Episode 49: Class is in Session - The Director's School
SHOW NOTES You know how to create an incredible camp experience. But who taught you how to build a budget, develop a strategic plan, or keep your organization financially sustainable? Kelie and Shauna welcome Dr. Megan Owens of BlueSky Recreation Consulting to discuss the business skills camp professionals are often expected to learn on the job. Megan introduces The Director’s School , a new educational experience developed with ACA Illinois. Through small cohorts, practical exercises, and group projects, the school helps camp professionals build knowledge they can bring back to their organizations. They also talk candidly about taking on leadership responsibilities without proper onboarding, learning from people outside your usual camp network, and why understanding the business matters—even when someone else handles your organization’s finances. IN THIS EPISODE The business knowledge gap in camp professional development How The Director’s School combines instruction, practice, and collaboration Choosing a learning level based on your experience and responsibilities Building connections across different types of camps and organizations Why business knowledge strengthens both your camp and your career Application requirements, costs, and financial assistance THREE LEVELS OF LEARNING Level 1: Foundations Finance, human resources, risk management, and ethical decision-making for emerging professionals and those new to the camp field. Level 2: Organizational Planning Connecting budgets, strategic plans, risk management, and evaluation to the operation of an entire camp. Level 3: Strategy and Sustainability Long-term vision, organizational systems, financial sustainability, and growth for experienced camp leaders. Placement considers what you have actually done and what you need to learn, rather than relying only on your title or years in the field. THE DIRECTOR'S SCHOOL: IMPORTANT DETAILS Dates: January 18–22, 2027 Location: Q Center in St. Charles, Illinois Application deadline: October 31, 2026 Cost: $2,000, including four nights in a private room, meals, instruction, textbooks, and resources; travel is additional Application deposit: $500, refundable if you are not accepted Application materials: A one-page cover letter, a resume of up to two pages, a one-page letter of support, and responses to the online application questions Learn more about The Director’s School Review application instructions Ask about registration or financial assistance EPISODE CHAPTERS Approximate timestamps. 00:00 — Welcome back and a personal check-in 03:19 — Introducing Dr. Megan Owens and The Director’s School 06:10 — The knowledge gap behind the school’s creation 11:15 — Matching applicants with the right learning level 19:21 — Learning through practice, projects, and collaboration 30:06 — Networking across different types of camps 34:48 — Breaks, relationship-building, and the Q Center 39:47 — A closer look at the three learning levels 47:30 — Why business knowledge matters when someone else handles it 54:51 — Application requirements and the review process 59:08 — Connecting with Megan and meeting the instructors 1:02:55 — What we’re reading 1:09:07 — Cost, what’s included, and financial assistance CONTACT Contact Dr. Megan Owens: BlueSky Recreation Consulting BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS Megan’s Rec: Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux Kelie’s Rec: Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi Shauna’s Rec: I’’m Gonna Get You Back by Elena Armas Want to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: exploringcampsides@gmail.com
