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Staffing Summit: Train & Retain — Apr. 28, 2026

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-4/28/2026

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04/28/2026 7:30 AM
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Tuesday, April 28

-4/28/2026

You Selected This Session

Tuesday, April 28

04/28/2026 8:00 AM
Program information will be available in early 2026.
Collaboration Hub 1

Networking -4/28/2026

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Collaboration Hub 1

04/28/2026 11:00 AM
Join us for virtual roundtable discussions. Facilitator led breakout rooms on a variety of staff training, retention and management topics will be available to choose from.
General Keynote Session: Michael Brandwein

General Session -4/28/2026

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General Keynote Session: Michael Brandwein

04/28/2026 11:50 AM
Unleashing the Power of Staff Training: Building Character, Commitment, & Community Internationally acclaimed staff and leadership team trainer Michael Brandwein unlocks the key secrets to maximize the impact of our staff training, including: Getting staff focused on the mission of using camp to develop character qualities; increasing motivation and retention; boosting professionalism and responsibility; building community; maximizing attention and real, job-supporting learning; and much more. You’ll be revitalized with terrific tools! Michael (www.michaelbrandwein.com) is an expert on camp, youth development, and education. He has presented in all fifty states and on six of the seven continents. Michael trains camp leadership teams and staffs from coast to coast. He is the number one best-selling author in the camp training and leadership field. His latest book is The Intentional Camp: Putting More Muscle in the Mission of Character & Youth Development. His six prior books are used by camps everywhere: Training Terrific Staff (Volumes 1 & 2), Super Staff SuperVision, Learning Leadership (CIT/LIT): How to Develop Outstanding Teen Leadership Training Programs at Camp, Skill of the Day: What Great Leaders of Young People Do and Say, and Growing Great Qualities in Kids: The L.A.S.E.R.B.E.A.M. Technique for Bringing Out the Best in Young People. Michael wrote and presented three Emmy® award-winning TV programs on youth communication for adults who work with young people. He has won two American Camp Association national awards and many regional awards. He is a former ACA national board member.

Michael Brandwein

Michael Brandwein (www.michaelbrandwein.com) is an expert on camp, youth development, and education. He has presented in all fifty states and on six of the seven continents. Michael trains camp leadership teams and staffs from coast to coast. He is the number one best-selling author in the camp training and leadership field. His latest book is The Intentional Camp: Putting More Muscle in the Mission of Character & Youth Development. His six prior books are used by camps everywhere: Training Terrific Staff (Volumes 1 & 2), Super Staff SuperVision, Learning Leadership (CIT/LIT): How to Develop Outstanding Teen Leadership Training Programs at Camp, Skill of the Day: What Great Leaders of Young People Do and Say, and Growing Great Qualities in Kids: The L.A.S.E.R.B.E.A.M. Technique for Bringing Out the Best in Young People. Michael wrote and presented three Emmy® award-winning TV programs on youth communication for adults who work with young people. He has won two American Camp Association national awards and many regional awards. He is a former ACA national board member.

A Staff Training Map & Compass: The Value of Defining and Incorporating Learning Values

Lecture -4/28/2026

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A Staff Training Map & Compass: The Value of Defining and Incorporating Learning Values

04/28/2026 1:10 PM
Too often, training feels like a series of disconnected sessions or outdated content that fails to inspire. Imagine having a map and compass to guide staff training—clear, reliable tools to set direction and stay on course. By defining and prioritizing your camp’s learning values, you can bring clarity and cohesion to the entire training experience. Explore how to identify the values that truly define your camp community and use them as a foundation for intentional staff development. By turning these values into actionable strategies and weaving them into every aspect of training—from orientation to ongoing development—your team will gain direction and see success long term. Say goodbye to random acts of training!

Kim Aycock

Kim Aycock, MST, 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 kimdaycock@gmail.com or kimaycock.com.

Bridging Generations: How Millennials and Gen Z Thrive as Co-Leaders

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Bridging Generations: How Millennials and Gen Z Thrive as Co-Leaders

04/28/2026 1:10 PM
Camps are on the cusp of a generational shift. For years, Millennials have been the rising leaders shaping camp culture - but now Gen Z is stepping into the spotlight, ready to take on top leadership roles. In this lively and insightful session, you’ll hear directly from a Millennial and a Gen Z facilitator who teamed up at their camp to bridge the gap, moving beyond the traditional mentor–mentee model to form a true partnership where each generation both teaches and learns. Together, they’ll share their stories, strategies, and surprising lessons - what the Millennial gained from working with Gen Z, what the Gen Zer discovered from collaborating with a Millennial, and how this dynamic can create thriving leadership for the future of camps. Come ready to laugh, learn, and leave inspired with new tools to strengthen your team and ensure your camp stays vibrant, adaptable, and future-ready.

