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 Every once in a while, there's an
event, meeting, or training that produces
an unexpected result. Such was the
case last month, when ACA section representatives
from across the country gathered in Indianapolis
to prepare for their upcoming terms as
section presidents. I've had
the opportunity to attend this training
several times, and each time, it's
a positive experience. But this year,
the excitement in the room was electrifying
as we talked about the future of our association.
The American Camp Association® (ACA)
is changing, and I believe you'll
like what's happening. Our
CEO, Peg Smith, shares her "20/20
vision" for the future of ACA in
the November/December
issue of Camping
Magazine. Check it out, and you'll
see what has our new section leadership
jazzed. And if that makes you curious,
come early to the national conference in
Nashville and participate in the business
meetings of the association! You
don't have to be a delegate to attend
the business meetings; you are welcome
to be a part of the discussion about our
future.
Speaking of Nashville, registration is
now open for the February 10 – 15
national conference, and discounted hotel
rates for the fabulous Gaylord Opryland
Resort & Convention Center are available
first-come, first-served through January
9, 2008. This will be a conference
to remember, with headline speakers Dr.
Rick Rigsby, Dr. Michael Thompson, REI
CEO Sally Jewell, and ACA CEO Peg Smith.
The educational sessions alone are worth
the trip, but the networking opportunities
with camp and youth development professionals
will make you come back year after year. Get
all the details at www.ACAcamps.org/conference and
check out "The Strength of Many Voices" in
2008 in Nashville. Remember, the
early-bird registration deadline is December
10.
Finally, if you haven't already received
the November/December
issue of Camping
Magazine, watch for it in your mailbox
soon. This
issue focuses on "Green Spoken Here" – the
camp community's commitment to environmental
stewardship, technology in nature programs,
and maximizing environmental programs at
camp. In Jim Parry's column,
he says "the most important thing
is simply for all of us to remember how
wonderful the natural world is, and to
share that." It's
a great issue from cover to cover, and
I think one of the best ever. The
contributors are our colleagues, generously
sharing their ideas, programs, and values
for the betterment of all camps and our
environment. And
that's just one of the many things
that makes ACA a true community of camp
professionals.
Ann Sheets
President, American Camp Association
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