ACA, Southern California/Hawaii Spring Leadership Conference

Online registration is closed now for this event. You can register on-site in Palm Springs beginning 4/15/25. There will be an additional cost of $50 to the regular price structure. 

Exciting News! 🎉

For the first time, we’ll be using an app for SLC! Our team is hard at work setting it up, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this new territory.

In the meantime, check out the overall schedule below, explore sample breakout sessions on the next tab, and check out a print version of the schedule and session here. 

Monday, April 14, 2025

• 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.   Character Academy Preconference

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

• 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Character Preconference Training
• 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.   Registration open
• 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.    New Attendee Orientation
• 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.   Welcome & Opening “Playnote”
• 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.   Welcome Reception — appetizers and cash bar 
• 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.   Dinner/time on your own (We will have some organized dinner "meet-ups")
• 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.   Trivia and connection time

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

• 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.   Registration open
• 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  Educational Breakout Sessions #1
• 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.   Keynote- Bob Ditter
• 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.   Lunch on your own — get some pool time
• 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.   Educational Breakout Sessions #2 
• 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.   Exhibit Hall Open
• 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.     Educational Breakout Sessions #3
• 4:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.    Cocktail hour and snacks in the Exhibit Hall
• 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.    Included Dinner
• 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.    Dance
• 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.   Chilling at License to Chill

Thursday, April 17, 2025

• 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.    Registration Open
• 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.   Educational Breakout Session #4
• 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.   Keynote- Dr. Jamye Hardy Willé
• 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.    Lunch on your own — get some pool time
• 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.    Educational Breakout Session #5
• 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.      Educational Breakout Session #6
• 4:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.     Ice Cream Social!
• 4:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.     Volunteer Open House OR Meet with your team (conference rooms available)
• 6:30 p.m. – onward       Dinner on your own / night on the town (Palm Springs Street Fair)
• 8:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. Speakeasy Fun!

Friday, April 18, 2025

• 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.    Educational Breakout Session #7
• 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.     Educational Breakout Session #8
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.    SLC Closing Campfire

Check out the Character Academy Preconference Workshops! These workshops are free for members and $48 for nonmembers. Not an ACA member? Join today for FREE! 

Register for Character Academy Preconference Workshops

Monday, April 14, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Preconference Workshop #1 — Developing Character Through Science and Strategy

This workshop dives into the science of learning and development to explore what character truly is — and what it’s not. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of character development and use this knowledge to set clear, actionable goals for their campers and staff.

Through engaging discussions and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to:

• Identify specific character development outcomes.
• Create a roadmap to achieve these goals through staff training, program design, and parent/community engagement.

Chances are, much of this work is already embedded in your program. This workshop will help you refine your strengths and connect them to the science behind your impactful efforts. Join us to elevate your approach to character development!

Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Preconference Workshop #2 — Funding Camp: Telling Your Story for Successful Grant Writing

This workshop is designed to equip participants with the essential skills to successfully apply for grants that support their camp's mission. Participants will gain an understanding of what grants are, explore the key components of a typical grant application, and learn the critical steps and skills required for the grant application process. The session will also delve into the art of storytelling through the lens of grant writing, helping participants craft compelling narratives that align with funding opportunities.

The workshop will begin with an informative lecture, followed by hands-on skill-building exercises where participants will practice responding to common grant application questions. In the final segment, the focus will shift to character at camp, offering participants the opportunity to explore future Character at Camp grant opportunities for 2026 and beyond.

Sterling Nell Leija, Innovative Camp Company, Founder and CEO
Sterling Nell Leija is the Innovative Camp Company CEO, advancing camps through innovative solutions by solving problems with a focus on mission, impact, quality, and safety. Professionally engaged in the nonprofit space for 20 years, Sterling is passionate about the impact of quality programs, equitable access, staff wellness, and education in out-of-school time. Her expertise in nonprofit operations expands into capacity building, operational and capital budget management, fundraising, and business development.  As a consultant, educator, speaker, and writer, Sterling has extensive experience as a presenter sharing best practices, research, and tools with industry leaders.

Register for Character Academy Preconference Workshops

Tobin Paap — Opening Playnote 

Throughout his 35 years working with young people at summer camps, in classrooms, and in after-school spaces, Tobin Paap has sought balance — balance between solidity and freedom, between learning and unlearning, between work and play. His company provides an array of research-based trainings to strengthen organizational culture by shifting the mindsets and building the skill sets of young people and those who support them. Tobin believes that shared joy and vulnerability build meaningful connection. Through song, dance, and games, his playnote will create a container of relaxed-alertness in which participants can engage in the productive struggle of reflection and planning.

