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Tri-State CAMP Conference:
Keynotes

DAVID BROOKS | MARCH 11th OPENING KEYNOTE

The Moral Education of Summer Camp: Building Character in a Fragmented Society

David Brooks draws on his personal experiences at the Episcopal Camp to illustrate how summer camps foster meaningful moral formation for our kids. He explores how camps push kids beyond their comfort zones, helps them to form deep bonds with others from different backgrounds, and allows them to learn to lead with empathy, self-discipline, and resilience — all without the pressure to perform for grades or awards. Pulling from his Character Building Tool Kit, he explores the significance of things like community service and moral skill-building learned in camp settings and how they are deeply tied to the larger need for moral formation in today's society and are crucial for nurturing the next generation of citizens who understand that "who you become" is more important than "what you achieve.

Biography
David Brooks is a bestselling author, op-ed columnist at the New York Times, and recurring commentator on PBS NewsHour. He has a gift for bringing readers and audiences alike face to face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight, and quiet passion. He is a keen observer of the American way of life and a savvy analyst of present-day politics and foreign affairs whose columns are among the most read in the nation.

The author of six books with many bestsellers among them, Brooks seeks to further explore and explain humanity and the way we live with every addition to his critically acclaimed body of work. With intellectual curiosity and emotional wisdom, he underscores the value of community and the importance of nourishing both the inner self and the social self in our journeys to live fulfilling lives.

View Full Biography Here.

DOMINIQUE DAWES | MARCH 13th CLOSING KEYNOTE

Success is a Journey, Not a Destination

Dominique Dawes won Olympic gold. But, for her, success is so much more than medals and accolades: it’s something she worked hard to achieve everyday en route to Olympic glory. Her journey in the sport of gymnastics lasted 18 years and in those years she stood strong on numerous podiums--leaving lasting impressions in the hearts of fans. The podium was the destination, the long term goal, however, it’s the moments in between she calls the “journey” that helped her realize the success that she was always striving for. Overcoming the inevitable obstacles, challenges, and doubts are the moments in the journey that build the champion in Dawes. Surrounding herself with the right team, developing the mindset to persevere and turning negative situations into life lessons is how Dawes realized Success is a Journey, NOT a Destination.

Biography
Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, July 2020 and her second location opened in 2023. Dawes also holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League, and served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees. Alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter, she recently served as Executive Producer of the Peacock docu-series “Golden”, the journey of USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics, which has been nominated for a Sports Emmy. 

Dawes holds her degree from the University of Maryland and was inducted into UMD's prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2024, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland will honor her career and legacy with a life size statue to continue inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps.

As a wife, mother of four, Olympian and business owner, Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment and culture.

Past Keynotes

2024
Danny Meyer Katie Sowers
2023
Charles Duigg Kwame Alexander
2022
Perry Williams Nicole Newnham
2020
Priya Parker Carli Lloyd
2019
Sir Ken Robinson Karamo Brown
2018 Dr. Shefali Tsabary Billie Jean King
2017 Susan Cain Brandon Stanton, Creator of Humans of NY
2016 John Jacobs, Life is Good Dr. Angela Duckworth
2015 Marc Kielburger,
Me to We
Former Secretary of State
Hillary Rodham Clinton
2014 Po Bronson,
The Un-Wild of Childhood
Dr. Tim Elmore,
Solving the Joshua Problem
2013 Jonathan Kozol Molly Barker
2012 Kevin Jennings Rosalind Wiseman
2011 Seth Godin Jean Kilbourne
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