2025 ACA, Southeastern Fall Camp Conference

All Available Sessions

Tuesday

-1/7/2025

You Selected This Session

Tuesday

01/07/2025 11:45 AM
Registration

-1/7/2025

You Selected This Session

Registration

01/07/2025 12:00 PM
Newcomer's Orientation

-1/7/2025

You Selected This Session

New Comer's Orientation

01/07/2025 2:45 PM

New Comer's Orientation

First time at the conference? Join us for New Comer's Orientation.

Location: Palmetto Club

Welcome and Opening Keynote

-1/7/2025

You Selected This Session

Welcome and Opening Keynote

01/07/2025 3:15 PM

Opening Keynote with Bob Ditter

Bob Ditter will join us for a keynote presentation about how camps can leverage their unique ability to develop character with their participants and staff and how critically important this is right now. He is a prolific contributor to Camping Magazine and his books have been a mainstay for staff selection, training and supervision. 

Bob is a thought leader on ACA's Character Initiative and we are very excited to have him at the Southeastern Fall Camp Conference.

Session Location: Grand Ballroom

State Meetings

-1/7/2025

You Selected This Session

State Meetings

01/07/2025 4:45 PM

Find your state and join in for the state meeting to get updates!

North Carolina: Palmetto Club

South Carolina: Homestead

Georgia: Florence/ Sparenburg

Florida: Columbia/Charleston

Puerto Rico & Other States: Port Royal/Bay Hill

BIPOC Affinity Group Meetup

-1/7/2025

You Selected This Session

BIPOC Affinity Group Meetup

01/07/2025 5:30 PM

BIPOC Affinity Group Meetup

The BIPOC Affinity Group is a safe and inclusive space dedicated to fostering community and centering BIPOC camp professionals. This space is designed for those who identify as Black, Brown, Indigenous, and people of color to discuss their lived experiences in the camp industry.

Location: Columbia/Charleston room

Sign up to join us- Sign up to join us and learn more! 

Evening Social

-1/7/2025

You Selected This Session

Evening Social

01/07/2025 6:15 PM
Wednesday

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Wednesday

01/08/2025 7:00 AM
Kindred Group Meetup (EPIC - Emerging Professionals in Camping)

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Kindred Group Meetup (EPIC - Emerging Professionals in Camping)

01/08/2025 8:00 AM
Breakout Session 1

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Breakout Session 1

01/08/2025 8:59 AM
Balancing Privacy & Supervision: Ensuring Safety and Respect

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Balancing Privacy & Supervision: Ensuring Safety and Respect

01/08/2025 9:00 AM

Balancing Privacy & Supervision: Ensuring Safety and Respect

Explore the balance between privacy and supervision to prevent abuse at camps. This session will discuss strategies to provide privacy while maintaining effective supervision and ensuring safety without compromising personal space. Learn how to draw the line where privacy and supervision coexist, proving they are not mutually exclusive but can be harmonized for a secure and respectful environment.

Session led by: Teressa Tucker

Teresa W. Tucker, PhD, is a risk consultant at The Redwoods Group, specializing in child abuse prevention, aquatic safety, and risk management for youth-serving organizations. With over 30 years in youth development, including her role as assistant director of accreditation at the American Camp Association, she is an expert in risk mitigation and inclusive recreation. Teresa is dedicated to fostering safe, transformative programs for youth, ensuring a culture of safety and quality.

Session Location: Spartanburg/Florence

Coffee with Bob

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Coffee with Bob

01/08/2025 9:00 AM

Coffee with Bob

A time for chatting and Q & A with Bob around camp and working with staff today. Don’t forget your cup of coffee 😊

Session led by: Bob Ditter

Session location: Kings Mill/Harbour Town

I Have a Love/Hate Relationship with my Co

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

I Have a Love/Hate Relationship with my Co

01/08/2025 9:00 AM

I Have a Love/Hate Relationship with my Co

Working, living, and ‘co-parenting’ with someone you just met can be a challenge. Co’s might feel forced to work with someone they don’t know, they don’t like, and don’t want to spend time with. And yet, co-counselor relationships are vital to a successful summer for staff and campers – and positive partnerships don’t happen ‘by magic’. Delving into hidden and explicit expectations, shared values, and understanding roles can help co’s present a united front. Intentionality is a key to success.