Adam Baranker

Adam Baranker is a Director of Jeff Lake Camp, the Youth Engagement Coordinator for Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, and a Creator of Memories. At Jeff Lake, he oversees the middle school boys program, the staff hiring, the social media and marking. Similarly, at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, Adam oversees the 8th-12th grade teen programming and assists in the 3rd-7th grade engagement activities. 

 

Justin Jones

Justin Jones is a recent graduate of the University of Florida and a two-time former ACA NY & NJ and Tri-State intern, where he helped plan and execute Tristate 2023 and 2024. Growing up at Jeff Lake Camp in Stanhope, NJ, he went on to join the camp’s leadership team as Program Operations and Staff Engagement Coordinator. In that role, he helped launch Jeff Lake’s first international staff program and spearheaded the North Jersey regional day camp staff softball league, an industry-wide initiative designed to strengthen staff connection and engagement.

Building a Safety Culture: Training Frontline Staff to Respond to Critical Incidents

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Building a Safety Culture: Training Frontline Staff to Respond to Critical Incidents

04/28/2026 1:10 PM
At camp, we know that the unexpected can happen at any time; whether it’s a medical emergency, a behavioral crisis, or an environmental challenge. The key to handling these situations smoothly lies in building a strong, proactive safety culture. This session is all about how to train your frontline staff to confidently and calmly respond to critical incidents, no matter the situation. You’ll walk away with fresh, camp-specific training strategies that will make your team feel prepared and empowered; because every camp is unique, and it’s not about what to do (that’s very dependent on your camp) but how to do it in a way that works for your team!

Dr. Katie Thurson

Dr. Katie Thurson is an experienced risk manager in the camp and youth development space; currently serving as Civil Air Patrol’s first Youth Protection Manager for over 35,000 cadets. She loves all things camp and considers Camp Zeke (her camp for many years) her camp home even now. Katie is actively involved in volunteering with ACA at the local and national level. 

Domino Effect- Teaching Staff to Understand Their Impact

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Domino Effect- Teaching Staff to Understand Their Impact

04/28/2026 1:10 PM
In the fast-paced environment of summer camp, one small decision can set off a chain reaction. This can influence camper behavior, staff morale, program success, and even lead to a parent complaint long after the session ends. Directors often lament that we wish staff understood this more, but perhaps we aren’t connecting the dots in the most effective way. Staff don’t know what they don’t know, and it’s our job to teach them what they don’t see. This session explores the “domino effect” of daily actions and gives directors a practical way to help their teams understand the impact of their choices; both intentional and unintentional. We’ll unpack the real-life chain reactions that happen at camp every day and examine how increased awareness supports stronger leadership, smoother operations, and healthier cabin culture. Through scenarios and discussion, directors will learn training strategies that help staff recognize their influence and spark positive momentum across the entire big picture of camp.

Jenna Johnson

Jenna has been in the camp industry for 20 years in both the day and overnight community and is currently proud to be the Executive Director at YMCA Camp Greenville in South Carolina. Jenna is obsessed with small world happenings, borderline coffee addict, a wife, avid explorer of waterfalls, hates cold weather but loves snow, and mom to the most fun 12 year old around. Yes, camp is for the campers, but camp is also for the STAFF! I am honored to be able to share my passion for how we can all help supervise and train this incredible generation!

Engaging the Unengaged: Inclusion Strategies for Revitalizing Your Staff

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Engaging the Unengaged: Inclusion Strategies for Revitalizing Your Staff

04/28/2026 1:10 PM
Inclusion isn't just for campers and members—it's for staff too! This session explores how to apply proven inclusion strategies to re-engage staff and bring out their best. Attendees learn how to focus on strengths instead of deficits, foster meaningful participation, and offer more choice and agency to empower staff. Whether your staff are navigating neurodiversity, anxiety, or disengagement, this session provides practical tools to boost motivation and create a culture where staff feel valued, supported, and ready to contribute.

