The Future Is Human: Why Camp Still Matters in an AI-Driven World - Scott Brody

In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into how summer camp is more than just crafts and campfires—it’s a hands-on incubator for empathy, independence, and creativity. Think of it as the friendliest startup accelerator you can find, where kids learn face-to-face connection in an age when the internet is literally in our pockets.

Scott Brody, camp owner and policy advocate, teams up with Jack Schott, a self-described “camp geek” who’s built and consulted for camps across the country. Together, they explore why “going off the grid” each summer is increasingly critical in a hyper-connected, AI-fueled world.

Featuring:

• Scott Brody (Owner/Director of Camps Kenwood & Evergreen)
• Jack Schott (New Kenwood & Evergreen Leadership)

I write a weekly newsletter about kids today. Find it and more at https://jackschott.com/

Listen on Spotify | Apple Music

Chapters

• 0:48 Meet Scott Brody: Camp Leader and Advocate
• 1:53 Why Run a Camp? The Passion Behind the Work
• 3:01 From Camper to Camp Owner: The Evolution of a Leader
• 5:50 The Responsibility of Leading a Camp Community
• 6:26 Lessons in Leadership: Advice for Future Camp Directors
• 7:38 Camp as a Place for Growth: What Parents Should Know
• 9:03 Balancing Fun and Growth at Camp
• 10:08 Preparing Kids for an Uncertain Future with Timeless Skills
• 12:10 The Impact of AI and the Need for Human Connection
• 16:14 The Power of Camp in Developing Future Leaders
• 21:31 Advocating for Camps in Washington and Beyond
• 26:28 The Impact of Policy on the Camp Industry
• 28:17 Joining the Kenwood and Evergreen Leadership Team
• 32:08 A Love for Camp: From Engineering to Camp Leadership
• 37:16 What Makes Kenwood and Evergreen Special?
• 45:26 The Lifelong Impact of Camp on Kids and Counselors
• 54:28 Recommended Reads for Aspiring Camp Leaders
• 57:28 Excitement for the Summer Ahead at Kenwood and Evergreen