March 15, 2013
You probably have never thought of the possibility that over 2,500 camp directors and senior staff could be gathered in one place at one time. But we just got back from the Tri-State Camp Conference in Atlantic City and can certify that this definitely took place. It's called "Tri-State" because it is sponsored by the American Camp Association (ACA) chapters in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but camp professionals from many different states attend. In fact, it's the largest camp conference in the world.
We (Jeremy, Stu and I) spent time attending a variety of workshops. The scope of topics that are pertinent to camps is pretty broad. Most important, of course, is the whole area of youth development. For instance, one session was "How to Empower Girls at Summer Camp and Beyond". Another was titled "Creating a Community for Kids Who Think Differently". And, among many other topics, there was "How to Build Best Behavior & Essential Life Skills With Positive Communications".
There were also sessions in the areas of program activities (including games!), health and safety, leadership, business management, marketing, transportation, and much more. I helped facilitate a session about camp accreditation, specifically for those people who are certified to do the accreditation visits.
This conference is amazing not only because of the number of people attending and the huge number of workshops, but also because of the variety of camps represented: day camps and resident camps, short-term and long-term, travel camps, general camps, specialty camps, religious and non-sectarian, special needs camps . . . literally something for everyone. Despite our great variety, though, the common connection of being "camps" gives us a common purpose, which is to help children and youth (and even adults) become the best people they can be.
I was thrilled that one of my heroes of educational activism, Jonathan Kozol, was the keynote speaker at our general session. I read his books back in the '60's and '70's and was captivated by his speech to us on Wednesday. He speaks truths that are hard for many people to hear, but that call us all to do a better job taking care of everyone in our society instead of hoarding more for ourselves simply because we can. His talk was considered controversial by many at this conference, but to me it was a breath of fresh air.
It's important for us to take these "professional development breaks" so we can improve our knowledge and skills and maintain important connections to our professional community. Now we're back in our office. I'm getting ready for the tours that Stu and I will do this weekend and the camp fair that I will be attending Sunday in Manhattan. Jeremy's catching up on inquiries from parents and the applications and references that have been coming in for prospective staff. It's still technically winter, but soon our blog page will say "Spring" at the top.
Have a nice weekend. We'll be talking to you again soon.
Tom