Lisa Drennan

Lisa Drennan has dedicated her career to advancing inclusion and enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities. She began at New England Village in Pembroke, MA, where she progressed from direct support staff to opening the Sollar Wellness Center, a first-of-its-kind space offering inclusive aquatics, fitness, art, and music. She later served as Association Director of Inclusion at the South Shore YMCA, leading staff training and system-wide inclusion efforts, and co-chaired Y-USA’s Diverse Abilities Working Group. In 2018, Lisa founded MERGE Inclusion Consulting to help camps, recreation programs, and community organizations create spaces where everyone feels welcome and supported.

ACA Accreditation: Strengthening Camp Staff Hiring & Training

Lecture -4/28/2026

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ACA Accreditation: Strengthening Camp Staff Hiring & Training

04/28/2026 2:20 PM
Whether your camp is currently accredited or seeking accreditation for the first time, this session will provide in-depth understanding of how to address standards related to staff hiring, screening, and training. We'll discuss the differences in various staff qualifications, training, and documentation required to meet standards and share resources to help camps manage their own accreditation preparations and/or maintenance. This session is designed for camps participating in the accreditation process already; it is not an introduction to accreditation.

Bekah Carmichael

Bekah volunteered with ACA for almost 20 years before joining the ACA staff as a member of the accreditation team in 2023. She works to support camps and volunteers in the accreditation program nationwide. Prior to joining ACA, she worked in disability camping, Girl Scouts, and various other nonprofit organizations. Her favorite job at camp is working in the kitchen.

CIT, LIT, & Junior Leaders: How to Plan & Lead Outstanding Programs to Build Character & Leadership

Lecture -4/28/2026

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CIT, LIT, & Junior Leaders: How to Plan & Lead Outstanding Programs to Build Character & Leadership

04/28/2026 2:20 PM
The author of the number one bestselling book on CIT & LIT programs, “Learning Leadership,” presents highly effective techniques and practical tools you can plug into your program right away to ensure that we are developing specific behaviors that demonstrate great Character qualities for leadership and success. See exactly how our senior campers can go beyond serving as “helpers” and instead be involved in a program that’s designed to teach them every day how to grow their abilities as youth leaders.

Michael Brandwein

Michael Brandwein (www.michaelbrandwein.com) is an expert on camp, youth development, and education. He has presented in all fifty states and on six of the seven continents. Michael trains camp leadership teams and staffs from coast to coast. He is the number one best-selling author in the camp training and leadership field. His latest book is The Intentional Camp: Putting More Muscle in the Mission of Character & Youth Development. His six prior books are used by camps everywhere: Training Terrific Staff (Volumes 1 & 2), Super Staff SuperVision, Learning Leadership (CIT/LIT): How to Develop Outstanding Teen Leadership Training Programs at Camp, Skill of the Day: What Great Leaders of Young People Do and Say, and Growing Great Qualities in Kids: The L.A.S.E.R.B.E.A.M. Technique for Bringing Out the Best in Young People. Michael wrote and presented three Emmy® award-winning TV programs on youth communication for adults who work with young people. He has won two American Camp Association national awards and many regional awards. He is a former ACA national board member.

Performative to Transformative: Rethinking Staff Orientation That Builds Competence & Commitment

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Performative to Transformative: Rethinking Staff Orientation That Builds Competence & Commitment

04/28/2026 2:20 PM
Often, camp orientation feels like something staff must get through rather than something they truly grow from. Directors frequently share frustration that while staff attend training with enthusiasm, they may struggle to apply skills in real situations, demonstrate readiness, or fully understand the “why” behind the work. Without that connection, even well-designed orientation content can feel disconnected from the day-to-day realities of camp life. This session explores how to design orientation experiences that are transformational rather than performative. Together, we will look at ways to connect required training topics to leadership development, transferable workplace skills, and individual career goals—helping staff see orientation not just as a requirement, but as an investment in themselves and their future.

Jolly Corley

Jolly Corley, M.S. works each summer developing 150 emerging leaders to create a dynamic & thoughtful work culture through staff development. Using games, theatre & life experiences she prepares staff to understand that our own experiences are the most useful tools for reflection & growth to a solid foundation in becoming leaders for life. Her work with Camp Robindel & jolly corley, llc, takes her around the world providing training to develop a staff culture that promotes personal & professional growth.

The Time-Tested Approach to Camp Staff Training!

