Best OMC Podcasts (2026)

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A Mailbag & A Merry Christmas 25:32

Play Pause

2d ago25:32

25:32

As we release this episode, it's almost Christmas 2025! We're wishing you a very Merry Christmas from our sacred playground to yours. We're ever-grateful to share this space with you. On this (shorter) episode, we're taking a few moments to answer a handful of curious questions from camp leaders. We'll quickly explore things like staff kindness, ph…

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Grownups Need Camp Too 51:20

27d ago51:20

51:20

It's true. Adults are a deeply important audience for your camp in one way or another - or more likely, in many ways. Not just as a donor, parent, or partner, but as one who can have personal, meaningful experiences at your camp. On this episode, we're talking about adult engagement at camp, especially in retreat and other year-round opportunities.…

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Breaking Down Breakdowns in the Camp Model 52:38

1M ago52:38

52:38

Camp is perfect, right? Right? At least, my camp is... You've thought it. So have we, and so has every camp enthusiast since the beginning of camp-time. And yet, we know that sometimes people have an experience that is less positive than we planned and prepared for. This likely doesn't mean everything at your beloved site is doomed, but it may mean…

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Live from the OMC Great Gathering: Insight-Driven Actions & Best of the Best Practices from Camp Leaders 40:54

2M ago40:54

40:54

Our team spent the week at the Outdoor Ministries Connection Great Gathering! It's been an incredible week connecting in person with 500+ of our closest friends. From insightful keynotes to leading and joining engaging workshops to creative worship and making new friends - we're feeling full, blessed, and inspired for the work ahead. On this episod…

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Get On The Same P.A.G.E with Church Leaders & Parents 53:11

2M ago53:11

53:11

This is a cutting edge for outdoor ministry right now, and camps, when we understand our role as a catalyst, is poised to have an outsized impact on faith lives of countless campers and families. The connectivity in three sacred spaces - camp, church, and home - through program and practice, mission and method makes a profound difference in the fai…

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Church Camp, The Book: Guest Episode with Author Cara Meredith 48:08

3M ago48:08

48:08

On this episode, we're excited to sit down with Cara Meredith, a lifelong camp enthusiast, experienced camp speaker, and author of the book Church Camp. This book has been stirring in many ways for Christian camp and camp-connected leaders, and we are grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Cara to hear the heart and story behind this book an…

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Camper Confidence Over Time: What We Learned from Summer 2025 Data 40:54

3M ago40:54

40:54

Each fall, early in our podcast season, we try to spend time talking through some of our, really your, learnings from the summer. We aggregate data from Effective Camp and Power of Camp projects - those that focus on campers and families - and run it through a variety of statistical and strategic lenses, including comparing this year to previous ye…

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Behind the Scenes of the #OMCGG & Why Cross-Denominational Camp Partnerships Matter 47:03

4M ago47:03

47:03

If you've ever planned an event, fundraiser, conference, or other significant gathering, you know that there is so, so much that goes on behind the scenes to make that happen. On this episode, Jake and Jared are joined by the Co-Directors of the Outdoor Ministries Connection Great Gathering, Cat Holbert and Joanne Kovac-Roberts. These dynamic leade…

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What is Accounting? How to Simplify it? 20:25

4M ago20:25

20:25

Oru Chinna kuzhandhai kooda idha ketta accounting ah purinjikum!!

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Season 5 Kickoff & Camp Leader Pulse Check Insights 46:38

4M ago46:38

46:38

We're back! Welcome to season 5 of the Sacred Playgrounds Podcast! On this episode, we've got some words of welcome, a quick summer in review from our Sacred Playgrounds team, and what to expect from this season. Then, we dive right into some impactful insights from our Post-Summer Camp Leader Pulse Check survey, where we asked camp leaders some si…

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BONUS EPISODE for Summer Camp Staff 24:21

6M ago24:21

24:21

Bonus episode of the Sacred Playgrounds podcast! Summer camp staff, this one's specifically for you! It's mid-summer for many camps, or will be soon, so we're taking a few minutes to offer 3 things specifically for summer camp staff to encourage, equip, and embolden them for the rest of their summer of ministry. Camp leaders, be encouraged to carve…

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Season 4 Finale: 2 Truths & An Untruth 33:50

8M ago33:50

33:50

It's the season 4 finale! So, we decided it's a good episode to play a classic camp game, with a sacred playgrounds twist. On this episode we're playing 2 Truths and An Untruth, often used as a get-to-know-you game at camp, in four rounds from the perspective of key camp audiences: campers, parents, directors, and summer staff. In each round, we'll…

