Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/communities-of-campfires-and-kickball

Exploring Camp Experiences, Neoliberalism, and Hidden Curriculum with Dr. Mary Breunig

In this episode of The Pudding, hosts Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison talk to Dr. Mary Breunig, an associate professor in the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration. Dr. Breunig shares her journey from flute performance to outdoor education to kickball den mother, emphasizing the transformative power of camp experiences. The conversation covers topics such as the significance of camp in personal development, the differences between guiding and educating, and the importance of diverse recruitment in camp staff. Dr. Breunig also discusses her research interests, including neoliberalism in education and leisure as the center of community. The episode concludes with insights into social justice education and the impact of outdoor education on both students and staff.

• 00:19 Meet the Hosts and Dr. Breunig’s Journey
• 07:04 Current Research and Interests
• 10:05 Kickball as Community and Introduction to Neoliberalism
• 15:31 Teaching Social Justice to Disenfranchised Students
• 19:39 Putnam's Theory on the Decline of Community
• 22:15 Outdoor Education in the DNA of Camp
• 24:23 Holding a Non-profit Ethos in a For-profit Business
• 26:05 Case Study: Extroversion and Introversion in Camp Staff
• 32:14 Future Plans and Reflections
• 34:09 Recommended Researchers to Follow & Episode Wrap-up

Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - [email protected]
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - [email protected]
• Dr. Mary Breunig - Associate Professor, Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration - CSU-Sacramento - [email protected]

Additional Links of Interest

• Dr. Mary Breunig on Google Scholar

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The American Camp Association - Illinois

The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

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Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis
Take it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.