The Pudding

The sweet proof of research to back up what you already know about summer camp. Join Travis Allison and Dr. Mandi Baker as they focus in on prominent and emerging research in the summer camp world and share the ways that camp professionals can leverage that research to get more kids to camp.

The Pudding is part of the Go Camp Pro podcast network. Find a Podcast for Camp Pros of every age and stage at https://gocamp.pro/podcasts

All Episodes

The Pudding

Sensory Journeys and Freedom in Play - with Neil Carr - The Pudding #19

November 05, 2025 • The Pudding - from Go Camp Pro • Season 3 • Episode 19

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/sensory-journeys-freedom-in-play

Exploring Inclusivity in Outdoor Leisure with Neil Carr

In this episode of The Pudding, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison discuss with Prof. Neil Carr, from the Dept of Tourism at the University of Otago (New Zealand), the role of inclusivity in outdoor leisure. They explore Neil's journey into academia, his research on tourism and leisure, and the evolution of outdoor leisure studies. Key highlights include the importance of sensory engagement in leisure, traditional structures of camps, and the need to allow children freedom and control in their play. They discuss Mandi and Neil’s latest book collaboration on inclusion and equity in outdoor leisure that features a diverse range of voices and perspectives.

00:24 Meet the Hosts and Neil’s Journey in Academia
04:25 Philosophical Differences of Tourism vs. Leisure
12:03 Neil’s Inspiration for Sensory Experiences in Leisure
14:41 Integrating All Senses for an Inclusive Experience
19:54 Who is Camp Really For?
26:22 The Transformative Power of Novelty
32:01 Inclusion and Equity in Outdoor Leisure
36:16 Beyond Human Beings: Interactions with Nature
40:05 Structure vs. Play in Shaping Society of Tomorrow
45:04 Episode Wrap-Up

Your Hosts

Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
Neil Carr - Professor, Department of Tourism, University of Otago - neil.carr@otago.ac.nz

Additional Links of Interest

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The American Camp Association - Illinois

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Camptivities

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