Session led by: Deb Jordan & Kim Aycock

Deb Jordan, ReD, is a professional educator who has been teaching and conducting trainings for 35+ years. She presents both in- and out of- country and writes articles and books on leadership, programming, and staff development. Deb's focus is on all things human: relationships, behaviors, thoughts and attitudes. She facilitates learning on leadership/followership, group dynamics, DEI, staffing, evaluation and ethics. Deb is currently the ACA SE LCOL Chair, an accreditation visitor, and co-coordinator of the ACA Research Forum.

Kim Aycock MST: Kim , equips emerging leaders with skills robots are unable to do. While blending the talents of a master teacher with the knowledge of a seasoned camp expert, Kim ignites learning for varying levels of camp pros worldwide through her interactive & innovative presentations. Kim speaks at regional/national conferences, contributes regularly to Camping Magazine and serves as co-chair of ACA’s Staff Recruitment & Retention Committee/Staffing Summit. She can be reached via kimaycock.com.

Session Location: Columbia/Charleston 

  EPIC TRACK SESSION

 

Light the Fire, Fan the Flame, Carry the Torch: A Whole Summer Approach to Staff Wellness

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Light the Fire, Fan the Flame, Carry the Torch: A Whole Summer Approach to Staff Wellness

01/08/2025 9:00 AM

Light the Fire, Fan the Flame, Carry the Torch: A Whole Summer Approach to Staff Wellness

Did your staff struggle this summer?  Was it difficult to meet their evolving needs?  In the camp setting, vicarious trauma and burnout are real risks that impact staff performance, wellness, and stress management. This session introduces a three-part framework – Light the Fire, Fan the Flame, Carry the Torch – designed to address these emotional and complex issues.  By implementing this approach, we aim to enhance staff support, establish healthy boundaries between employees and employers, and teach wellness techniques tailored for the camp environment. This will contribute to a healthier work environment and improve staff retention.

Session led by Sterling Nell Leija: Sterling Nell Leija is the Innovative Camp Company CEO, advancing camps through innovative solutions by solving problems with a focus on mission, impact, quality, and safety.  Professionally engaged in the nonprofit space for 20 years, Sterling is passionate about the impact of quality programs, equitable access, staff wellness, and education in out-of-school time.  Her expertise in nonprofit operations expands into capacity building, operational and capital budget management, fundraising, and business development.  As a consultant, educator, speaker, and writer, Sterling has extensive experience as a presenter sharing best practices, research, and tools with industry leaders. 

Session Location: Port Royal/Bay Hill

Vendor Matchmaking: Negotiating and Vetting High-Quality Program Vendors for Your Camp!

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Vendor Matchmaking: Negotiating and Vetting High-Quality Program Vendors for Your Camp!

01/08/2025 9:00 AM

Vendor Matchmaking: Negotiating and Vetting High-Quality Program Vendors for Your Camp!

Finding the right program vendors can make or break your camp's experience. This session will guide you through proven strategies for vetting potential vendors, negotiating contracts, and building lasting partnerships. Learn how to identify quality providers who align with your camp’s mission and create unforgettable experiences for your campers. Attendees will receive a template of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that you can use to help your camp navigate through vendor selection.

Session led by: Christine LeClair

Christine Le Clair has dedicated over 20 years to non-profit camping, where she developed a passion for creating transformative outdoor experiences. An active volunteer with the American Camp Association, Christine has contributed her expertise to helping other camping professionals foster impactful outdoor programs. She now owns and operates Vintage View Adventures in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which offers river trips, overnight accommodations and outdoor activities that inspire adventure, connection, and a love for nature. 

Session Location: Homestead

Exhibit Hall

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Exhibit Hall

01/08/2025 10:15 AM

Check out our Exhibit Hall in the Palmetto Club!