Bob Ditter — Wednesday's Keynote

Bob Ditter will join us for a keynote presentation about how camps can leverage their unique ability to develop character with their participants and staff and how critically important this is right now. Bob has been a major contributor to the excellence of the Spring Leadership Conference's education over the years. He is a prolific contributor to Camping Magazine and his books have been a mainstay for staff selection, training and supervision. Bob is a thought leader on ACA's Character Initiative and we are very excited for his triumphant return to SLC! Check out Bob's books. 

Dr. Jamye Hardy Willé — Thursday's Keynote

Dr. Jamye Hardy Willé (HAR-dee-will-LAY) offers a unique approach that blends leadership, well-being, and play that inspires and equips leaders to sustainably grow to be their best. She is passionate about highlighting the connections between mental health and success, offering keynotes, workshops, and facilitated dialogue centered around mindful reflection, elevating purpose, identifying accountability and tools, the value of a holistic approach to wellbeing, belief in self, and incorporating play. Dr. Hardy Willé is a licensed master social worker and a Doctor of Education in Leading Learning Organizations and Strategic Change, a former college faculty, a current higher education administrator, and an improv and stand-up comedian.

Get Ready for Breakout Sessions!

We're thrilled to introduce our new SLC event app! Our team is working hard to get it set up, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this exciting update.

In the meantime, here’s a preview of some of the breakout sessions we’ll be offering during SLC. Stay tuned—we’ll let you know as soon as the app is ready!

🧠 Leadership & Staff Development

• Superpower to Success: Leading People, Teams, and Yourself in Today’s Landscape
• Communication and Conflict Resolution for Camp Professionals
• Making Your Staff Meetings Unforgettable
• From Meh to Memorable: Making Staff Training Presentations Stick
• In the Middle of It All: The Balancing Act of Being Second-in-Command
• The Art of Tough Talks: A Leadership Playbook for Difficult Conversations
• Amplify Your Staff Training Design
• Staff Training Electives
• Your Staff Don’t Want "Feedback"
• Transitioning from Front Line to Leadership Staff
• Motivational Science and Tactical Camp Leadership
• Effectively Coaching the Defensive Gen Z!

🌿 Camper Experience & Program Design

• Act Your Age – Shaping Camper Behavior with Age Development in Mind
• Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Insights and Ideas for Your Teen Leadership Program
• Let's Get Delulu – Harnessing Mindset and Manifestation for a Summer of Joy and Ease
• Developing Character through Effective Affirmations
• Inside Out 2.0
• Playful PD: Applying Bluey’s Values to Staff Training
• Program Games & Activities

💬 Staff Well-Being & Workplace Culture

• Unplugged + Grounded: Fostering Team Unity and Well-Being at Camp
• Caring for the Whole Human: Making Employment at Your Camp Accessible and Sustainable
• Supporting Staff Through Trauma and Vicarious Trauma – Light the Fire, Fan the Flame, Carry the Torch
• Mental Health and Well-Being – The Climate and Weather of It All
• Stop Screaming in the Walk-In: Letting Go of Perfectionism as a Leader
• Office Politics: How to Survive a Multi-Generational Office Without Losing Your Cool

📢 Communication & Engagement

• It’s Our Job to Like Them! Positive and Effective Connections with Tricky People
• Effective Parent Communication
• Building Stronger Partnerships: Best Practices for Parent Communication and Camper Recruitment
• Active Listening – Break Through the Noise
• Camp Conversations that Matter: Talking About the Tough Stuff

🔍 Risk Management & Operations

• Preparing for the Worst, but Being the Best!
• Behavioral Interview Tools: Evaluating Our Model One Year Later and How Your Camp Can Benefit
• Hālau Lamakū: Integrating Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge

🔥 Community & Connection

• Suicide Prevention Skills Every Camp Leader Needs
• You Can’t Be Everything to Everybody
• Campfire Chat: Stories and Strategies for Risk Management in 2025!
• Scavenger Hunts

Healing Support at SLC Conference: Free One-on-One and Breakout Sessions with Licensed Therapist and Somatic Healer Ann Odom

We know that 2025 has already brought immense challenges — from wildfires affecting your region and impacting camps, staff, and communities to the uncertainty of administrative shifts leading to funding changes and policy adjustments that are disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. It’s a lot to hold, and we want to acknowledge that.

