A question from a camp leader: "How are faith-based camps navigating changes to their denominations and churches as they decline in health and vitality? What novel ways have camps/conference centers found to help bolster those congregations, or train/equip them for more vital ministry?"

We had a number of questions like this from camp leaders after the summer of 2026. The hard, all-too-common truth is that camp leaders and church leaders, on the whole, may be moving apart rather than closer together in terms of trust and reliance on each other to thrive.

On this episode, we're sharing three themes that form the beginnings of a fresh blueprint for connecting camp and congregations for the sake of vital ministry, reciprocal impact, and mission alignment.

Plus, listen for our new segment, The S'more You Know Camp Trivia Challenge, and a #StatOfTheWeek on how many campers show greater interest in attending church after camp.

Quick Links:
Connecting Camp & Church: Pastor Brad Peterson
Rhythms of Faith
#StatOfTheWeek

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What if camp is life as it should be? What if camps are places and spaces where the veil is thin and the inbreaking of the kingdom of God feels close? What if the way we live and breathe and have our being at camp is exactly who we were made to be as people of God, community of Christ, and the whole of creation?

On this episode, we'll begin to break open some of these theological and philosophical ideas that give foundation and relevance to outdoor ministries. We'll talk about 4.5 of many critical observations of our culture and communities today and consider where camp excels in offering an antidote to what's broken and breaking.

We've got a #statoftheweek that speaks to the emotional reality of our youth, a #QuickQampQuestion that begins to call us to our, "What now?", and the debut of a new occasional podcast segment called More or Less.

Book Mentions:
A Common Book of Camping by Jerry Manlove
Theology of Hope by Jürgen Moltmann
Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
The Nature Fix by Florence Williams
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Together by Vivek H. Murthy

#StatOfTheWeek

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Season 6 is here! Welcome to the playground, whether this is your first time or you've been around for years. We're so excited to get back behind the mic for a season of camp-y conversations, stats and stories, and difference-making insights.

On this episode, we'll kick off season 6 with gusto as we share some of what you can expect from this podcast in the months ahead, including new pop-up segments like Camp Nerd Trivia, More or Less, Got Skills, and Trending, Bending, or Ending.

We'll also share the findings from our 3rd annual Post-Summer Pulse Check survey. Some things have held steady, and some shifts are coming into focus. Listen in as we unpack those insights, and download the accompanying graphics - our #StatOfTheWeek as well as a full infographic of the Pulse Check Insights.

Quick Links:
Pulse Check Infographic
#StatOfTheWeek
Camp Research Hub

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Connect with our team. Support the podcast. Ask about advertising opportunities. Find us on Facebook & Instagram.