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More or Less? 7 Up & Down Insights from the 2024-2025 OMC Director Survey 45:31

8M ago45:31

45:31

Some things are up, some things are down, some are holding steady, and it all has meaning and impact for how we can make informed decisions and tell impactful stories for this summer and in the months ahead. We've pulled out seven key insights from the 2024-2025 OMC Director Survey findings, and sharing the up, down, and steady movement we've seen …

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Trending, Bending, or Ending: Camp Trends Over the Past 25 Years 43:00

9M ago43:00

43:00

The more things change, the more they stay the same? The only constant is change? If you’re not riding the wave of change, you’ll find yourself underneath it? Whatever your cliché du jour, the truth is, things aren't the same as they were a quarter century ago, and outdoor ministry is not immune to the shifts. On this episode, Jake and Jared welcom…

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The Key to Fostering Faithfulness in Summer Staff 45:18

9M ago45:18

45:18

Where will they find spiritual grounding, these summer staff members of ours? These emerging adults that truly make ministry happen at our camps; what does it take to equip and encourage practicing faithfulness in their lives while they are at camp, and foundational habits that last beyond our time with them? On this episode we'll talk about the ke…

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10 Tips for Pre-Camp Prep That Impacts Experience & Outcomes 41:53

10M ago41:53

41:53

Good news! Camps are, in general, keeping parents satisfied with the level of communication and preparation prior to camp. We learn that much in this week's #StatOfTheWeek. And, there's an opportunity to go beyond satisfactory amounts of information, to a noticeable shift into mission and faith formation, even during this often-underutilized phase …

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Tips for Summer Staffing in 2025 58:20

10M ago58:20

58:20

2025 summer camp staffing is top of mind, heart, and task list for many camp leaders right now. We're in the heart of recruiting season, pre-camp prep time is on the horizon, our staff training schedules are maybe beginning to materialize, and our plans for the summer staff experiences have their foundation laid. The data tells us emerging adult st…

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People Skills & Peer Ministry at Camp with Special Guest Lyle Griner 41:57

11M ago41:57

41:57

The most impactful ministry just might happen in the under-programmed times, the times sitting by the well (or the campfire) hearing someone's story. When we give our staff members, and even campers themselves, the "how" - meaning the skills and the practice in listening, welcoming, and connecting-building - we give them a gift they can and will ta…

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Character at Camp 41:41

11M ago41:41

41:41

Self-confidence. Leadership. Resilience. Faith in daily life. These are all character traits we measure. There is real data that says camp in exceptional at building character through the highly experiential, highly relational programs you offer. And that's a good thing, because the research says parents and caregivers care as much about the charac…

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Why Camp? From the Perspective of Moms, Church Leaders, and Camp Enthusiasts 38:18

12M ago38:18

38:18

Answer: because kids need a safe place to __________________. Question: Why Camp? This question matters to you, camp or church leaders, because it's a question the parents in your world are asking. They have to, for one reason or another. It's because they have a lot of options, and they are assessing the quality of any experience they sign their k…

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2025 New Year's Resolutions for Camp! 36:58

12M ago36:58

36:58

Campy New Year! Our 4th annual New Year's resolutions for camp episode is here! We have a blast with this each year, and we've got 5 fresh data-backed resolutions for camps and their leaders in the year ahead. Here is your keyword teaser: Scripture Enthusiasts Cabin Conversations Noticeably Society Our #QuickQampQuestion is a fun, personal one, and…

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Jesus is Coming...to Camp! 42:14

1y ago42:14

42:14

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas from our sacred playgrounds to yours! We're donning Christmas hats and embracing Advent as we prepare for Jesus to come...to camp! This season reminds us that our ministries have audiences of influence - those we serve, those who serve with us, and those we impact, sometimes without even knowing it. On this episode,…

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Camp Director Perspectives: Interviews with 4 Current Camp Leaders at Camp Conferences 31:04

1y ago31:04

31:04

Leaders who thrive learn from other leaders. Recently, Jake and Jared got to participate in and lead workshops at annual camp conferences for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries and the Campfire Collective (PCCCA, OMA-UCC, OMI, + more). They had the chance to sit down with 4 camp leaders from different locales and traditions to gather insightful perspectiv…

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Leading a Christian Camp After Election Day 42:02

1y ago42:02

42:02

Sometimes we love to hang out in our camp bubble, don't we? Sometimes even so far as to, at least in part, shut out the outside world. It makes sense, because there's something special about camp being set apart. And yet, we're part of an ecosystem, a culture, a community. Last week, election day in the United States brought on emotions and actions…

