As the seasons begin to shift, our excitement is building at Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert! We are gearing up to attend the American Camp Association National Conference, an event that keeps us at the forefront of best practices and emerging trends in the camping world. This annual gathering—held this year in Dallas, Texas—is an invaluable opportunity for camp professionals to learn, connect, and grow, ensuring we continue providing the highest-quality experience for our campers and staff. We're particularly looking forward to the workshops on innovative outdoor education programs and mental health support for today's youth. Our leadership team will join over 1,000 camp professionals nationwide, allowing us to build meaningful connections and share successful strategies that have worked at camps nationwide. I can't wait to bring back fresh ideas and enhanced safety protocols that will enrich our upcoming summer season for your children.
Why the American Camp Association Conference Matters
One of the most exciting aspects of the ACA National Conference is the opportunity to learn from some of the most brilliant minds in the industry and youth development in general. Experts like Michael Brandwein, Dr. Debi Gilboa, Chris Thurber, and others will share their insights on leadership, youth development, mental health, and innovative programming. These thought leaders inspire us to refine our approach and implement new strategies that enhance our campers' experiences. This year's theme is "Camp Cultivates Character" and will dive into a deep look at how summer camp programs create, build, and nurture positive cultures at camp and beyond.
But we don't just attend the conference—we actively contribute! Our directors have had the honor of presenting, assisting in planning, and volunteering on ACA committees. We believe in giving back to the camping community by sharing our knowledge, experiences, and passion for youth development.
CODA Cohort Group
In addition to the ACA National Conference, we will also attend the Camp Owners and Directors Association (CODA) gathering, held right before the American Camp Association Conference. The CODA Cohort group is made up of private (non-agency or church-affiliated) camps in the industry. This event allows us to learn alongside our peers, share best practices, and gain insights from other camp professionals who understand the unique challenges and rewards of running a camp. We are also proud to serve on CODA committees, furthering our commitment to supporting and shaping the camping industry.
In addition to the National Conference and CODA, the ACA also hosts a number of regional conferences and online learning opportunities that we will take advantage of throughout the year. We look forward to the many opportunities ahead—to gain fresh perspectives, engage with fellow camp professionals, and bring back innovative ideas that will elevate our leadership and enrich the experience for our campers this summer. Stay tuned for updates from the conference—we can't wait to share what we learn!
ACA Accreditation
Another focus of the American Camp Association Conference is its ACA Accreditation Process. With 100s of specific standards ranging from communication to food safety to leadership training, the accreditation process is a vital aspect of the American Camp Association's drive to improve the summer camp industry continually. ACA accreditation is a badge of honor for us, which we have proudly maintained since 1948. It represents our commitment to safety, excellence, and continuous improvement. Our camp's founding leaders played a pivotal role in the grassroots movement that helped shape the ACA into the esteemed organization it is today—their dedication to advancing the field of camping lives on in everything we do today. We are proud to continue to support and help drive the ACA's goal toward constant improvement within the camp industry.
Want to learn more about what makes our camp unique? Explore our About Us page or check out our Summer Camp Programs for more details!