Breakout Session 2

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Breakout Session 2

01/08/2025 10:45 AM
Caring for the Whole Human: Making Employment at your Camp Accessible and Sustainable

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Caring for the Whole Human: Making Employment at your Camp Accessible and Sustainable

01/08/2025 10:45 AM

Caring for the Whole Human: Making Employment at your Camp Accessible and Sustainable

There are many steps from the applicant phase to showing up and thriving at camp. It is no secret that camps have been, and to some extent still are, struggling to operate fully staffed, let alone opening their doors with a surplus of staff. Why not make it easier, not harder, for staff to work at camp?! ACA’s Project Real Job team has explored creative ways of minimizing hurdles for staff to be a vital part of the culture, physically get to camp, become certified/trained as a program instructor if needed or required, and have the necessary supplies to work and/or live at camp for the season (and possibly beyond). Promising practices for removing barriers and ways to support staff while at camp with time off, pay, and resources (as the tip of the iceberg) will be shared. By caring for the whole human, more staff are able (and will want) to work at camp!

Session led by Kendra Perkins:

Kendra Perkins, M.A. Ed., is the Director of Camp SAY, a summer camp for kids who stutter, the co-founder of Innovative Camp Company, and a Camp Management Solutions Advisor for AVA Camp Connect.  With over two decades of youth development experience and a master’s in special education, she volunteers with the American Camp Association Staff Recruitment and Retention committee and is on the Leadership team for the Medical and Disabilities Camps Kindred, focusing on staffing and underserved populations. Kendra is passionate about equitable access to camp, intentional programming, communication, and collaborating with families to support each camper’s unique needs.

Session Location: Columbia/Charleston

  EPIC TRACK SESSION

Character 101: Why Character, Why Camp, Why Now

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Character 101: Why Character, Why Camp, Why Now

01/08/2025 10:45 AM

Character 101:  Why Character, Why Camp, Why Now

Join us as we work through these questions together and through the lens of current research and insights into the importance of character development for young people.  We'll examine the opportunities and challenges to promoting character development at camp, and think together about how to start, improve, expand, and celebrate character practices through the Character at Camp Initiative.  Participants will also get the basics of the Character at Camp Grant Program.

Session led by Dr. Laurie Browne: Laurie Browne serves camps and their communities through her work as the Senior Director of Research and Education at the American Camp Association.  In that role, Dr. Browne supports a team of researchers and grant managers who gather insights from the field and translate them into practice.  She is passionate about the transformative role evaluation can play in a camp organization and enjoys working with camp professionals as they work develop a culture of continuous improvement at their camp.  Prior to joining ACA, Dr. Browne was on faculty at California State University, Chico and prior to that she was a day camp director in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She earned her doctorate in parks, recreation, and tourism from the University of Utah.

Session Location: Port Royal/Bay Hill

Classroom Management at Camp?! Behavior management strategies that work, inspired by the classroom

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Classroom Management at Camp?! Behavior management strategies that work, inspired by the classroom

01/08/2025 10:45 AM

Classroom Management at Camp?! Behavior management strategies that work, inspired by the classroom

We know teachers can hold it down. Teachers regularly wrangle students who struggle to focus, don’t always want to be there, and have individualized needs. While we don’t often see this at camp, we can learn from them. In this session participants will receive a version of Camp Behavior Management 101 that has been used for years at Camp Timberlake. This session teaches behavior management strategies and routines that work in the classroom and are adapted for camp. Best part – campers still will love camp. The session is a mix of strategies that have been used in public and charter schools and is great for current summer staff, those who train summer staff, or those who manage camper behavioral health.

Session led by: Jarod Wunneburger

Jarod Wunneburger (goes by "W") is Director of Camps with Farm and Wilderness in Plymouth, VT. He previously worked for the Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ suicide prevention, taught special education & middle school math, and was a school administrator in the Bronx and Manhattan. He has a MA in School Leadership from Harvard and a MA in Special Education from St Johns. He's passionate about using the best teacher tools to coach staff and support campers.

