect those audiences to characters in the Christmas story in scripture, being reminded that whatever we do for these who enter our sacred playground, we do for Jesus himself.Plus, a #QuickQampQuestion on our favorite camp skits. Add yours in the comments anywhere!> Download the #StatOfTheWeekCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

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 camp leaders from different locales and traditions to gather insightful perspectives and stories on 3 key questions. We asked these leaders to:Share something unique or something you love about your camp and/or your roleShare what might be different about camp ministry in 10 yearsShare about a time when you learned something new, applied it to your ministry successfully, and the impact it madeThese leader perspectives and stories match many of yours, and we'd love to hear your answers in the comments on our website, Facebook, or send us a message.Plus, since it's near Thanksgiving in the USA, we've got a whole "pie" chart for the #StatOfTheWeek. Download the graphics here. Come help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

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 community.Last week, election day in the United States brought on emotions and actions and reactions across the spectrum. Many have been wrestling with where we stand, what we stand on, and who we stand for.On this episode, we explore some scripture-based truths around God's call on our lives and ministries, and explore how we lead a Christian camp after an election season like this one.Links Referenced:Article - Treat Camp Conference Like WeddingsRomans 12#StatoftheWeek DownloadCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

What's your favorite scary movie? This week, we're embracing the spooky season with our #QuickQampQuestion. Post yours in the comments on our website, Facebook, or Instagram!On this episode, we've got 3 "scary" things to share about traditions we prioritize and the wellbeing of those we serve. We're sharing one scary story about a still-common camp activity, a scary truth about the campers and staff we work with, and a scary stat about the media and tech-driven realities of adolescents.The truth is, when we create camp spaces that are safe and unplugged, we give campers and families a gift they sometimes didn't even know they needed, or how deeply they needed it.Quick Links:#StatOfTheWeekCampwellCDC Mental Health StatsCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

"The most effective way to get campers this summer is to get last summer's campers to come back."On this episode, Travis Allison from Go Camp Pro joins us to talk through what's actually effective in recruiting and retaining campers and their families. Built from a sense of frustration that so many camp leaders spend so much time, energy, and money on things that don't work, the Camper Recruitment & Retention Playbook by Travis Allison and Joanna Warren Smith lays out why, and most importantly how, to get campers and keep them coming back through clear, effective communication and intentionally improved experience.Plus, we've got a Quick Qamp Question answered from Jake and Travis' decades of camp experience on the strategic focus of staff versus camper experience, and an eye-opening Stat of the Week on professional leadership turnover from the Foundation on Jewish Camps. Note: The context of the statistic quoted in the episode is clarified in the graphic below so be sure to download that!Download the #StatOfTheWeek GraphicRead More in Our Review of the Camper Recruitment & Retention PlaybookGet Your Copy of the PlaybookCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

A meaningful camp experience can be a powerful catalyst for family faith formation. That truth is at the heart of the Rhythms of Faith Project, the Lilly Endowment, Inc. funded project that Wheaton College/HoneyRock and Sacred Playgrounds are partnering on. We've spent the last year taking in current and past writing, qualitative and quantitative data, and powerful stories about the impacts of camping ministries on families and the faith formation rooted in home and church life.On this episode, co-directors Dr. Rob Ribbe and Dr. Jake Sorenson break down 6 promising strategies uncovered in this first phase of the project and share some stories and ways any camp can apply what's been learned so far.We'll also share a deep #QuickQampQuestion about the risks of camp and if they are worth it. Plus, be sure to download our #StatOfTheWeek sharing parent perspectives on if camp should be equipping and influencing faith at home.During the episode, we share one ready-to-take action step is to use the promising strategies infographic as a tool to consider what you may be able to apply in your ministry right now and in the months ahead. Download the infographic kit and read more about the promising strategies here.The Rhythms of Faith Project Phase 2 Sub-grant Request for Proposals is live! Proposals are due October 15, 2024 so be sure to get your camp's submitted to be one of the 9 camps we'll equip and follow for the next 3 years.Come help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

Ministry is about impact. It's what we hope for, plan for, program for, recruit for, market for, evaluate for, and pray for. It's maybe the one thing that aligns the entire outdoor ministry industry. We may not even define impact in the same way (fyi, we don't!). Yet, we're aligned in that our deepest foundational mission is to impact lives for the sake of the Gospel.So how do we measure impact? We assess outcomes, and that's what we're breaking down on this episode. We've taken multiple data sets and layered the learnings to identify 3 major factors that affect camper outcomes, in particular, outcomes that last beyond camp.Plus we've got a quick qamp question about camp becoming church, and be sure to download this episode's #StatOfTheWeek!Quick Links Referenced:Sacred Playgrounds Research HubRhythms of Faith ProjectRhythms of Faith Findings WebinarRhythms of Faith Request for ProposalsEffective Camp ProjectCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

