In this episode of the Here and Human Wellness Podcast, Jen sits down with James (Jim) McAllister, Director of Camp Koochiching, to explore the power of presence, purpose, and human connection. After two decades in business leadership, Jim shares how returning to the camp where he grew up has helped him slow down, reconnect with what matters, and embrace a new chapter rooted in service. He reflects on the lessons camp taught him as a young boy, from carrying his first heavy canoe-trip pack to discovering the confidence that comes from doing hard things with the support of others.
Together, Jen and Jim discuss the importance of unplugging from technology, building resilience, and creating spaces where boys can develop meaningful friendships, embrace vulnerability, and learn from strong, compassionate mentors. Jim shares why the camp experience continues to shape young men long after summer ends and how its lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and giving back carry into adulthood. At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reminder that growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zones, show up for one another, and become part of something bigger than ourselves.
More About Jim MacAllister:
James “Jim” McAllister is the Director of Camp Koochiching, a lifelong outdoorsman, fly-fishing guide, and licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Jim spent 20 years at Northwest River Supplies (NRS), rising from customer service to Director of Sales while helping lead the company through a period of significant growth and its transition to employee ownership. His career also includes running a fly-fishing guide service in Montana and helping grow his family’s sales and marketing agency. Having attended Camp Koochiching as a boy, Jim returned to the place that helped shape him with a renewed sense of purpose: helping the next generation of boys build resilience, confidence, lifelong friendships, and a commitment to serving others.
Favorite Quotes:
“This is the position that’s really forced me to just be present and be aware of what’s going on around me right now. And it’s been amazing.” -Jim MacAllister
“You have to go and actually do the hard thing. You have to actually go and be challenged and persevere and find a way through it.” -Jim MacAllister
“At the time, I don’t think that the boys are necessarily super aware of the fact that what they’re doing is teaching themselves determination and proving to themselves that they’ve got grit.” -Jim MacAllister
“It’s a brotherhood. It’s something that we all get to carry with us forever.” -Jim MacAllister
“Having the opportunity to expose 12, 13, 14 year old boys to, in my mind, real men, strong, confident men who are also kind and empathetic and want to leave the place better than they found it is pretty rare.” -Jim MacAllister
“The break from the technology, the break from my computer is literally one of the best gifts I’ve ever given myself.” -Jim MacAllister
Resources:
Jen’s Instagram
Jen’s Substack
McDaniel Nutrition Therapy Instagram
McDaniel Nutrition Therapy Website
Past Podcast Episodes
Camp Kooch-i-ching
Urban Wilderness
Owakonze
Ogichi Daa Kwe (Wilderness Camp for Girls)
Camping and Education Foundation