Session Location: Homestead

Queer at Camp

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Queer at Camp

01/08/2025 10:45 AM

Queer at Camp

In this session we will explore The Importance of Safe Environments for LGBTQ+ Staff and Campers. We will cover topics ranging from understanding queer youth and staff, to housing assignments, accessible physical and mental healthcare, and how to implement safe spaces at camp for them.

Session led by: Joseph Beck-Poland

Howdy! My name is Joe Osment, I am an Atlanta based blogger/speaker empowering LGBTQIA+ families and youth since age 13. I advocate for inclusivity, diversity, equality, and safe spaces for authentic self-expression and community support. I am deeply dedicated to establishing safe havens for LGBTQIA+ youth, passionately advocating for the necessity of providing each young individual with a sanctuary for self-expression, devoid of apprehension and concern. This unwavering commitment propels me to provide tailored advice on fostering inclusive settings within educational institutions and local communities. Whether through pioneering educational programs or setting up secure zones, my key objective remains driving impactful transformation. My initiative extends beyond tackling obstacles; it aims to revolutionize perspectives. Let us collaborate towards constructing a tomorrow where every child experiences affection, inclusivity, and security.

Session Location: Kings Mill/Harbor Town

Rearview Mirror: A Look at 2024 Camp Practices, Themes, and Claims

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Rearview Mirror: A Look at 2024 Camp Practices, Themes, and Claims

01/08/2025 10:45 AM

Rearview Mirror: A Look at 2024 Camp Practices, Themes, and Claims

This session will dive into the data and themes from 2024 – including claims, incidents, and close calls, and common risk management questions. Case studies will be shared and discussed to highlight positive examples of crisis management, common missteps, and lessons learned. The world of risk management is ever-changing as are society’s expectations of camps; let’s talk about what is happening and how we are mitigating risk.

Session led by: Teressa Tucker

Teresa W. Tucker, PhD, is a risk consultant at The Redwoods Group, specializing in child abuse prevention, aquatic safety, and risk management for youth-serving organizations. With over 30 years in youth development, including her role as assistant director of accreditation at the American Camp Association, she is an expert in risk mitigation and inclusive recreation. Teresa is dedicated to fostering safe, transformative programs for youth, ensuring a culture of safety and quality

Session Location: Spartanburg/Florence

Luncheon

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Luncheon

01/08/2025 12:00 PM
Exhibit Hall

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Exhibit Hall

01/08/2025 1:00 PM

Check out the Exhibit Hall in the Palmetto Club

Breakout Session 3

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Breakout Session 3

01/08/2025 1:45 PM
Camp Program Quality: Your Journey Starts Now!

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Camp Program Quality: Your Journey Starts Now!

01/08/2025 1:45 PM

Camp Program Quality: Your Journey Starts Now!

Camp program quality is an evidence-based approach to staff training, program design, and continuous improvement that is fundamentally about one thing:  campers.  By focusing on campers and their unique needs, we are one step closer to consistently safe, inclusive, and engaging camp experiences. Camp program quality is a widely used approach to training, assessment, and improvement that meets you where you are at.  Join us to learn about these resources and how you can get started, and why your camp is likely already well on its way.

Session led by Dr. Laurie Browne:  Laurie Browne serves camps and their communities through her work as the Senior Director of Research and Education at the American Camp Association.  In that role, Dr. Browne supports a team of researchers and grant managers who gather insights from the field and translate them into practice.  She is passionate about the transformative role evaluation can play in a camp organization and enjoys working with camp professionals as they work develop a culture of continuous improvement at their camp.  Prior to joining ACA, Dr. Browne was on faculty at California State University, Chico and prior to that she was a day camp director in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She earned her doctorate in parks, recreation, and tourism from the University of Utah.

