Christopher A. Thurber, PhD (left) and Jon C. Malinowski, PhD (right) met at camp in New Hampshire. They were long-time campers, then cabin leaders, and now senior leaders.  Notes made on the back of a napkin during a day off camp became the first edition of The Summer Camp Handbook in 2000.

Thurber, a licensed clinical psychologist, is on the faculty of Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. He researches homesickness and young people’s adjustment to separation from home. Dr. Thurber is an internationally sought speaker on camping and education. He and his wife, Simonida, live in New Hampshire with their two boys. Learn more about his training services at CampSpirit.com.

Malinowski is a professor of geography at a top college in New York State. He specializes in the geography of childhood, human spatial behavior, and the cultural landscape. He is the co-author of over a half-dozen books and a published photographer who's credits include Sports Illustrated, ESPN The Magazine, and numerous newspapers.