ACA National Conference 2029

The ACA National Conference offers four-plus packed days of quality education, meaningful networking, professional trade-show access, and special events, providing an energizing and impactful experience for camp leaders, owners, and decision-makers. The conference aims to foster connection, learning, and business-building within the camp industry. The theme is "Unleashing the Life-Changing Power of Camp." Key topics include Business and Operations (e.g., marketing, budgeting, risk management, crisis communications, site and facility, environmental issues, health services, food service, transportation, technology, board development, fundraising, public policy, and camp-school partnerships), Camp Includes Me (focusing on inclusion, equity, and cross-cultural agility), Camps on Campus (addressing opportunities and challenges for youth programs in higher education and K-12 settings, including programmatic, logistical, risk management, safety, youth protection, and staff training), Emerging Issues, Tools, and Technology (cutting-edge topics, public policy, healthcare, social issues), Executive Leadership Forum (for seasoned professionals with executive leadership responsibilities, covering missions, leadership concepts, strategic planning, finance, and fundraising), Innovative Programs and Activities (showcasing best practices and advanced programs), Medical Camping (addressing meaningful camp experiences for those with chronic illness), Staff Training and Leadership (recruiting, selecting, managing, training, motivating staff and volunteers, goal-setting, leadership, outcomes attainment, and staff well-being), and Youth Development and Behavior (how camp prepares young people for healthy lives, including participant development, health, wellness, community respect, program design, and evaluation).