Reflecting on My Years at ACA, NY & NJ

As I look back on my almost ten years with ACA, NY and NJ, I am overwhelmed with many different emotions. And it’s not just the shock at how much grayer my hair has become.

It is the pride I feel with how far I believe our industry has come.

It is with sadness over the people I have gotten to know that have moved on from the industry or have passed away way too young.

It is with optimism about the future of the camp industry in regard to how much is still left to be accomplished.

It is the fact that we all know that children need camp now more than ever. We’ve all known it is essential and it will be even more essential as we go through the next few years of uncertainty and doubt. But the antidote to uncertainty is the steady environment that camp provides. The idea of being able to be yourself, coming to a place that feels safe year after year, meeting different types of people, learning new skills, and taking a break from screens.  These are the true skills that children will need in the 21st century. 

I’ve learned that progress can sometimes feel that it doesn’t go quick enough. In all honesty, I recall not feeling comfortable coming out as gay when I first started almost a decade ago. Today, I can’t even fathom that idea. And there is a reason for that: Enough of us have become leaders in the industry to say out loud, enough is enough. And I have great pride in that fact.

I also have great pride in how this industry has dealt with the past two years in particular. Talk about resilience and how an industry can come together and reinvent itself in a time of crisis. I have learned so much from you all about how to change and adapt when things get tough. And they will continue to get tough. But what is astounding is the support and openness that our industry provides. Please don’t take that for granted. It is unique and it is ours.  

I cannot thank everyone enough for the tremendous privilege it has been to be a part of this community for so many years. And to the tiny and tremendous team at the ACA, NY and NJ office: you all are at the forefront of seeing change that is real and tangible. I cannot thank you all for your support and wisdom.

I won’t be a stranger to any of you.  You will see me within the industry in years to come. In the meantime, my email is slupert@gmail.com if anyone wants to reach out. I look forward to continuing to see how our amazing, resilient and special industry continues to grow.

Susie Lupert is the Executive Director of the American Camp Association, NY and NJ.  At the end of October, she will leave ACA for an executive position at the Venture Out Project, a nonprofit organization that runs trips and programming for LGBTQ folks.