The Director’s School Faculty
Experienced University Instructors.
Experts in Their Fields of Study.
Understands the Power of Camp.
When we began mapping out the project that would become The Director’s School, we knew that one of the most important components was to figure out was who would teach the curriculum. We began our search for folks who not only understand the power of camp, but also have experience in strategic leadership, business, management, and all the areas that would be covered in The Director’s School. We also knew we wanted a faculty built on experience, passion, and knowledge. Our faculty includes university-level instructors who have decades of experience in their fields of study. They understand experiential education, the power of camp, and educating professionals.
Learn more about The Director's School Faculty Members below!
Faculty:
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Dr. Megan Owens is the Founder and Principal of BlueSky Recreation Consulting, LLC. With over two decades of experience, Megan’s expertise spans the park, recreation, and camp systems of non-profit, government, and for-profit organizations. What began as a college summer job for an overnight camp led to a career of recreational and educational design, research, and leadership across communities and states. At BlueSky Recreation Consulting, Megan brings a systems approach to supporting organizations and the professionals that provide recreation, nature, and out-of-school time experiences. Providing both organizational alignment and career coaching services, Megan’s wide expertise and unique talents enable professionals to create a more strategic pathway toward achieving their personal, career, and agency goals.
For The Director’s School, Megan serves as both the School Director and Instructor. Helping to bring this educational experience to life is incredibly meaningful for Megan, after having worked with practitioners and emerging professionals for over twenty years. She is passionate about supporting the current and future generations of camp professionals so that they are prepared for the ever-evolving work that we call Camp.
Dr. Guy deBrun is a Lecturer in the Hart School at James Madison University, where he teaches and mentors students in sport and recreation management. He earned his Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership Studies and his M.S. in Sport and Recreation
Management from James Madison University, and holds a B.A. in Health and Physical Education from Messiah University.
Before joining the JMU faculty full-time in 2021, Dr. deBrun spent nearly two decades leading collegiate outdoor recreation and adventure programs. His professional experience includes serving as Assistant Director of Adventure and TEAM Programs at
JMU’s University Recreation (UREC), as well as leadership roles at the University of Maine’s Maine Bound Adventure Center and Hampshire College. An active leader in the outdoor industry, Guy serves as President of the Outdoor Sports Institute and has
contributed to advancing outdoor education through organizations such as the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education.
Dr. deBrun’s scholarship focuses on leadership development, outdoor recreation, and sociology of sport and recreation. His research has been published in outlets such as the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership, the Recreational Sports Journal, and Teaching Sociology. As a speaker, Guy brings a unique blend of academic expertise, practical outdoor leadership experience, and a passion for developing leaders through meaningful, hands-on experiences. His sessions are engaging, evidence-based, and experiential.
Margaret “Maggie” Braun is a career camp professional, educator, and leader with more than 30 years of experience in youth development, outdoor education, recreation, environmental studies, and leadership. Throughout her career, Maggie has held diverse leadership roles, including Camp Director, Membership Director, and Chief Operating Officer for the Girl Scouts, as well as serving as a 4-H Agent with county government. She has directed nonprofit, for-profit, and faith-based camps, bringing a broad understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing today’s camp professionals. A respected leader in the camping profession, Maggie has served on the American Camp Association National Board of Directors and in numerous professional leadership roles. She has presented at national and regional conferences and developed professional education focused on staff development, leadership, and creating meaningful camp experiences. Maggie has also brought her extensive field experience into higher education as an adjunct professor, teaching recreation, environmental studies, ethics, and leadership. Her teaching connects academic theory with the practical realities of leading organizations and developing People. Maggie is passionate about the transformative power of camp and experiential education and about preparing the next generation of camp leaders. Her combination of academic expertise, organizational leadership, and diverse camp experience provides a unique perspective for today’s camp professionals. |
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