Season 4 of the Sacred Playgrounds Podcast is here! We're back behind the mic and behind the research for another season of camp-centric content focused on leaders like you.On this episode, we'll share a quick what-to-expect from this season, and then dive into what we learned through the Post-Summer Pulse Check survey we launched a few weeks ago. Plus, we've got a quick qamp question about "bugs."This episode is chock-full of stats, so be sure to share and/or download the Pulse Check Results infographic you can find here.Come help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

finale {n.} the last and often climactic event or item in a sequenceIt's the last episode of season 3 of the Sacred Playgrounds Podcast! Whether it's your first time or you've been along for the ride since our first episode, thanks for listening! It's an honor, and a lot of fun, to talk camp with you and for you.On this episode, we'll run through our season 3 episodes with a quick recap and call to listen back to one or more if there's an idea you're focusing on for the summer ahead. We'll also share some of the most helpful stats about what camp is and the clear impact it has. We've got an entire set of shareable graphics for you on this one, designed to be used as either a swipe-style carousel post great for spaces like Instagram, or to be shared individually.Thanks for listening, see you soon for SEASON 4!DOWNLOAD THE #STATOFTHEWEEK GRAPHICSCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

On this episode, we're sharing the mic with a good friend and camp research colleague! We're deeply honored to chat with the Senior Director of Research and Education for the American Camp Association (ACA), Laurie Browne, PhD.Laurie joins us to unpack some key camp research learnings from the big picture at the ACA including important projects like the ACA Youth Impact Study, the Character at Camp Initiative, and the National Economic Impact Study. Not only does she have incredible insight into our industry and ministry, but also makes it accessible and applicable in how she shares it.Listen close, take notes, and know that you, camp friends, are part of an elaborate, impactful ecosystem of youth development, and the research says your role matters.Learn more about ACA Research and get involved at acacamps.org/research.Come help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

Every now and then, I get a little bit restlessAnd I dream of something wild- Bonnie Tyler "Total Eclipse of the Heart"Eclipse week! Epic, singular experiences are our specialty at camp, and yet, how we prepare campers and families for integration of faith in the totality of life is the real heart of our ministry.On this episode, we'll hear the story of Jake and his family's adventure into the path of totality for the April 2024 solar eclipse and draw some interesting, actionable connections with our partnered, integrated, connected ministries. We'll share how  Rhythms of Faith is seeking out how we maximize and harness these connections and share a quick project update on RoF as well.Plus, we'll share some a book recommendation or two in our #QuickQampQuestion and have some fun with eclipse data in our #StatOfTheWeek.PS, don't burn out their (or your) retinas.LEARN MORE ABOUT RHYTHMS OF FAITHDOWNLOAD THE #STATOFTHEWEEKCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

It's launch week for Holy Ground 2024!It's no secret, so says the research, that summer staff are the heart of camping ministry. We know they need support, agency, and faithful community to thrive. That's why we constructed the Holy Ground summer staff guidebook for the third year.On this episode, we'll quickly share the what, how, and why of Holy Ground. Then, the heart of this episode is two conversations we had with special guests Renzi Ricketts, Director of Summer Camp at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center and Pastor Val Teppo, Lead Chaplain from Park River Bible Camp and Red Willow Ministries. They'll share some of the specifics on ways their camp communities use this resource and how it helps provide support for summer staff, and even some other partners.Plus, we've got a #StatOfTheWeek around the impact of resources like this on personal devotion and Bible reading time.LEARN MORE + ORDER HOLY GROUND 2024DOWNLOAD THE #STATOFTHEWEEKCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

Check!We're gearing up,  camp family! For many, it's time to begin forming our plans for staff training, even as we continue to recruit and hire staff. We're bringing you 8(+1) items on a summer staff training checklist to help you frame up a successful, impactful staff training experience that gets your summer staff well-equipped and wisely-prepared.Have an idea to add to this list? Have an idea for a resource for summer staff members? Drop it in the comments wherever you're listening. We'll also dive into what it means and what to do when staff can't make parts of training with our #QuickQampQuestion, and share average weekly counselor salary in our #StatOfTheWeek.DOWNLOAD THE STAT OF THE WEEK GRAPHICCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

We're constantly learning. Every season, we take care of each individual and/or group of camps we work with - creating reports, digging in with consults about the findings, and creating ways to help those insights tell stories. And, we take that data and compile it, looking at it from a higher level with richer numbers of responses. We do this to learn and identify trends across our broad outdoor ministry community.So, we've got 3 interesting, and more importantly, actionable, findings from the collective 2023 camper experience. You'll hear about:The trends on breakdowns in the 5 fundamentals of effective campsThe trend in church engagement and family faith practicesThe experience gap in different types of camper groupsOur #StatOfTheWeek shares a statistically significant story on family church engagement, and our #QuickQampQuestion is one for you or a camp person you know.DOWNLOAD THE #STATOFTHEWEEKCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

