ATE in the Wild: Love from Episcopal Summer Mega Camp
In this episode, we dive into the winding path from Episcopal summer camps to college campus ministries with guests who’ve lived the journey. From first-time campers to seasoned student leaders, they share how early nudges (or outright shoves!) into camp life planted seeds of faith, community, and identity.
We explore how those formative summer experiences shaped their spirituality and how stepping into college brought both challenges and opportunities for growth. Did Episcopal campus ministry help bridge the gap? How did community, ritual, and relationship carry over—or shift—in a university setting?
✨ Topics We Cover:
- First steps into Episcopal summer camp: choice or calling?
- How camp shaped early ideas of faith and belonging
- The transition from s’mores and songs to syllabi and stress
- Grounding faith through campus ministry in times of big questions
- Moments of challenge and transformation, both at camp and on campus
- Lifelong spiritual practices and habits that stuck around
- Community vibes: campfire circles vs. college chaplaincy couches
- Seeing yourself—and your calling—through the lens of these experiences
- Dreaming big for the future of camps and campus ministries (yes, snacks included!)
- Advice for anyone unsure about jumping into these sacred spaces
About the Hosts
Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is a member of the laity and currently a college, youth, and children’s minister at a parish in Kansas City, MO and third-year seminarian at Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary and a candidate for Anglican Studies at Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She hopes of one day becoming an Episcopal priest and is discerning in the Diocese of Kansas. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old.
Guest Bio:
Josh McCall (he/him)
Josh is a rising sophomore at Wichita State Univ. studying Special Music Education. He is originally from Overland Park, KS and attended St. Thomas the Apostle (Dio. KS). Josh now works as a youth volunteer at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wichita. Josh has been involved in the church for as long as he can remember:going to youth events, serving on the Youth Commission (Dio. KS). and as a youth delegate at Diocesan Convention, and is a Peer Minister in the Wichita area. Josh is grateful for the opportunity to serve and grow with those around him, and is glad he’s found his place in the Episcopal Church.
Suzanne Avery (She/her)
Brandon Kirmer (He/him)
Relevant links:
Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment.
To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here
To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry click here
All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media.
Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions
Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise
Creators and Guests
Host
Clare Stern-Burbano
(she/her) is a member of the laity and currently a youth and college minister at a parish in Kansas City, MO and second-year seminarian at Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary.
