This week, we're excited to share a conversation with Pine Island alum and current PIC Board member Matt Kennard. Matt attended Pine Island as a camper from 1994 to 1998 and now serves as CEO of BetterLesson, a professional development and coaching organization created by teachers, for teachers. BetterLesson partners with K–12 districts to use resources more strategically, support student-centered classrooms, prepare students for college and careers, and strengthen instructional leadership.

In this episode, Matt reflects on his years at Pine Island and the lasting influence of the camp community on his personal and professional path. We explore his career journey, how camp experiences translate into college and career readiness, and why formative summer experiences matter deeply for child development. The conversation also ranges into making major life changes, the role of ancient societies in shaping modern community, and the enduring importance of male friendships. We wrap up with a quick lightning round!

We're excited to bring more guest conversations to the podcast in the months ahead. For now, enjoy this thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion with Matt Kennard.

In this episode, we update listeners on what we've been up to; we give a fun fact about a high-speed activity we used to have at PIC (unbelievably); we give the answer to our trivia question about Sacred Animals and deliver a new trivia question; and we deliver a season's greetings message! Oh, and can't forget: staff and camper shout-outs!

As always, send your trivia answers and listener mailbag questions into the podcast by emailing Alex at atoole@pineisland.org or Hannah at hgordon@pineisland.org, and be sure to subscribe to the PineCast. Remember: Gracious Living is our Goal, and Pine Island Always Wins! Akka Lakka!

Today on the podcast, we do something a little different. Instead of our usual format, Alex reads a letter that we sent out, from him, to the broader Pine Island community in the spirit of Thanksgiving. This is an important time to practice gratitude, and in this letter Alex expresses many things for which he is grateful this season. If there are things from the Pine Island universe that bring you feelings of gratitude, reach out and share them! Send them to Alex, atoole@pineisland.org, or Hannah, hgordon@pineisland.org. We'd be happy to share them on the next episode of the PineCast!