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2008 Conference Theme and Program

The Strength of Many Voices

Connecting Youth to Nature: Preparing our Children for Lifelong Learning and Creating the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards by Keynoter Sally Jewell

Online Program Planner
The ACA Program Review Team is pleased to provide you with an Online Program Planner. You can review the program by speaker, topic or timeframe, and create your on schedule.
Session Schedule - by date and time. (PDF - 2.9MB)

Sessions/schedule subject to change.

This year's theme will explore a number of variations on how we can change the lives of children through the strength of many voices. Possibilities include claiming a more significant presence in the complementary learning community, partnering with community organizations to share the message of camp, increasing public awareness about the benefits of camp, strengthening the teams within our camps, helping our counselors and campers find their voices and be included in decision-making at camp, effectively working with our boards, strengthening our legislative voice, and drawing from our shared strength to provide greater opportunities for children to experience camp.

In addition to our theme, these five topical areas provide rich, timely content:

Youth Development and Behavior – how camp professionals can effectively use the camp experience to help prepare young people for healthy and successful lives. Topics may include: exploring participant development and behavior, in the areas of health and wellness, bullying, etc.; program design; and other ways to build on the fun and link activities to desired outcomes. Topic area covers both campers and staff.
Staff Training and Leadership – In addition to critical areas in human resources like skillfully recruiting, selecting, managing, training, and motivating staff and volunteers, we're seeking programs that address goal setting, leadership, outcomes attainment, youth involvement in decision making, and developing life skills on the job. Sessions that address staff health and wellness are sought as well.
Business and Operations – specific topics for camps and conference centers such as fundraising, development, finance, risk management, strategic planning, site and facility, marketing, environmental issues, food service, transportation, technology, and public policy.
Emerging Issues, Tools, and Strategies – Think of emerging issues, and in some cases urgent issues, and how camps and conference centers can rapidly and appropriately address these challenges.  Best practices in like-minded organizations, examples from your own programs, and programs you've adapted may be suitable.
Innovative Programs and Activities – We're seeking the 400 level series of program and activities that showcase the best camp has to offer.

The program includes keynote lectures, a broad selection of breakout sessions, informal discussion groups, and research forum presentations. We'll share our program in progress, as it is developed.

ACA 2008 National Conference Program Review Team
Dayna Hardin, Greenwoods Camp
Marcy Brower, Circle M Day Camp Inc.
Jay Toporoff, Camp Danbee
Scott Ralls, Southwoods Camp
Ann Weinberg, Nashville
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