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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-chris-h

Dungeons & Directors: Chris Hudson’s Wild Card Ride on Love, Awe, and Camp

In this unique installment of the CampHacker Podcast's Intentionally Intentional Leaders series, Executive Producer Matt Wilfrid sits down with Chris Hudson, consultant, speaker, youth development specialist, and co-host of this very podcast. Using the unpredictable roll of a 20-sided die (D20), Chris explores pivotal memories, profound insights, and fundamental beliefs that have shaped his 30+ years in camping and social work.

The conversation is a moving journey that touches on the power of Dungeons & Dragons as a childhood refuge, the influence of Mary Poppins and Willy Wonka on his leadership style, and his essential work with Planet Chris Consulting to make camps more inclusive and equitable. Chris shares why love is his "religion" and what he believes camp is uniquely positioned to deliver that schools and screens can't: the ability to live in a diverse, empathetic community. This episode is a raw, inspiring listen for any camp professional committed to intentional leadership and building a better future for their campers.

Key Takeaways for Camp Professionals

Behavior Isn't Always the Issue: Chris advocates for taking camper behavior less seriously, especially minor infractions. He challenges camp professionals (especially those with teaching backgrounds) to move past ableist expectations and focus their attention on the core values of safety and belonging.
The Power of Connection and Love: Discover why Love feels like a religion to Chris. He discusses how empowering kids to bring out "everything they have to bring out"—their complete, authentic selves—is the highest form of respect and leadership.
Camp's Unique Position: Camp is argued to be a necessary "third space" uniquely positioned to teach children how to live in community. It's the environment where kids learn to embrace diversity and solve problems on their own, lessons critical for navigating the world that screens and traditional schooling often fail to provide.
The Foundation of Inclusive Work: Chris addresses the horrific current climate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, urging camp leaders to call him to work through the emotional process of dismantling old, often racist structures within their camp's foundation. He emphasizes that the work must be done if you truly care for all children.
Guiding Principles for Staff and Campers: Learn Chris's three guiding principles to bring a calming and effective energy to any interaction: "I love you so very much," "I'm interested in what you have to say," and "Everything's gonna be all right."

Your Hosts

Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting - Go Camp Pro
Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight

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