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"Scary" Stuff from Camp: A Story, A Truth, & A Statistic 39:02

1y ago39:02

39:02

What's your favorite scary movie? This week, we're embracing the spooky season with our #QuickQampQuestion. Post yours in the comments on our website, Facebook, or Instagram! On this episode, we've got 3 "scary" things to share about traditions we prioritize and the wellbeing of those we serve. We're sharing one scary story about a still-common cam…

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BITS and SSN-the Peter episode 43:26

1y ago43:26

43:26

This is a really interesting podcast episode where I draw parallels between Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani, Rajasthan and Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of engineering in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Fun fact: I aspired to study in one and I studied in a similar one.

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Camper Recruitment & Retention with Special Guest Travis Allison 42:00

1y ago42:00

42:00

"The most effective way to get campers this summer is to get last summer's campers to come back." On this episode, Travis Allison from Go Camp Pro joins us to talk through what's actually effective in recruiting and retaining campers and their families. Built from a sense of frustration that so many camp leaders spend so much time, energy, and mone…

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Coding and Me-The Auditorium podcast 15:21

1y ago15:21

15:21

Suddenly one fine day, I got an opportunity to record an entire podcast in a huge college auditorium, from a mic on the dais. So I decided to do it. Cos why not? Of course some random student volunteers were watching live. All this while we were busy rehearsing for a big event on stage. Coding(actually computing) and me!…

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Promising Strategies for Connecting Camp, Church, & Home 47:57

1+ y ago47:57

47:57

A meaningful camp experience can be a powerful catalyst for family faith formation. That truth is at the heart of the Rhythms of Faith Project, the Lilly Endowment, Inc. funded project that Wheaton College/HoneyRock and Sacred Playgrounds are partnering on. We've spent the last year taking in current and past writing, qualitative and quantitative d…

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Capital Gains Tax-Silapala Thagavalgal 9:09

1+ y ago9:09

9:09

Recently Creambun was in the news for GST. But people would not have forgotten the news about Capital gains tax in the budget. What is it actually? How does it affect you and me? A simple delve!!

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3 Major Factors That Affect Camper Outcomes 49:33

1+ y ago49:33

49:33

Ministry is about impact. It's what we hope for, plan for, program for, recruit for, market for, evaluate for, and pray for. It's maybe the one thing that aligns the entire outdoor ministry industry. We may not even define impact in the same way (fyi, we don't!). Yet, we're aligned in that our deepest foundational mission is to impact lives for the…

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Season 4 Kickoff & Post-Summer Pulse Check Results 48:18

1+ y ago48:18

48:18

Season 4 of the Sacred Playgrounds Podcast is here! We're back behind the mic and behind the research for another season of camp-centric content focused on leaders like you. On this episode, we'll share a quick what-to-expect from this season, and then dive into what we learned through the Post-Summer Pulse Check survey we launched a few weeks ago.…

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Season 3 Finale! An ICYMI Roundup & Encouragement for the Summer Ahead 43:26

1+ y ago43:26

43:26

finale {n.} the last and often climactic event or item in a sequence It's the last episode of season 3 of the Sacred Playgrounds Podcast! Whether it's your first time or you've been along for the ride since our first episode, thanks for listening! It's an honor, and a lot of fun, to talk camp with you and for you. On this episode, we'll run through…

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Camp Research Chat with the ACA's Laurie Browne, PhD 51:45

1+ y ago51:45

51:45

On this episode, we're sharing the mic with a good friend and camp research colleague! We're deeply honored to chat with the Senior Director of Research and Education for the American Camp Association (ACA), Laurie Browne, PhD. Laurie joins us to unpack some key camp research learnings from the big picture at the ACA including important projects li…

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A Total Eclipse of the Heart of Camp 42:20

1+ y ago42:20

42:20

Every now and then, I get a little bit restless And I dream of something wild - Bonnie Tyler "Total Eclipse of the Heart" Eclipse week! Epic, singular experiences are our specialty at camp, and yet, how we prepare campers and families for integration of faith in the totality of life is the real heart of our ministry. On this episode, we'll hear the…

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How We Holy Ground w/ Special Guests 45:52

2y ago45:52

45:52

It's launch week for Holy Ground 2024! It's no secret, so says the research, that summer staff are the heart of camping ministry. We know they need support, agency, and faithful community to thrive. That's why we constructed the Holy Ground summer staff guidebook for the third year. On this episode, we'll quickly share the what, how, and why of Hol…

