The Camp Program Lab

Hosted by Curt Jackson

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Episodes

212

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

The Camp Program Lab is a podcast for summer camp professionals who want fresh, practical ideas for creating unforgettable camp experiences. Hosted by Curt and Chris, each episode explores the creative side of camp programming—from games, themes, crafts, special events, and staff training to traditions, trends, and the occasional questionable idea that deserves to be tested. Some episodes offer rapid-fire inspiration you can use immediately. Others take a deeper look at the challenges camp professionals face when building programs, leading staff, and keeping campers engaged. Whether you’re a camp director, program director, activity leader, counselor, or simply someone who loves camp, consider this your place to experiment, borrow ideas, and make good programs even better. Subscribe, head into the lab with us, and discover your camp’s next great idea.

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60 recent

October 28, 202654 min

SCP 212: “I would 100% be out there just digging holes!”

Could digging holes become your campers’ favorite activity? Chris and Curt explore that possibility alongside quick camp games, staff recognition, memorable traditions, and cardboard boats where crossing the finish line first doesn’t guarantee a win. Plus, a lucky rock gets an unforgettable origin story, a mystery box builds anticipation, and Curt takes another turn in the trivia hot seat. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 - Welcome to the Camp Program Lab 02:15 - Behind the scenes of camp leadership 05:42 - Programming idea: Fastest Color Twister 08:41 - Staff idea: Merit badge banners 12:02 - Theme idea: Staff costume photos 13:28 - Outdoor education idea: Vacuum pump cannon 19:09 - Trivia: By the Numbers 23:46 - Wow moment: A family camp luau 26:35 - Wow moment: The surprise box 28:41 - Camp traditions: What makes an idea stick? 33:30 - The lucky rock—and the seagull 37:15 - Would You Run This? Camp bears 39:47 - Would You Run This? Digging holes 42:49 - Another possibility: Street art 43:44 - Takeaways from past episodes 44:11 - Bring overnight camp magic to day camp 45:50 - Cardboard boat races with a twist 53:50 - Wrap-up RESOURCES MENTIONED: Coloque a Cor (Place the Color) - https://www.facebook.com/reel/1554135766192311 Vacuum Canon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DKWSXstXuc The Kaiser Boys - https://www.youtube.com/@Thekaiserboys/videos 10 Ways to Bring that "Campy" Feel to Your Day Camp - https://www.summercamppro.com/10-ways-bring-campy-feel-day-camp Carboard Boat Race Rubric - https://www.summercamppro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1.png https://www.summercamppro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2.png

October 19, 202642 min

SCP 211: "I'll take a hint for 20, Alex!"

SHOW NOTES Fresh camp programming doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. This week, Kurt and Chris share ways to remix familiar games, bring camp history into staff training, and turn downtime into something campers look forward to. They explore a Time Warp theme, a leaf-blower hovercraft, and a board game rotation where campers inherit their teammates’ progress. Plus, the Shark Tank segment brings two very different pitches: hidden golden tickets that unlock a special experience and an air-powered launching activity. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 — Welcome to the Camp Program Lab 02:01 — Programming idea: The Big Switch 03:48 — Staff training: Legacy Tours 05:54 — Theme idea: Time Warp 07:20 — Outdoor education: Leaf-blower hovercraft 09:39 — Trivia: Name That Team 17:22 — Rainy Day Rescue: Minute to Win It 18:44 — Team board game rotation 21:35 — Downtime Killer: Stump the Counselor 22:53 — Human Bop It 24:10 — Camp Shark Tank 24:50 — Golden Tickets pitch 29:21 — Air-powered launcher pitch 35:36 — Takeaways from past episodes 36:23 — Episode 11: Playing in the rain 37:58 — Episode 9: Rethinking camper wristbands 41:40 — Wrap-up RESOURCES MENTIONED: Hovercraft Project Video - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CY3VFnR8u/?mibextid=wwXIfr Vevor Tire Bead Sealer Video - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTf6VgVP9/ Vevor Tire Bead Sealer - https://link.amazon/B01CQnj3Y If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with another camp professional.

October 14, 202646 min

SCP 210: "Zero Editing, People!"

Curt and Chris head back into the Camp Program Lab with another rapid-fire collection of ideas for camp professionals. They explore a new spin on the classic human-knot challenge, a collectible staff-recognition system, a low-cost Mardi Gras bead craft, and ways to encourage campers to participate in theme days. Chris tests Curt's knowledge in lesser-known Disney movie songs, use dice to invent two brand-new activities in real time, debate paintball versus blaster ball and camper favorites versus new events, and borrow inspiration from the Savannah Bananas and Hollywood Game Night. They close by revisiting two ideas from Episode 8: Boom Blasters and end-of-activity Boss Battles. 00:00 — Welcome to the Camp Program Lab 01:23— Programming idea: Foot Knots 04:02 — Staff idea: Achievement pins 06:03— Craft idea: Mardi Gras bead balloon dogs 08:01— Theme idea: Camper costumes 11:07— Trivia intermission: Lesser-known Disney songs 18:08— Roll for Camp 26:43 — This or That: Paintball or blaster ball? 30:23 — This or That: Camper favorite or new event? 33:40 — Three things to steal from the Savannah Bananas 37:59 — Three things to steal from Hollywood Game Night 42:48 — Takeaways from Episode 8: Spicing Up Activities 46:06 — Closing Resources mentioned: Shoe Knots Video - https://www.facebook.com/reel/2436295080527040 Mardi Gras bead-dog tutorial - https://thenotsoblog.com/2018/02/how-to-make-mardi-gras-bead-dog/ Dice - https://link.amazon/B08vswbkf Poly Spots - https://link.amazon/B03SHaIVo Savannah Bananas - https://thesavannahbananas.com/ Hollywood Game Night - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0rWWdN9foU Boom Blaster Caps - https://link.amazon/B07KLFUVS The King of Random Boom Blaster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rDRFFSUrPI Episode 8 of the podcast - https://www.summercamppro.com/episode-8/ If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with another camp professional.

