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...
Latest episodes
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42 min
SCP 211: "I'll take a hint for 20, Alex!"
SHOW NOTESFresh 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, an…
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46 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,…
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54 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…
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37 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 be…
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1 h 19
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 b…
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37 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 campe…
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41 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…
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59 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, st…
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35 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…
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28 min
SCP 202: Exploring Specialty Camps (Part 1)
In part one, Curt and Chris delve into the world of specialty camps and their significance in offering targeted experiences beyond traditional camping. They discuss the evolution a…
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41 min
SCP 201: 20 Special Guests Suggestions for Your Camp
In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide range of ideas for bringing special guests to camps. They explore the possibility of inviting guests such as wildlife experts, celebr…
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45 min
SCP 200: Bringing Entertainers to Camps: A Chat with Academic Entertainment
Chris and Curt welcome Whitney Mueller from Academic Entertainment, who shares her journey with the company from its humble beginnings to becoming a leading provider of entertainer…
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25 min
SCP 199: The Art of the Mini-Camp
Curt and Chris discuss the concept of mini-camps as an introduction to the main camp for younger kids. They delve into how it gives children a taste of what a traditional overnight…
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28 min
Episode 198: Unleashing Your Campers’ Inner Problem Solver: Puzzle Hunts and More
Curt and Chris discuss various puzzle activities that can be a great addition to your camp program. They share their experiences with puzzle hunts, races, and escape rooms, highlig…
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39 min
SCP 197: Magazine Style #10
In this episode, Curt and Chris discuss a wide variety of topics for summer camps. This is their 10th magazine edition. This episode includes a special event idea, program idea, st…
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32 min
SCP 196: Great Ways to Thank Your Staff at the End of Summer
In this episode, Curt and Chris ramble on (as they do) about ways to thank the staff and celebrate the end of the summer camp season. From holding an end-of-summer staff party, giv…
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42 min
Episode 195: Water Activities to Keep Your Campers Cool Next Summer
In this festive episode, Curt and Chris discuss pool and water activities, including games that use plastic Easter eggs, tennis balls, and kitchenware. They also give ideas for gam…
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21 min
SCP 194: Remix: Camp Wide Games
This week’s episode is a remix from episode 13 way back in 2019. (The Pre-Covid days)! The guys give 8 great ideas for camp-wide games that you can play with the whole camp! This e…
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31 min
SCP 193: Magazine Style Episode #9 (A.I. Edition)
This is the 9th magazine style episode and it’s a little different than the others. Why? Because the ideas the guys talk about are A.I. generated...and many of them are REALLY good…
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18 min
SCP 192: 8 Special Events You Should be Offering at Camp
The guys each give 4 camp-wide event ideas you should be offering at your camp. They give a very wide variety from Table-Top Escape Games, to Top Shot Activities, to Art Shows. If…