The Value of the Tri-State CAMP Conference
Seventeen years ago, I stepped into the Tristate Camp Conference for the first time—a blend of nervous excitement and a hunger for knowledge. All I knew was I was going to stay curious and hope to grow, and grow I did. I never would have guessed the impact attending my first conference would have on my professional career. Staying curious led me to attend again, join the program committee and all these years later, I have taken on the largest volunteer role at Tri-State. For the last few months, I have had the privilege to help guide and shape the conference as the Tri-State CAMP Conference Chair.
As a new camp professional, the conference expanded my outlook beyond the borders of my own camp and helped me realize the pivotal role we play in the lives of children, youth, and families. This newfound perspective became a source of pride in my work, helping me stand taller, more confident in the value of our collective mission.
Over the years, Tri-State has served as an invaluable connector for so many of us—a space where stories and insights flow freely, and curiosity finds ample room to flourish. Through connections fostered at Tri-State and other ACA, NY & NJ events, I built a network of truly special colleagues from other camps, many quite different from mine. I readily signed up to volunteer as well, to keep opening doors to inspiration, guidance, and perspective.
As a volunteer within the conference for many years, I have observed the meticulous and inspired planning that takes place behind the scenes. This year is no exception. The dynamic team of Samara Feinberg and Brett Melito, alongside 50+ dedicated volunteers, have been meeting regularly for months to work on every aspect of the conference. Everything is considered, including the themes and content, speaker selection and preparation, vendor hall, social events, the list goes on, all while doing our best to ensure inclusivity, affordability, and accessibility. Our volunteers reflect a commitment to excellence that reflects just how special our industry can be.
Tri-State has been an invaluable investment for me as the director of a nonprofit summer camp, offering an unparalleled return on investment: content-packed sessions and extensive networking opportunities for camps of all sizes and types. I've made it a priority every year to bring other staff members from my camp, and witnessing them access the same opportunities for growth and networking has been a fulfilling extension of the conference's impact. We are all better, our camp is better, because of Tri-State.
The Tri-State Camp Conference isn't just an annual gathering of camp professionals; it's a catalyst for growth, a compass pointing towards excellence in camp leadership. I can’t wait to learn together with you this March.
Ben Esposito is the Director of Camp Alvernia, a day camp on Long Island and is the Tri-State CAMP Conference Chair. He is a dedicated and seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in the camp industry. Ben has led Camp Alvernia since 2006, demonstrating his strong commitment to campers and staff. He holds a Master's in Public Administration from Marist College and a Bachelor's in Christian Education from Wheaton College. Ben has received several accolades, including ACA's Michael Gordon Excellence in Camping Award and the Jack Weiner Leadership Award. He was a board member of the ACA,NY & NJ and served as the President of the New York State Camp Directors' Association.