In this first episode of Circle Up! – Frost Valley Podcast, hosts Riel and Eliza explore one of the most defining experiences in youth development: summer camp.

With so much happening in the world today, this conversation asks a simple but powerful question: why is camp more important than ever?

To help unpack it, they’re joined by Laura Mehan, Director of Strategy and Quality Practices for Overnight Camping at the YMCA, for a thoughtful discussion on the history of the summer camp movement and how it has evolved from its roots in the late 1800s to the diverse, inclusive, and growth-focused experiences we see today.

Together, they explore:

• The origins of summer camp, from Camp Dudley to the rise of modern YMCA camping
• Why overnight camp creates a unique environment for independence, r ...