As a gift to our SLC Conference attendees, we are honored to bring in Ann Odom, a licensed therapist and somatic healer, to support our community. Ann will be offering free one-on-one coaching sessions as well as leading breakout sessions designed to help you process, heal, and reconnect with yourself and others.

Meet Ann Odom

Ann is a licensed child therapist, mother of two, and a cycle starter dedicated to breaking generational patterns through healing. Her approach blends somatic experiencing, nervous system regulation, and inner child work to help individuals process and release the implicit memories stored in the body.

She is passionate about helping adults feel safe, seen, and accepted — not just intellectually, but on a deep, physiological level. Ann teaches how to bridge the gap between what the brain knows and what the body holds, offering tools to regulate the nervous system, move emotions through the body, and heal the inner child. Through this work, individuals can shift from living in a state of protection to a state of connection — accessing more play, presence, and vitality in their lives.

This is an incredible opportunity to receive expert support at no cost during the conference. Stay tuned for session sign-ups and details!

Get a Fresh Headshot at SLC! 

We’re excited to announce that professional headshots are now included as part of your SLC registration! Whether you want a polished look for your camp, organization, school, or business — or prefer to show off your camp spirit with a fun, silly pose — you’ll have the opportunity to get a fresh new photo at the conference.

We’re thrilled to have Raya from Raya Jade Photography on-site to capture your best look. She’ll be available at scheduled times throughout the event, so be sure to bring your best smile (and your favorite shirt!).

All photos will be made accessible to attendees via a private link shortly after the conference. Don’t miss this chance to update your professional image — on us!

Tuesday

"Playnote" and Welcome Reception and TRIVIA

Learn by doing and get to know your other conference attendees! We will kick off the conference with an interactive and energizing “playnote” followed by our welcome reception with complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.

After a dinner break, we will all reconvene for TRIVIA!

Wednesday

Spring Leadership Conference Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and Dancing

A highlight for many! Wednesday evening activities include a themed cocktail time followed by an included dinner and costume dance party. For those who want to continue the fun, join others at License to Chill Bar in the hotel lobby following the dance. 

Thursday

Explore, Dine, and Unwind – An Out-of-This-World Evening! 🚀✨

Get lost in space and adventure downtown for the Palm Springs Street Fair, where you'll discover cosmic crafts, stellar street food, and unique local finds. Enjoy dinner with friends—both old and new—before returning to the hotel for a Speakeasy Social that's truly out of this world. 🌌🍸

Step into a hidden galaxy of fun, where we’ll gather, unwind, and enjoy a night of cosmic connections. Don’t miss this interstellar evening! 🚀🌠

Friday

Closing Campfire

A Spring Leadership Conference tradition! Join the conversation for our closing general session that will feature an inspirational talk and a chance to get energized for summer 2025! 

Welcome to Riviera Resort and Spa Palm Springs. We can't wait for you to explore this outstanding hotel, which features a state-of-the-art conference facility, stylish upscale accommodations, and lots of great spaces to relax and enjoy the perfect April weather in Palm Springs! Lounge by two sparkling pools, schedule a spa treatment, or indulge in innovative craft cocktails at the 5 o'Clock Pool Bar.

Some other exciting features of Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs:

• Beautiful modern hotel with two pools, hot tubs, and a poolside bar.
• Great location — one mile from downtown and four miles from Palm Springs International Airport.
• Award-winning full-service spa.

Hotel Reservation Information

Important Details: 

• Our reservation block closed on March 28th. You may reach out to Hades: [email protected] directly to see if there are any spaces remaining. 

• Call the Central Reservations Team at 760-327-8311 and ask to speak to a person if you need to modify or cancel a reservation. 

Fees:

• A resort fee of $40 will appear when booking; however, this will be reduced to $15 at check-in.

We look forward to seeing you at the conference!

Exhibits:

Booth cost:  Member $725 / nonmember $1,075

Register to Exhibit

Sponsorship Opportunities:

• $3,000 Title sponsor*
• $2,000 Keynote sponsor*
• $1,500 Meal sponsor*
• $1,000 Session sponsor
• $500 Snack/break sponsor

All sponsorships come with logo recognition on signage at the event, and on the events web page.

Sponsorships with an (*) also include a booth and two- minutes to address the participants.

Please contact Kim Fitzgerald, [email protected] with any exhibit or sponsorship inquiries.