The Brain Science Behind Camp
Matthew Kaufman · January 24, 2026
Interview with Matthew Kaufman
Podcast: Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
January 24, 2026 · 36 min
Listen to Matthew Kaufman on Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today.
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About Matthew Kaufman
Camp Director and Author Exploring the Neuroscience Behind What Makes Camp Transformative
40 years Summer camp experience2 Books authoredAmazon bestseller The Campfire EffectValedictorian Cornell master's programme
Matt Kaufman has spent most of his life at summer camp, but not because he lacked options. In school, things came easily. He moved quickly through classes and eventually graduated from Cornell University with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering, finishing his master’s program as valedictorian. Camp was different. He was the quiet kid who had to push himself to talk to people, try things that felt uncomfortable, and work through everyday conflicts in a place where no one cared about grades. That early contrast—school rewarding his mind and camp reshaping his whole self—never left him.
As he moved into the Summer Camp industry and eventually became Director at Camp Ramaquois outside New York City, he began to see the same pattern play out in thousands of young people. A child or staff member would arrive one version of themselves and, little by little, become someone steadier, braver, and more connected. The change was consistent enough that Matt found himself asking what was underneath it: what exactly is happening at camp—socially, emotionally, and in the brain—that helps people grow in such reliable ways?
His first book, The Summer Camp MBA, explored that question in the context of leadership, showing how bunk life teaches teamwork in ways most workplaces struggle to create.
About this episode
In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks withMatthew Kaufman, camp director, author, lifelong camp professional and father, about the powerful science behind camp and what parents can learn from it.
Drawing from his book The Campfire Effect: How to Engineer Belonging in a Disconnected World, Kaufman explains how camp environments intentionally create safety, belonging, and healthy challenge—and why those elements are essential for learning and emotional growth.
Parents will learn:
Why children can’t learn or grow unless they feel emotionally safeHow positive stress (not zero stress) builds confidence and resilienceThe role of brain chemicals like cortisol, oxytocin, and endorphins in child developmentThe difference between supporting a child and rescuing themSimple, practical ways parents can recreate “camp-like” belonging at home through rituals and connection
This conversation supports parents navigating anxiety, screen overload, and the pressure-filled school year.
This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.
You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.
Links referenced in this episode:
whereparentstalk.com
Guest: Matthew Kaufman
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