5 Camps. 2 Days. Endless Moments of Learning.
Every September, under the tutelage of a veteran committee, the ACA, NY & NJ sets out to tour multiple sleepaway camps in a common location. The goal of these tours is to allow camp professionals who are unable to visit or tour camps while in session (duh!) to see what their peers are up to, take away ideas (from as simple as using PVC to hang wet towels versus smelly rope, to complexities like septic tanks), and build community. Our annual attendees range from owners, directors, staffing directors, maintenance staff, program specialists, and even day camp folks. We break into tour groups to walk around each camp and see the facilities. While moving around camp, attendees talk about programming, details of the property, the number of campers and staff, tuition, building specifications, and so much more. This is great, but why do many attendees consider this their “favorite conference of the year”? Let’s ask them…
“Without a doubt, the Resident Camp Conference is my favorite. Having the opportunity to visit camp facilities and spend quality time with leaders in our industry, is absolutely the best. We bring our entire year-round team so that each of us can get a unique perspective. We all come home with a list of solid ideas that we hope to implement in the future at Chipinaw and Silver Lake.” - Michael Baer, Owner and Director of Camps Chipinaw and Silver Lake
Like many other attendees, Michael invests in his camp by attending this conference. The impact that attending an event like this is widespread; your camp will gain knowledge and insight that can help save money on your next construction project, save time with the ideas you learn, and create an opportunity for team building for your staff – all things that we know are imperative for the success of your camp.
“Summer camps come in all shapes and forms, and what may seem like normal ideas at a resident camp, can be completely ‘out of the box’ thinking for a day camp. Every year I bring home a dozen great ideas (many that are immediately applicable) and not just facilities related, but program, staffing, operations, and organizational structures.” - Andy Pritikin, Owner and Director of Liberty Lake Day Camp
“We cannot grow in a bubble, it’s really awesome to be able to look at other camps, see what they are doing well, and learn from them.” - Ashley McGlathery, a first-time attendee from Iroquois Springs, and member of EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Camping)
Our host camps put in a ton of work to give us a look under the hood. While the work is hard, they also leave with a super positive experience. “The Resident Camp Conference is truly one of our favorite ACA, NY & NJ gatherings. Not only is it the best post-summer celebratory reunion with all of our colleagues, you end up walking away with countless solutions to problems you never even knew you had.” says Dani Suchow Co-Director of Pocono Springs Camp, “When asked to be a host camp for this year's conference, it was such an easy "yes" - it felt like such a special opportunity to give back to everyone who have indirectly helped us shape Pocono Springs over the years!” Thank you, PSC, for giving back and to your fellow hosts, Camp Canadensis, Camp Lindenmere, URJ Harlam, and Camp Nock-A-Mixon - we all thank you for saying yes when we called to make the ask.
“This is a fabulous social event occurring when people are relaxed after the summer season. I believe the Resident Camp Tours and Conference is a “can’t miss” event for every camp leadership team.” -Mark Transport, Owner and Director, Crestwood Day Camp
See you in 2025!