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Staff Training Checklist 48:12

2y ago48:12

48:12

Check! We're gearing up, camp family! For many, it's time to begin forming our plans for staff training, even as we continue to recruit and hire staff. We're bringing you 8(+1) items on a summer staff training checklist to help you frame up a successful, impactful staff training experience that gets your summer staff well-equipped and wisely-prepar…

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Learned This. Do That. 3 Actionable Findings from Summer 2023 43:14

2y ago43:14

43:14

We're constantly learning. Every season, we take care of each individual and/or group of camps we work with - creating reports, digging in with consults about the findings, and creating ways to help those insights tell stories. And, we take that data and compile it, looking at it from a higher level with richer numbers of responses. We do this to l…

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The Almanack part 1 26:45

2y ago26:45

26:45

Alamaari in Tamil. Gems by Naval simplified and shared. Curiosity trigger podcast! Sound Mixing through DOLBY On.

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Family Camp: S'more than a Vacation 49:09

2y ago49:09

49:09

We're making a new friend in this episode as we talk with author Maria Warner who wrote a book all about her family's transformational experiences at family camp, a specialized kind of camp that can, as Maria passionately shares, help families thrive. Listen as we hear stories from the book and capture some of the secrets that make family camp work…

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The Self-Permission Method (Sample) 4:45

2y ago4:45

4:45

A five minute taster for the full audiobook.By Jaemin Frazer

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Rewind: Recruiting Emerging Adults 58:04

2y ago58:04

58:04

We're hitting rewind on an episode from last season where we broke down some of what we know about emerging adults today. Knowing who they are, what they care about, and what motivates them makes a big difference in how we connect and communicate with them, especially during the recruiting process. Rev. Anna Sorenson and I will bring some fresh con…

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4 Things Camp Builds 50:22

2y ago50:22

50:22

Camp staff outcomes align remarkably well with the top skills employers identify as most important for the 21st-century workforce, including teamwork, communication skills, leadership, and problem-solving. Being a member of a Christian summer camp staff builds vital skills needed for impactful careers and faithful lives. On this episode, we're brea…

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What is an IPO? (When am stuck in the Bengaluru traffic) 13:09

2y ago13:09

13:09

Lemme give you a brief about IPO craze in India while I languish in the infamous traffic of the southern megacity 🙄❣️

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5 Camp New Year's Resolutions for 2024 45:10

2y ago45:10

45:10

Happy New Year! We're back with our third annual New Year's Resolutions episode! We're sharing 5 fresh resolutions for sacred playgrounds like yours for 2024. Here's what you'll find: Build resumes Complete the circle Look to the stars Transition well Keep learning We'll also share a bit about what you can expect from our sacred playground in the y…

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Favorites & Finding Ourselves in The Story 44:22

2y ago44:22

44:22

Merry Christmas from Sacred Playgrounds! Green beans and great songs and cookies and memories, these are a few of our favorite things! (Sing it or it doesn't count) On this episode, we share some favorite fun in an extended, Christmas-themed #QuickQampQuestion. AND, we'd like to hear yours. Here's the list: Favorite Christmas song Favorite Christma…

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The OMC Show with Ben & Lex - S01E05 2:11:21

2y ago2:11:21

2:11:21

Yo yo yo!!! What's good, OMC? It's been a minute — well, more like forever, our bad. But guess what? We're back in the game! And check it, we got a dope show lined up for you all this time. It's not just any show; it's our Christmas special, and to top it off, its Benny's birthday show as well! So sit back, grab a Baileys and listen to classic drun…

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Spirituality in Camp & Culture 46:25

2y ago46:25

46:25

Our heart is restless until it rests in you. - ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO "Spirituality." How do we actually define that word? What's the difference between spirituality and religion? Can one be a non-spiritual person? What does it mean to be "spiritual, but not religious" as many have described themselves? And, as we should always be asking, why does …

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How a dollar denomination can humble your personal budgeting journey? 24:09

2y ago24:09

24:09

A jovial insight that can perhaps change your perspective about what we earn in INR forever. Sound Mixing through: DOLBY ON.

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The Case for the Christ Hike 38:28

2y ago38:28

38:28

Have you taken a walk through the life of Jesus? Have you brought your campers through an experience like this in a way that puts them in the story? Immersive experiences have power, especially in the context of camp spaces already so experiential in nature. Bringing The Story to life is an honor, and we have an opportunity to make a connection bet…