Session Location: Port Royal/Bay Hill

Creating Intentional Programming For Your Camp

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Creating Intentional Programming For Your Camp

01/08/2025 1:45 PM

Creating Intentional Programming For Your Camp

Summer camp is a place for kids to be kids and have fun. They enjoy getting to play games, make crafts, and spend time with their friends. But everything we do at camp has a purpose, to develop positive outcomes in the youth we serve. In this session, we will cover how to create intentional programming using your camp's mission and the Logic Model to create lasting memories and lessons in everything you do, even during the silly camp-wide games!

Session led by: Lacey Edgerton

Lacey serves as the Director for Clemson University Summer Scholars, an academic summer camp located on Clemson University's campus. The purpose of the Summer Scholars program is to build an affinity for college and build self-management skills for high school students through educational programs and out-of-class activities. Lacey has her master's degree from Clemson University in Youth Development Leadership and serves as the Emerging Professionals in Camping Chair for ACA Southeastern

Session Location: Spartanburg/Florence

Fundraising - tactics, tools 'the ask' and how to be a great fundraiser!

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Fundraising - tactics, tools 'the ask' and how to be a great fundraiser!

01/08/2025 1:45 PM

Fundraising - tactics, tools 'the ask' and how to be a great fundraiser!

Fundraising can be challenging - it can also be a hoot! Today’s donors expect an increasingly sophisticated approach and navigating these shifting sands is tough. We will explore how to capture a donor’s attention and build a relationship, ‘the ask’ and golden rules that make fundraising painless (even fun). If you struggle to raise money come learn tactics & tools and the interplay of art & science and the unique narrative camps can deploy. Be prepared to interact and have fun.

Session led by David Phillips: David Phillips is Principal of Immersive1st, a firm that assists with fundraising, planning & analysis, capital projects, governance, public relations, program creation & implementation, lay/pro coaching and acute issues. David works primarily with nonprofits such as camps, retreat & conference centers, community centers, houses of worship and schools. David has held roles senior executive roles including Major Gifts Officer at United Way of Allegheny County, President & CEO of Capital Camps & Retreat Center in Maryland and the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Over his career he has helped raise $150+ million. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a master’s degree in social work, focused on community organizing and development. He has a trademark British sense of humor. He is married to Karen and they have two children and a dog called Murray. His not-so-secret hobby is refereeing football – the real one.

Session Location: Kings Mill/Harbour Town

 

 

 

No Such Thing As An Off Season!

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

No Such Thing As An Off Season!

01/08/2025 1:45 PM

No Such Thing As An Off Season!

Do you miss the campers when they go home? Do you wish your camp had a more active role in your local community? Do you need a consistent source of income year round? Join us to learn more about creating school year programs! We'll talk about afterschool, homeschool, break camps, enrichment classes, and special events. We'll teach you how to plan and implement what will work best for your site and staff and provide you with the resources to get started.

Session led by: Eleanor Trollinger & Alicia Hawkins

Eleanor: Eleanor Trollinger has worked in camping, education, and scouting for over 25 years. She currently serves at Camp Tekoa in Hendersonville, NC as Food Service Director, Alumni Ministry Coordinator, and Homeschool Program Coordinator. She is passionate about the value of camp for children from all backgrounds and loves to introduce campers to the natural world.

Alicia: Alicia Hawkins has worked at a number of camps, in many different roles, and now serves as the Afterschool Director for Camp Tekoa, in Hendersonville, NC. She loves messy play, recreation, and reaching out to the local community. Morgan Morton has a background in recreation therapy and has worked at Camp Tekoa for many years, now serving as Day Camp Director and Afterschool Supervisor. She loves teaching new skills to campers. 
Eleanor, Alicia, and Morgan work together on school year programming and are always looking for new ways to engage their community and to bring more kids to camp.

