<![CDATA[Campy Hour]]>Campy Hour is a conversational podcast for leaders in summer camps and auxiliary programs. It captures the best part of professional conferences: the candid conversations that happen after the sessions end, when people gather to share stories, talk shop, and reflect on the work behind memorable programs.

Each episode shines a spotlight on the people behind standout camps and youth programs. Guests share how they found their way into this work, the ideas shaping their programs, and the experiences that create unforgettable moments for campers, staff, and families.

By highlighting the leaders behind these programs, Campy Hour helps introduce listeners to others in the field and strengthen connections across the camp and auxiliary programs community.

]]>www.makeitcampy.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:25:32 GMTSat, 07 Mar 2026 14:38:47 GMT60Make It Campy<p>Campy Hour is a conversational podcast for leaders in summer camps and auxiliary programs. It captures the best part of professional conferences: the candid conversations that happen after the sessions end, when people gather to share stories, talk shop, and reflect on the work behind memorable programs.</p><p></p><p>Each episode shines a spotlight on the people behind standout camps and youth programs. Guests share how they found their way into this work, the ideas shaping their programs, and the experiences that create unforgettable moments for campers, staff, and families.</p><p></p><p>By highlighting the leaders behind these programs, Campy Hour helps introduce listeners to others in the field and strengthen connections across the camp and auxiliary programs community.</p>episodicMake It Campymakeitcampy@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Episode 13: Drew Upchurch]]>On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Drew Upchurch, Director of Auxiliary Programs at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida. Drew shares his journey from middle school teacher and basketball coach to leading an expansive auxiliary program profile that includes day camp, specialty camps, and an internationally recognized elite swim program. Along the way, Drew shares the lessons he's picked up through earning an MBA and doctorate while running world-class auxiliary programs.

We dive into the business of auxiliary programs, building a camp that has become a rite of passage for generations of families, creating experiences that still thrive in a screen-filled world, and the unique challenge of managing programs that serve thousands of campers each summer. We also hear about Drew's jaw-dropping jury duty experience, and we swap a few ghost stories.

Drew is a lifelong learner in every sense of the phrase, and this conversation is a great reminder that the best leaders never stop growing. So get inspired by Drew’s work ethic, enjoy the episode, and cheers!

]]>833ce4ca-4a7f-4a78-a267-e407d4659964Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p><b>On this week’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Drew Upchurch, Director of Auxiliary Programs at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida. Drew shares his journey from middle school teacher and basketball coach to leading an expansive auxiliary program profile that includes day camp, specialty camps, and an internationally recognized elite swim program. Along the way, Drew shares the lessons he's picked up through earning an MBA and doctorate while running world-class auxiliary programs.</b></p><p></p><p><b>We dive into the business of auxiliary programs, building a camp that has become a rite of passage for generations of families, creating experiences that still thrive in a screen-filled world, and the unique challenge of managing programs that serve thousands of campers each summer. We also hear about Drew's jaw-dropping jury duty experience, and we swap a few ghost stories.</b></p><p></p><p><b>Drew is a lifelong learner in every sense of the phrase, and this conversation is a great reminder that the best leaders never stop growing. So get inspired by Drew’s work ethic, enjoy the episode, and cheers!</b></p>no01:11:03113Episode 13: Drew Upchurchfull<![CDATA[Episode 12: Angie Zomer]]>On this week's episode, we're joined by Angie Zomer, Assistant Director of Summer Camp at The Chestnut Hill School in Massachusetts. Angie has spent over 30 years helping shape a camp community that has become a second home for generations of campers and staffers. In this episode, she shares the winding path that led her from theater education to camp leadership, along with her thoughts on balancing tradition and innovation in a 54-year-old camp program.

During our conversation, explore the role institutional knowledge plays in building culture, why continuity matters when creating meaningful experiences, and how Angie has helped campers grow into counselors and lifelong members of the camp community. We also dive into senior camp programming, creating a sense of awe, and the unexpectedly legendary origin story of the Skull of Fury, a beloved camp mascot that began as a discarded art project. Cheers!

