A Question of Value: The Economic Impact of Camps - with Eli McClain - The Pudding #14

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/a-question-of-value

How do you Define “Camp” and its Economic Impact?

On this episode of The Pudding, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison dive into the economic impact study of the camp industry with researcher Eli McClain, of the Restorative Economics Group. They talk about his process of working with a team of researchers and students to collect data from over 20,000 camps across the United States, and how this $70 billion dollar industry ripples out into the wider community. Eli also touches on how “camp” is defined for the purposes of this study, and additional questions for future research that came up in the course of writing their report, including the question of how seasonal employment in the camping industry prepares you for full time careers in both camping and other industries.

Resources from this episode:

National Economic Impact Study of the Camp Industry

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Episode Guide

• 00:00 Meet the Hosts and Guest
• 00:36 Eli McClain's Journey into Research
• 08:31 Defining the Camp Industry
• 13:30 From Data Points to Camp Operator Data Collection
• 17:53 Key Findings and Insights from the Economic Impact Study
• 21:15 Future Research Directions with the Magic Wand of Camp Research
• 24:44 Recommended Researchers to Follow & Episode Wrap-up

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Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - [e-mail]
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - [e-mail]
• Eli McClain - Researcher, Restorative Economics Group

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Thanks to our sponsors!

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.

Camptivities
You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.