Lecture -4/28/2026

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The Time-Tested Approach to Camp Staff Training!

04/28/2026 2:20 PM
Revolutionize your sleepaway and day camp staff training with this fast-paced session. We’ll guide you through a step-by-step approach to build meaningful connections, cover essential training components, and equip your team to excel all summer long. Whether they’re leading cabin life at a sleepaway camp or managing the fast-paced daily transitions at a day camp, a well-intentioned staff training is critical for a successful summer. Attendees will leave with a detailed training outline designed to meet the unique needs, rhythms, and challenges of both camp settings.

Dan Weir

Dan has been developing day camps for over 20 years. With a Master's Degree specializing in youth development, Dan's work has been recognized for program and research excellence. He has volunteered in multiple capacities for the American Camp Association, American Camp Foundation, and the New York State Camp Directors Association. Known for taking on the challenges facing youth-serving organizations, Dan is the Co-Founder of Day Camp Community and Senior Consultant at Immersive1st. 

Travel & Trip Training Doesn’t Stop at WFR

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Travel & Trip Training Doesn’t Stop at WFR

04/28/2026 2:20 PM
We know that a minor injury in the backcountry can have higher consequences than in an ordinary camp setting, so we equip our tripping staff with higher training. Mental and emotional safety presents similar consequences, and the outdoor industry has yet to catch up on the standard of care for these risks. Our leading practices in camping however, can lend some essential tools that you will take home: MESH screening questions, staff orientation resources, how to use nature as your co-facilitator, and of course, how to advocate for these needs in your organization . This session is designed for trip leaders, program directors, and camp administrators to bridge the gap between technical skills and the holistic well-being of participants of all ages in the backcountry.

Mary Boyd

Mary Boyd is the Adventure & Trips Director at Frost Valley YMCA. She previously served as the Resident Camp Director at the YMCA of Northern Colorado. Mary has been a W-EMT and worked as a first responder in Colorado, was a guide in Alaska, and worked for the Girl Scouts in Central California 

Coaching as a System: The Tools & Habits Supervisory Staff Need to Support Their Teams

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Coaching as a System: The Tools & Habits Supervisory Staff Need to Support Their Teams

04/28/2026 3:30 PM
Camp magic isn't enough. As staff move into leadership and supervisory roles they must be provided the tools and systems to grow as leaders. Management and support are big topics; however, there is one habit that can be adopted that can make all the difference: coaching. In this session we'll go over 3 powerful coaching questions, a systemic way of determining tracking who needs coaching, and a planning model to develop individualized coaching plans.

Jarod “W” Wunneburger

Jarod Wunneburger (goes by "W") is an education consultant and owner of Thrive Point Studio, bringing 15+ years of experience spanning special education, school leadership, and camp direction to his work coaching organizations and training staff. He holds a Master's in School Leadership from Harvard and a Master's in Special Education from St. John's University, and previously served as Director of Camps at the Farm and Wilderness Foundation, where he led 250 staff across seven camps. His work was recently featured in Boys of Summer, an NPR documentary that premiered at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, following the intentional culture-building work he led at Camp Timberlake. He has presented at nearly 20 ACA and regional conferences and is passionate about using the best tools from education to help camps build systems that support both staff and young people.

Is it Peer-to-Peer Abuse? Guidelines for Staff

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Is it Peer-to-Peer Abuse? Guidelines for Staff

04/28/2026 3:30 PM
When a camper says something that makes your stomach drop—or a staff report lands in the gray area between “probably fine” and “definitely not”—what happens next matters. When it comes to navigating reports or allegations of sexual behavior between campers, many camp professionals don’t feel fully prepared to respond with confidence. Urgent questions arise with no easy answers: Is it peer-to-peer abuse? A boundary issue? Was there consent? This session breaks down how to understand and respond to sexual behavior between campers using clear language, current research, and real camp scenarios. Participants will explore how child and adolescent development, power dynamics, camp environments, and supervision influence behavior—and why not every situation fits neatly into a single category. Together, we’ll move beyond panic or avoidance and focus on practical decision‑making, appropriate responses, and prevention strategies that work.

Katie Johnson

Katie Johnson, MS, is a senior risk consultant at Chalmers Camp Insurance, where she merges her experience as a camp director with her expertise in risk management. With nearly 30 years dedicated to camps and youth-serving organizations, Katie has become a trusted voice in fostering safe and transformative camp experiences. Driven by her passion for the magic of camp, she empowers leaders to create strong safety foundations, ensuring they can focus on inspiring growth, connection, and adventure in the communities they serve. 