]]>8dae54b0-8fc4-4d78-bce1-64e867d2625eTue, 23 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p>On this week's episode, we're joined by Angie Zomer, Assistant Director of Summer Camp at The Chestnut Hill School in Massachusetts. Angie has spent over 30 years helping shape a camp community that has become a second home for generations of campers and staffers. In this episode, she shares the winding path that led her from theater education to camp leadership, along with her thoughts on balancing tradition and innovation in a 54-year-old camp program.<br /></p><p>During our conversation, explore the role institutional knowledge plays in building culture, why continuity matters when creating meaningful experiences, and how Angie has helped campers grow into counselors and lifelong members of the camp community. We also dive into senior camp programming, creating a sense of awe, and the unexpectedly legendary origin story of the Skull of Fury, a beloved camp mascot that began as a discarded art project. Cheers!</p>no01:00:52112Episode 12: Angie Zomerfull<![CDATA[Episode 11: Mason Kaye]]>On this week's episode, we're joined by Mason Kaye, Director of Auxiliary Programs at Carroll School in Waltham, Massachusetts. Before leading summer programs, Mason was writing music for films in Los Angeles. In this episode, he shares the winding path that brought him into the world of auxiliary programs, along with the surprising connections between composing movie scores, conducting musicians, building camp culture, leading staff, and creating unforgettable experiences. We also venture into the elements of a great film score, the surprisingly fascinating world of vexillology, Mason's secret to world-class workplace coffee, and the intentional details that can transform ordinary moments into meaningful experiences. Cheers!

]]>f0fd0ab3-5f9f-41e1-85f2-d1cd2f77d998Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p>On this week's episode, we're joined by Mason Kaye, Director of Auxiliary Programs at Carroll School in Waltham, Massachusetts. Before leading summer programs, Mason was writing music for films in Los Angeles. In this episode, he shares the winding path that brought him into the world of auxiliary programs, along with the surprising connections between composing movie scores, conducting musicians, building camp culture, leading staff, and creating unforgettable experiences. We also venture into the elements of a great film score, the surprisingly fascinating world of vexillology, Mason's secret to world-class workplace coffee, and the intentional details that can transform ordinary moments into meaningful experiences. Cheers!</p>no01:10:16Episode 11: Mason Kayefull<![CDATA[Episode 10: Cora Ligori & Zoe Brock]]>This week on Campy Hour, we’re joined by Cora Ligori and Zoe Brock from Teton Valley Ranch Camp, one of the most tradition-rich and purpose-driven camps in the country.

Cora and Zoe share their unique journeys to TVRC, from camp kitchens and dental practices to leading enrollment, culture, and community at a camp that has been shaping young people since 1939. Along the way, we explore the power of mystery, anticipation, and challenge in creating transformative experiences for campers.

The conversation dives into horseback breakfast rides, weekly rodeos, campfire traditions, Yearling flags dating back to the 1960s, and the ceremonies that have become legendary parts of the TVRC experience. We also discuss the balance between honoring tradition and evolving a program, why giving kids real responsibility builds confidence, and how camp can provide the sense of belonging that so many young people (and staffers!) are searching for today.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a camp culture that lasts for generations, this episode is packed with inspiration. Cheers!

]]>b5bef6c9-a93b-4653-a905-e8b2889d43e0Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p>This week on Campy Hour, we’re joined by Cora Ligori and Zoe Brock from Teton Valley Ranch Camp, one of the most tradition-rich and purpose-driven camps in the country.</p><p></p><p>Cora and Zoe share their unique journeys to TVRC, from camp kitchens and dental practices to leading enrollment, culture, and community at a camp that has been shaping young people since 1939. Along the way, we explore the power of mystery, anticipation, and challenge in creating transformative experiences for campers.</p><p></p><p>The conversation dives into horseback breakfast rides, weekly rodeos, campfire traditions, Yearling flags dating back to the 1960s, and the ceremonies that have become legendary parts of the TVRC experience. We also discuss the balance between honoring tradition and evolving a program, why giving kids real responsibility builds confidence, and how camp can provide the sense of belonging that so many young people (and staffers!) are searching for today.</p><p></p><p>If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a camp culture that lasts for generations, this episode is packed with inspiration. Cheers!</p>no01:11:57110Episode 10: Cora Ligori & Zoe Brockfull<![CDATA[Episode 9: Free Swim!]]>This week's "Free Swim" episode features co-hosts Katie and Michael talking about the exhilarating (and slightly chaotic) stretch of time that exists between "we've planned everything" and "the campers arrive next week." Katie shares her mindset going into the season ahead, and Michael gives a look into what the summer season is like for Make It Campy.