We're making a new friend in this episode as we talk with author Maria Warner who wrote a book all about her family's transformational experiences at family camp, a specialized kind of camp that can, as Maria passionately shares, help families thrive. Listen as we hear stories from the book and capture some of the secrets that make family camp work so well, and wonder what might be possible with this kind of experience as a vital part of your outdoor ministry.Embark on a heartwarming journey with the Warner family in 'Family Camp: S'more than a Vacation,' as they rediscover joy, strengthen family bonds, and cultivate a resilient community spirit in the tranquil embrace of nature. This book offers readers an inspiring blueprint for creating their own happy and healthy family connections. This book is for anyone who appreciates the healing power of nature and community. stories of resilience, personal growth, and family dynamics. Maria's memoir resonates with those seeking inspiration or understanding in the face of challenges.Maria Warner is an author based in Arizona with one published book and additional featured short stories and articles. Her memoir focuses on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. In her free time, she enjoys being outside in the mountains and spending time with her family, friends, and adorable shih tsu's.MEET MARIABUY THE BOOKDOWNLOAD THE #STATOFTHEWEEKCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

We're hitting rewind on an episode from last season where we broke down some of what we know about emerging adults today. Knowing who they are, what they care about, and what motivates them makes a big difference in how we connect and communicate with them, especially during the recruiting process.Rev. Anna Sorenson and I will bring some fresh context to this episode, answer a #QuickQampQuestion from the perspective of a camp-enthusiast-and-board-member/pastor/mom of emerging adults, and share a 3-for-1 #StatOfTheWeek.DOWNLOAD THE #STATOFTHEWEEK GRAPHICCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

Camp staff outcomes align remarkably well with the top skills employers identify as most important for the 21st-century workforce, including teamwork, communication skills, leadership, and problem-solving. Being a member of a Christian summer camp staff builds vital skills needed for impactful careers and faithful lives.On this episode, we're breaking down 4 things camp builds in summer staff members that can make a significant difference in their vocations and careers. This is part of the kickoff and continuation of the Camp Builds _______. Campaign we recently launched to equip, inform, and activate influencers in the lives of emerging adults around these career readiness skills and experiences.We've got a whole set of resources for you to join in spreading the good news that camp staff experiences have lasting impact. Use the links below to explore CampBuilds.com, download your kit of ready-to-share assets, share a story of what camp has built for you, and more.VISIT CAMPBUILDS.COMCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

Happy New Year! We're back with our third annual New Year's Resolutions episode! We're sharing 5 fresh resolutions for sacred playgrounds like yours for 2024. Here's what you'll find:Build resumesComplete the circleLook to the starsTransition wellKeep learningWe'll also share a bit about what you can expect from our sacred playground in the year ahead, as we work hard to help camps like yours thrive.We've got a #QuickQampQuestion about the role of intentionality and attitude in the summer camp staff experience, and our #StatoftheWeek is 42%.DOWNLOAD THE STATOFTHEWEEK GRAPHICCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

Merry Christmas from Sacred Playgrounds!Green beans and great songs and cookies and memories, these are a few of our favorite things! (Sing it or it doesn't count)On this episode, we share some favorite fun in an extended, Christmas-themed #QuickQampQuestion. AND, we'd like to hear yours. Here's the list:Favorite Christmas songFavorite Christmas foodFavorite Christmas traditionFavorite Christmas memoryWe'll also wonder together about 3 sets of voices from The Story, and how we journey, worship, and give with them, finding ourselves smack dab in the middle of the greatest story ever.Our #StatOfTheWeek reminds us that summer staff faith formation is often just as much a focus for leaders as camper faith formation. Download a shareable graphic below! DOWNLOAD THE #STATOFTHEWEEK GRAPHIC SETCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

Our heart is restless until it rests in you.   - ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO"Spirituality." How do we actually define that word? What's the difference between spirituality and religion? Can one be a non-spiritual person? What does it mean to be "spiritual, but not religious" as many have described themselves? And, as we should always be asking, why does it matter to our wellness as beings, or our conversation as communities?In this episode, we'll unpack the word and bring it into context at camp and in culture. We'll talk through why spirituality as a human capacity matters deeply to our health and wellness, according to an increasing volume of faith-based and non-faith-based research.We call back a bit of our conversation with Tracey Gaslin from the Alliance for Camp Health. You can listen back to that episode here.We also share a book title or two from Lisa Miller, Professor at Columbia University and founder of the Spirituality, Mind, Body Institute (SMBI), a NYT Bestselling Author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain.Plus, we'll share a #QuickQampQuestion about camp denominations, and a #StatoftheWeek about campers and how much they love being in nature. Download your stat graphic below!Want a camp question featured on the podcast? Send us a message below, submit an audio file of your questions, or send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.Come help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.