September 23, 202653 min

SCP 209: "You lost the Bob Ross name. Now you're just Bob Evans!"

Curt and Chris are back around the campfire! After catching up on the past two years, including a million-dollar camp grant, construction and inspection headaches, and the adventure of buying and selling an escape-room business, they introduce a new rapid-fire format focused on practical ideas for camp professionals. This episode features creative programming concepts, staff-training activities, theme and craft ideas, a fictional-locations trivia break, and a $100 programming challenge. Curt and Chris also debate staff social time after lights-out and whether campers should ever be "required" to participate. They close by revisiting two classic ideas from earlier episodes: camp-name ceremonies and counselor bags filled with ready-to-use activities. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:21 – Curt and Chris return 02:37 – Camp updates and the million-dollar grant 05:20 – Buying and selling an escape-room business 08:39 – The new rapid-ideas format 10:15 – Program idea: Roll for It 13:48 – Staff idea: The Doodle Table 15:58 – Theme idea: Around the World 17:27 – Craft idea: Leaf Roses 20:31 – Trivia intermission: Fictional locations 26:09 – The $100 programming challenge 32:12 – Ideas from outside the camp bubble 34:56 – Keep It or Kill It: Staff time after lights-out 40:25 – Keep It or Kill It: Forced participation 45:37 – Classic takeaway: Camp names 50:34 – Classic takeaway: Counselor bags 53:18 – Closing Resources Mentioned Summer Camp Pro EDGIE Designs — challenge-course design, construction, training, and inspection Roll For Soda Dice Set Cafe Bags Episode - Episode 191 Pop Darts Tenzy StealThisStuff.com - Chris' Steal This Shop How to Hold a Camp-Name Ceremony More Than 500 Camp Names for Staff Camp Names - Episode 3 Counselor Bags - Episode 2 If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with another camp professional and let them know that Curt and Chris are back!

June 5, 202436 min

SCP 208: The Final Episode?

In this farewell episode of 'SCamp Life: The Programming Side,' Curt and Chris reminisce about the podcast's journey since 2019. They recount key moments, favorite episodes, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from over the years. Highlights include the origin story, the introduction of themes and interviews, the impact of the pandemic, and special segments like 'question of the week' and escape room ideas. The hosts also share personal memories, challenges, and amusing tangents, such as experimenting with podcast formats and integrating a third co-host. Despite this being the final episode, Curt and Chris leave the door open for possible future updates, signing off with gratitude to their listeners.

May 28, 20241 hr 19 min

SCP 207: Useful Lessons We've Learned in Our Camp Careers

In their second-to-last episode (?), Curt and Chris dive deep into their rich history of camping experiences. They share invaluable lessons learned from their diverse roles, from being camp counselors to directors, across various camp settings. Highlights include the importance of staff training, cultivating a sense of family among team members, and seamlessly integrating new ideas into traditional camp formats. Their lively exchange not only reflects on their past but also explores the future of camping and leadership within the community. Full Show Notes with Links

May 16, 202437 min

SCP 206: Spicing Up Capture the Flag

In this episode, Curt and Chris offer up creative ways to invigorate the classic game of Capture the Flag, offering 20 (19?) unique variations aimed at enhancing gameplay for campers. Their ideas range from incorporating themes and adding special abilities to players, to modifying game mechanics with invisibility aspects or involving staff in gameplay. Throughout their discussion, they share stories from their experiences, emphasizing the potential of these adaptations to make Capture the Flag even more engaging for participants.

May 1, 202440 min

SCP 205: After Hours Activity Ideas for Camp

Curt and Chris explore engaging activities at camp after the sun sets. They share personal stories, offer practical tips for implementing classic nighttime activities like kitchen raids, night swims, and campfire cooking, and offer some more innovative and memorable ideas.

April 19, 202459 min

SCP 204: Magazine Style #11

In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide variety of topics for summer camps. This is their 11th magazine edition. This episode includes a special event idea, program idea, staff idea, new AI tool, some trivia questions, theme ideas, and more.

March 27, 202435 min

SCP 203: Exploring Specialty Camps (Part 2)

In the second installment of their discussion on specialty camp ideas, Curt and Chris share an array of unique camp themes, drawing from both their personal experiences and broader trends. They delve into a variety of specialized camp options, including cooking, survival, archery, scuba diving, music production, detective camp, and fitness camps, among others. This episode offers insights and inspiration for camp directors and planners looking to diversify their offerings and attract new campers with specialized interests. Links: Archery Games