The conversation also takes a deep dive into BSP's new Golden Games event, a branded, camp-wide experience built around six Minnesota-inspired teams, ongoing competitions, and new opportunities for campers to find connection and belonging. It's an idea that's been simmering for a long time, and this summer Katie finally brings it life! Later, Katie and Michael share what their individual "majors" are for this summer.

Cheers to the unofficial start of Camp Season!

]]>26e23dd4-364e-4ca5-89fa-56b0170f0b37Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p>This week's "Free Swim" episode features co-hosts Katie and Michael talking about the exhilarating (and slightly chaotic) stretch of time that exists between "we've planned everything" and "the campers arrive next week." Katie shares her mindset going into the season ahead, and Michael gives a look into what the summer season is like for Make It Campy.</p><p></p><p>The conversation also takes a deep dive into BSP's new Golden Games event, a branded, camp-wide experience built around six Minnesota-inspired teams, ongoing competitions, and new opportunities for campers to find connection and belonging. It's an idea that's been simmering for a long time, and this summer Katie finally brings it life! Later, Katie and Michael share what their individual "majors" are for this summer. </p><p></p><p>Cheers to the unofficial start of Camp Season!</p>no01:06:0019Episode 9: Free Swim!full<![CDATA[Episode 8: Kate Vizen]]>This week on Campy Hour, we are joined by the wonderful Kate Vizen, Director of Student Life & Strategic Programs at Inly School! Kate shares her winding journey from youth ministry and childcare to leading outstanding auxiliary programs. During our conversation, we talk about building programs that feel intentional instead of transactional, the unique experience of working at your alma mater, and what it’s like having your family members work at your school.

We also dive into the jaw-dropping growth of Inly’s summer and after-school programs, how Montessori philosophy impacts their camp culture, and why Kate spent 18 months completing Montessori training herself just so she could better support and collaborate with faculty and staff. Along the way, we also uncover Kate’s secret life as an accomplished flutist who’s performed at Carnegie Hall and toured with world-renowned musicians. This one is thoughtful, fun, insightful, and full of practical takeaways for anyone building programs, culture, and community in schools or camps. Cheers!

]]>bde805e2-46ac-432c-aa5a-cf800ec1962dTue, 26 May 2026 18:04:59 GMT<p>This week on Campy Hour, we are joined by the wonderful Kate Vizen, Director of Student Life &amp; Strategic Programs at Inly School! Kate shares her winding journey from youth ministry and childcare to leading outstanding auxiliary programs. During our conversation, we talk about building programs that feel intentional instead of transactional, the unique experience of working at your alma mater, and what it’s like having your family members work at your school.</p><p>We also dive into the jaw-dropping growth of Inly’s summer and after-school programs, how Montessori philosophy impacts their camp culture, and why Kate spent 18 months completing Montessori training herself just so she could better support and collaborate with faculty and staff. Along the way, we also uncover Kate’s secret life as an accomplished flutist who’s performed at Carnegie Hall and toured with world-renowned musicians. This one is thoughtful, fun, insightful, and full of practical takeaways for anyone building programs, culture, and community in schools or camps. Cheers!</p>no01:20:1918Episode 8: Kate Vizenfull<![CDATA[Episode 7: Emily Benton]]>This week, we are thrilled to welcome Emily Benton, the dynamic Director of Auxiliary Programs at Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston, Texas. Emily shares her journey from lifeguarding to leading a multifaceted program that includes everything from Little League to private music lessons. We dive into her innovative hiring strategies, the importance of building connections, and how she maintains balance in a fast-paced environment. Emily also reveals her creative approach to staff training, including the use of personalized bracelets to embody each staffer’s “why.” Later, we explore her successful rebranding of the auxiliary programs to "Arch," and how she made the rollout of that rebrand memorable. So tune in and be inspired by the incomparable Emily! Cheers!

