Welcome
My name is Amanda Palmer
I am a camp consultant with a passion for character development, evaluation, continuous program improvement, and effective staff training! My core focus is helping you align your organization's unique values with observable (and trainable!) staff practices.
Services for Camps
Strategic Planning
Let's talk mission! I can help you develop a strategic plan for putting your mission-based values into practice. From logic models to staff training, I have experience and the ability to help you meet your unique goals.
Accreditation Support and Education
As an Accreditation Volunteer with ACA, I can provide educational guidance and feedback as your camp considers seeking accreditation. We can dive in to the standards applicable to your camp, and develop a plan together!
Support for Character Development at Camp
Did you know that hiring me as a consultant can be included in a Character at Camp grant through ACA? Let's have a conversation and make a plan!
Program Quality Evaluation and Camper Surveys
As a trained evaluator on ACA's Program Quality Assessment focused on social-emotional learning at camp, I can help you both with evaluating program quality as well as measuring camper experiences!
Year-round Consultation
Would you like support with planning, training, program implementation, evaluation and reflection? I would love to set up monthly consultation sessions to work with you at each stage!
Staff Training & Development
I can help you develop effective staff training outlines, as well as provide interactive training on implementing values-based practices in line with your camp's unique mission. I can also create unique professional development presentations.
I am involved with the American Camp Association as a subject matter expert for the Character at Camp initiative, a Program Quality Assessment coach, an accreditation visitor, an Idaho state Local Council of Leaders chair, a member of Camping Magazine's Editorial Advisory Committee, and a featured columnist for Camping Magazine.
As a Research Associate for Sacred Playgrounds, I provide consulting support in report writing and data analysis for a variety of camps throughout the United States. I have followed the work of Jake Sorenson and Sacred Playgrounds since I started my academic career, and I am thrilled to be part of the work he is doing!
I provide consulting services as a Research Associate with Sound Research Center, LLC in Washington State. I have worked with Candiya and her organization to analyze data and create valuable and insight-rich reports on STEM education projects funded by the National Science Foundation.
Collaborations and Partnerships
I am also a member of Delta Consulting Group's team of consultants, bringing my own strengths to a fantastic group of experts in research, evaluation, educational leadership and youth development.
During my doctoral studies at the University of Idaho, I have partnered with 4-H in complex studies, working with youth, seasonal, and year-round staff to assess program quality, camper experiences, and program alignment with the organization's mission.
As a researcher with the University of Idaho's Center for Ethical Theory and Honor in Competition and Sport (Center for ETHICS*), I have conducted a variety of research studies focused on helping camp organizations align their mission-based values with their staff practices. Working with Center Director Dr. Sharon Stoll, I have developed an amended logic model framework to assist organizations in better identifying core practices.
Testimonials
Adam Tobey,
Former Executive Director, Tall Timber Ranch Camp
"Amanda's approach is collaborative and client-focused. She truly cares about helping camps identify their programming focus, capitalize on strengths, and learn from mistakes."
Rob Lubeznik-Warner,
Delta Consulting Group, LLC
"I have witnessed Amanda’s commitment to conducting research from multiple perspectives (e.g., youth, staff, camp leadership) to provide actionable insights for trainings and policy development in the camp setting."
Richie Thaxton,
University of Idaho
“Amanda’s commitment to community and equity has affected, and continues to affect, graduate students from all university departments and ensures that her legacy at UI will be both a positive and lasting one.”
Sharon Stoll,
Center for Ethical Theory and Honor in Competition and Sport
"I have had 40 plus doctoral students, Amanda stands out because she has an unbelievable dedication to the project. She believes in children, youth, and the experiences within the camping experience."
Steph Love,
Steph Love Consulting, LLC
“Amanda’s research “campifies” common challenges, using data and experience from the field to illustrate powerful examples of how character can positively impact both the staff and camper experience. She is both innovating in what she’s researching, as well as making a huge impact in implementation science through the workshops she is designing and delivering"
Allen Taggart,
Former 4-H Extension Educator over Camps
“Amanda is thorough in her research, pragmatic in her application, all while being approachable and relatable. I really enjoyed working alongside her in doing research projects with 4-H camps in Idaho, and her insights were invaluable to improving our youth-serving programs AND staff management."