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The third and final season of the young adult podcast Notes from Camp is now available for streaming on Audible.
By Jenna Thompson
For many, Jamie Lynn Carter is synonymous with the title “Scream Queen,” a label she embraced during her role in the dark comedy series Scream Queens. However, Carter’s talents extend far beyond her iconic slasher films. She’s also a devoted mother, writer, activist, photographer, children’s book author, podcast producer, and a long-time enthusiast of summer camp experiences. The latter two roles are intertwined, as evidenced by the recent launch of the third season of the scripted podcast Notes from Camp, which she both produces and stars in.
This captivating blend of humor and poignant coming-of-age narratives unfolds over several summers in the 2000s, following a girl named Maddy Hargrove, who is persuaded by her mother to attend Camp Pinewood. Initially awkward yet endearing, Maddy uses camp as an opportunity to hone her journalistic talents. Little does she realize, her summers will lead to discoveries beyond mere camp mysteries.
I had the chance to talk with Carter about the inspiration behind this distinctive storytelling venture for young audiences. She shared that the project felt almost preordained from its inception. “About four years ago, I received a letter from my dear friend in New York, Sarah Thompson, which contained a small envelope addressed to ‘Jamie’ in a childlike scrawl. Inside was an unsent letter from her daughter, Bella, who wrote about some drama she faced during her time at sleepaway camp,” Carter explained.
Recognizing the inherent charm, Carter reached out to Bella, who was now 26 and working as a comedy writer. “I told her, ‘Bella, I got your camp letter, and this is going to be a show. You’re going to write it,’ and that’s how it all began,” she shared.
The collaborative spirit of summer camp quickly took over, with everyone involved contributing to the production. “Once we identified our characters, we began reaching out to actors, and every single one said yes immediately. It was a remarkable way for everything to align,” Carter remarked, calling the final product “a true dream.”
The ensemble cast includes Bella as the writer and Carter portraying Camp Director Sue, alongside Sunny Sanders voicing Maddy. Other notable vocal talents appearing throughout the three seasons include Emma Watson, Max Greenfield, and newcomer Leo Martinez.
In this season, Maddy finds herself smitten when a new camper, a charming boy named Charlie, arrives. “Maddy experiences her first crush when Charlie shows up, and not just her but all the girls start vying for his attention,” Carter noted. “They engage in classic preteen antics, trying to impress each other, while Maddy, having never had a boyfriend, begins to feel insecure.”
This relatable theme of navigating adolescence is prevalent throughout the podcast. “Listeners will witness Maddy grappling with the dilemma of whether to pursue her feelings for Charlie or stick to her camp friendships. It captures the sweet confusion of first love beautifully,” Carter elaborated.
Season 3, much like its predecessors, tackles relevant subjects that impact preteens, such as divorce and self-identity. “It’s vital to address these topics in a safe environment. Notes from Camp approaches these realities in a genuine, healthy manner,” Carter emphasized. “We can’t pretend that feelings don’t exist—doing so would strip the story of its heart.”
Moreover, Carter is acutely aware of the significant difference that social media presents to today’s youth compared to the 2000s. When asked about the decision to set the podcast in an era before platforms like TikTok, she replied, “It was essential to the concept. I have strong views on social media and its dangers for children. We wanted to capture the innocence of camp, where kids can try on new identities and experiences.”
Interestingly, the theme of self-reinvention surfaced during the podcast’s development. Carter recalls, “When we hired an artist to create illustrations for Notes from Camp, he felt inspired by the underlying message. The camp logo he designed featured the motto ‘Be You,’ which became our rallying cry—capturing the essence of camp as a place for self-exploration.”
Given that many children have faced limitations on camp attendance in recent years, Carter hopes those who can attend this summer seize the chance to express their true selves. “Attending camp is a privilege not everyone has, and for those fortunate enough to go, it offers a unique opportunity to reinvent oneself,” she noted. “For those unable to go to sleepaway camp, parents can create similar experiences at home.”
Carter suggests organizing neighborhood camp-like adventures, where kids can still enjoy outdoor activities and camp songs. “You don’t need to be in the mountains to enjoy camping; even a backyard sleepover can be special,” she advised.
And of course, incorporating Maddy, Director Sue, and the rest of the camp gang can add to the fun. “Gather around to listen to Notes from Camp together and discuss the episodes, sing along to camp songs—it’s an auditory adventure waiting for you,” she said with a smile.