Session Location: Columbia/Charleston

  EPIC TRACK SESSION

Planning for the Worst – Emergency Preparedness Basics for Camp Staff & Volunteers

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Planning for the Worst – Emergency Preparedness Basics for Camp Staff & Volunteers

01/08/2025 1:45 PM

Planning for the Worst – Emergency Preparedness Basics for Camp Staff & Volunteers

Emergency preparedness is crucial for workplaces today (Renschler et al., 2016). UGA Extension’s Southeast District Emergency Response Team has created an educational training for camp administration, staff and volunteers to encourage development of emergency managements plans prior to events as well as fostering awareness of emergency protocols for clubs and organizations. This session will engage participants in hands-on practice to create continuation of operation plans and emergency management plans to help better prepare them for addressing emergencies that may occur while in their employee or volunteer roles.

Session led by: Rebekah Greene

Rebekah Greene serves as the 4-H Agent in rural Tattnall County in Georgia. She overseas the 4-H program there, including coordinating summer camp opportunities for 60-80 students each year. She also serves as a member of the UGA Extension Emergency Preparedness Team.

Session Location: Homestead

Exhibit Hall

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Exhibit Hall

01/08/2025 3:00 PM

Check out the Exhibit Hall in the Palmetto Club

Breakout Session 4

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Breakout Session 4

01/08/2025 4:00 PM
Camper, Parent, Staff Evaluations – Oh My!

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Camper, Parent, Staff Evaluations – Oh My!

01/08/2025 4:00 PM

Camper, Parent, Staff Evaluations – Oh My!

All camps want to provide a quality program, excellent facilities, and efficient and effective policies and procedures. High marks in all those areas will help us maintain safe and enjoyable experiences for those we serve. And we want to know if we are reaching our potential from the perspectives of campers, parents, and staff. We’ll walk through using best practices, writing questions for different audiences, making sense of the answers — and what to do next.

Session led by: Deb Jordan

Deb Jordan, ReD, is a professional educator who has been teaching and conducting trainings for 35+ years. She presents both in- and out of- country and writes articles and books on leadership, programming, and staff development. Deb's focus is on all things human: relationships, behaviors, thoughts and attitudes. She facilitates learning on leadership/followership, group dynamics, DEI, staffing, evaluation and ethics. Deb is an accreditation visitor and co-coordinator of the ACA Research Forum.

Session Location: Kings Mill/Harbour Town

Couch to Camp: Build your own program to help your staff better prepare for summer

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

Couch to Camp: Build your own program to help your staff better prepare for summer

01/08/2025 4:00 PM

Couch to Camp: Build your own program to help your staff better prepare for summer

In a world where watching a video often equals experience, it can be challenging to help new staff understand what a summer at your camp will look and feel like. Waiting for staff training feels inadequate for effective staff preparation. Create the opportunity for your staff to gain valuable understanding about your program as well as how to prepare and warm up a bit to help them not only finish your camp season, but finish well, with plans to return!

Session led by Kendra Perkins: 

Session Location: Homestead

DEI matters in Camps: Issues of belonging

-1/8/2025

You Selected This Session

DEI matters in Camps: Issues of belonging

01/08/2025 4:00 PM

DEI matters in Camps: Issues of belonging

The make-up of the American population is changing as a result of immigration patterns and significant increases among racially, ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse populations already residing in the United States. Youth focused organizations and programs, must implement systemic change in order to meet the needs of this diverse population by providing a safe, caring environment where a deep sense of belonging is key. But, what are the best ways to address these sensitive topics? How do camps intentionally design programs for culturally based belonging? Participants should leave this workshop with a better understanding of how to create an environment in their camp program that is accepting of differences, new knowledge about creative ways to prevent and intervene in discriminatory behaviors and tools to increase belonging among varying cultural groups.

Session led by: Dr. Corliss Outley

Dr. Corliss Outley is a Professor at Clemson University in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and currently serves as the Founder and Director of the Race, Ethnicity, Youth and Social Equity (REYSE) Collaboratory. She is a community-engaged scholar, focusing on improving community structures, systems and environments to reduce inequalities through the application of strengths-based and empowerment approaches to youth development. Dr. Outley has conducted a series of investigations in the areas of positive youth development outcomes outside of school hours as an expert in racial/ethnic identity and cultural behaviors, health disparities, social justice and built and physical environmental influences.

Session Location: Port Royal/Bay Hill