Safety is Leadership: Supporting Marginalized Staff in Today’s Climate

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Safety is Leadership: Supporting Marginalized Staff in Today’s Climate

04/28/2026 3:30 PM
In today’s social and political climate, camps are not isolated from the realities staff bring with them—especially BIPOC staff and those holding other marginalized identities. Camp leadership plays a critical role in whether staff feel protected, supported, and able to do their jobs without navigating harm, silence, or isolation. This workshop invites camp leaders to move beyond intentions and examine how power, policy, culture, and daily leadership decisions directly impact staff safety. Participants will explore real-world scenarios, identify gaps between values and practice, and build concrete strategies for responding to harm, bias, and crisis in ways that prioritize marginalized staff.

Simone Gamble

Simone Gamble (they/them) With over a decade of experience in the camping world—from counselor to Assistant Camp Director —Simone now consults with camps nationwide on aligning their practices with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) values.They are also the founder of OAAARS, a BIPOC consultancy of change-makers who lead equity-centered trainings and professional development to support transformative change in workplaces and communities.

Ten-Minute Talks: Purposeful Micro-Trainings to Level Up Your Staff

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Ten-Minute Talks: Purposeful Micro-Trainings to Level Up Your Staff

04/28/2026 3:30 PM
Ten-Minute Talks: Powerful Micro-Trainings to Level Up Your Staff is a practical, high-impact training model designed for today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled environments and shorter attention spans. This session equips camp leaders with a concise, action-based framework for delivering focused, relevant training in just ten minutes—without sacrificing depth or effectiveness. Participants will learn how to use these brief sessions to reinforce essential skills every staff member must master, from communication and supervision to emotional support and professionalism. By prioritizing clarity, engagement, and real-world application, Ten-Minute Talks transforms everyday moments into meaningful learning opportunities that strengthen teams and elevate staff performance.

Alicia Nelson

Alicia has over 17 years of experience in the professional camping industry across multiple states, serving more than 10,000 campers, and I currently lead professional development for American Camp Association Camps on Campus. She is an ACA Accreditation Visitor, a certified Mental Health First Aid and First Aid/CPR/AED trainer, and a speaker on LGBTQIA+ policy and inclusion. Alicia's mission is to invest in people through purposeful experiences grounded in trust, safety, and mental wellness, creating high-impact opportunities that empower students, develop staff, and shape confident, purpose-driven leaders.

Yes, Chef! The recipe for Five-Star Staff Culture

Lecture -4/28/2026

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Yes, Chef! The recipe for Five-Star Staff Culture

04/28/2026 3:30 PM
Great staff cultures do not happen by accident; they are intentionally crafted. Using the idea of a “recipe” as a framework, this session explores how season mantras, meaningful recognition systems, energizing meetings, ownership opportunities, and professional growth touchpoints combine to create belonging and retention. Leave with practical tools to build a five-star staff culture rooted in purpose, pride, and sustainability.

Katie Peterson

Katie Peterson just completed her 20th summer with Breck Summer Programs, where she began as a counselor in 2006. She became Director of Summer Programs in 2012 and now serves as Director of Auxiliary Programs at Breck School. Katie is passionate about camp culture, building community, sparking joy, and creating traditions that keep campers and staff returning year after year.

 

Michael Carmody

Michael Carmody is a Brand Identity Developer specializing in summer camps and auxiliary programs. After earning his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, he transitioned into the camp industry, serving with Rally Camps and later leading auxiliary programs at Fort Worth Country Day. In 2024, he founded Make It Campy to help camps and independent schools build stronger brands and more intentional program experiences. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in camp development and design, he partners with leaders to elevate both branding and operations with clarity, creativity, and purpose.

Collaboration Hub 2

Networking -4/28/2026

You Selected This Session

Collaboration Hub 2

04/28/2026 4:30 PM
Join us for virtual roundtable discussions. Facilitator led breakout rooms on a variety of staff training, retention and management topics will be available to choose from.
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-4/28/2026

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04/28/2026 5:00 PM
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Padlet

-4/28/2026

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Padlet

04/28/2026 5:30 PM
Keep the conversations going! Connect and share resources on the event Padlet! It's like a virtual message board and it lives on long after the event ends.