]]>4ac8cc39-4d6a-4d09-91b0-00cb33c82f8fTue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p>This week, we are thrilled to welcome Emily Benton, the dynamic Director of Auxiliary Programs at Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston, Texas. Emily shares her journey from lifeguarding to leading a multifaceted program that includes everything from Little League to private music lessons. We dive into her innovative hiring strategies, the importance of building connections, and how she maintains balance in a fast-paced environment. Emily also reveals her creative approach to staff training, including the use of personalized bracelets to embody each staffer’s “why.” Later, we explore her successful rebranding of the auxiliary programs to "Arch," and how she made the rollout of that rebrand memorable. So tune in and be inspired by the incomparable Emily! Cheers!</p>no01:09:4417Episode 7: Emily Bentonfull<![CDATA[Episode 6: Laura Walker]]>This week, co-host Katie Peterson and I are excited to be joined by industry leader, multi-potentialite, friend, and Director of Latin Camps at Charlotte Latin School, Laura Walker! (But at camp, they call her Pippi.) During the episode, we connect the dots in Laura's career to better understand how she became a professional memory maker. Laura shares insights into the creation of camp names for her staff, she talks about some of the key elements for creating unforgettable staff training, and we get a peek into the development of her new camp newsletter. Later, Laura fills us in on having a living camp mascot, and she gives us the scoop on the Jeep Wrangler Rubber Duckie culture. We also challenge her to develop camp names for some celebrities and fictional characters. With Laura/Pippi, you can always count on tremendous takeaways that inspire you to elevate your programs, and this week's episode is no exception to that rule. Cheers!

]]>a15dd373-4006-4477-9a02-b874b6d47c66Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p>This week, co-host Katie Peterson and I are excited to be joined by industry leader, multi-potentialite, friend, and Director of Latin Camps at Charlotte Latin School, Laura Walker! (But at camp, they call her Pippi.) During the episode, we connect the dots in Laura's career to better understand how she became a professional memory maker. Laura shares insights into the creation of camp names for her staff, she talks about some of the key elements for creating unforgettable staff training, and we get a peek into the development of her new camp newsletter. Later, Laura fills us in on having a living camp mascot, and she gives us the scoop on the Jeep Wrangler Rubber Duckie culture. We also challenge her to develop camp names for some celebrities and fictional characters. With Laura/Pippi, you can always count on tremendous takeaways that inspire you to elevate your programs, and this week's episode is no exception to that rule. Cheers!</p>no01:13:2016Episode 6: Laura Walkerfull<![CDATA[Episode 5: Amber Carroll]]>We're thrilled to have Amber Carroll (Director of Summer Programs at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy) join us on this week's episode of Campy Hour! We chat with Amber about how her career has evolved, including her time with YMCA of Greater Boston, Tenacity, and Emerson College. We also dive into Amber's work as a Youth Services Counselor, and how it informs the programming she creates and delivers today. Along the way, we talk hockey, puzzles, Cheez-Its versus Goldfish, and the power of camp narratives. If you like campy camp people, you're going to love Amber!

]]>97be2e14-4463-44aa-81fb-0e7dc71f7390Tue, 05 May 2026 05:45:41 GMT<p>We're thrilled to have Amber Carroll (Director of Summer Programs at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy) join us on this week's episode of Campy Hour! We chat with Amber about how her career has evolved, including her time with YMCA of Greater Boston, Tenacity, and Emerson College. We also dive into Amber's work as a Youth Services Counselor, and how it informs the programming she creates and delivers today. Along the way, we talk hockey, puzzles, Cheez-Its versus Goldfish, and the power of camp narratives. If you like campy camp people, you're going to love Amber!</p>no01:09:4715Episode 5: Amber Carrollfull<![CDATA[Episode 4: Karen McCann McClelland]]>We're joined this week by Karen McCann McClelland, Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs at Sidwell Friends School and Senior Advisor for the Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative (SPARC). We talk with Karen about her path to Sidwell, her evolving role with the school, and her approach to succession planning. We also explore how Karen's consulting, coaching, and strategic work with SPARC helps her stay connected to her "why," and her approach to engagement on the professional conference circuit. In our "Off the Clock" segment, we learn about Karen's favorite things outside of the world of auxiliary programs. It's a can't-miss conversation with Karen, an amazing human being who helps shape the direction of our field!

]]>9d33f431-d571-4cb9-b830-5ddbd3b88756Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p>We're joined this week by Karen McCann McClelland, Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs at Sidwell Friends School and Senior Advisor for the Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative (SPARC). We talk with Karen about her path to Sidwell, her evolving role with the school, and her approach to succession planning. We also explore how Karen's consulting, coaching, and strategic work with SPARC helps her stay connected to her "why," and her approach to engagement on the professional conference circuit. In our "Off the Clock" segment, we learn about Karen's favorite things outside of the world of auxiliary programs. It's a can't-miss conversation with Karen, an amazing human being who helps shape the direction of our field!</p>no01:03:1114Episode 4: Karen McCann McClellandfull<![CDATA[Episode 3: Chanel Sudds]]>Meet Chanel Sudds, Auxiliary Programs Manager at Open Window School, and hear how her journey from after-school programs to camp leadership shaped her passion for creating meaningful experiences. Chanel shares how finding belonging at camp changed her path and why authenticity is her secret to building strong connections with campers and staff. We dig into the power of community, creating environments where everyone thrives, and what it really means to lead in a camp setting. Along the way, Chanel develops her dream camp staff (with a twist). Summer runs on Chanel energy!

]]>7096c9fc-de7e-484d-9d9d-254f14ca5748Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:20:32 GMT<p>Meet Chanel Sudds, Auxiliary Programs Manager at Open Window School, and hear how her journey from after-school programs to camp leadership shaped her passion for creating meaningful experiences. Chanel shares how finding belonging at camp changed her path and why authenticity is her secret to building strong connections with campers and staff. We dig into the power of community, creating environments where everyone thrives, and what it really means to lead in a camp setting. Along the way, Chanel develops her dream camp staff (with a twist). Summer runs on Chanel energy!</p>no01:08:2513Episode 3: Chanel Suddsfull<![CDATA[Episode 2: Dan O'Neil]]>Join us as we explore the innovative programs and leadership insights of Dan O'Neil (Director of Auxiliary Programs at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA). Dan shares the steps in his entrepreneurial journey from Dan's Donut Delivery to becoming a leader in the world of independent school auxiliary programs. Topics include brave camp branding, team-building philosophies, launching cutting-edge auxiliary programs, and hosting a World Cup training site.

]]>5883ae12-63c2-4352-b8e4-703156f84f41Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:25:47 GMT<p>Join us as we explore the innovative programs and leadership insights of Dan O'Neil (Director of Auxiliary Programs at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA). Dan shares the steps in his entrepreneurial journey from Dan's Donut Delivery to becoming a leader in the world of independent school auxiliary programs. Topics include brave camp branding, team-building philosophies, launching cutting-edge auxiliary programs, and hosting a World Cup training site.</p>no00:59:3812Episode 2: Dan O'Neilfull<![CDATA[Episode 1: Katie Peterson & Michael Carmody]]>In the pilot episode of Campy Hour, hosts Michael Carmody and Katie Peterson explore the origins, mission, and vision of their camp-focused podcast. They share insights on community building, camp innovation, and the power of storytelling in the camp industry.

]]>17ce0df7-278f-4772-b5e6-d602a08ec0bdTue, 14 Apr 2026 02:20:45 GMT<p>In the pilot episode of Campy Hour, hosts Michael Carmody and Katie Peterson explore the origins, mission, and vision of their camp-focused podcast. They share insights on community building, camp innovation, and the power of storytelling in the camp industry.</p>no00:54:2111Episode 1: Katie Peterson & Michael Carmodyfull