We’ve said goodbye to campers, handed staff final paychecks, and stored camp supplies. As I stowed the odds and ends that make up camp, I reflected on the many things we all do to put on camp every year. We sign contracts, advertise, write schedules, hire staff, and much more. But one of the most important things we do is train our staff. While the greatest focus appears to be on staff training week, equally (if not more) important is our leadership team training. The pinnacle of that training every year is our local conference, the Spring Leadership Conference (SLC).

I attended my first SLC in 2014. I was a brand new, 20-year-old assistant director — and naturally nervous about my new role. I was on a team of experts, who, I believed, knew exactly what to do in every situation. And as far as I was concerned, I knew nothing. I experienced so many feelings when I was invited to attend the conference, beginning with gratitude. My summer workplace was going to send me to a conference and cover my lodging, and I was going to spend several days with the directors whom I was in awe of — all without them even knowing if I was any good at the job? Wow.

What I didn’t know was the huge impact attending that local conference would have. 

Each year we bring our team to SLC. We meet at the end to discuss our takeaways, and common themes always emerge. Camp is an industry much larger than us. The work we do is important. We have pride in our camp and a feeling of being invested in. And, of course, the many skills, ideas, and passion that carry us through the summer.

At the conference, our assistant directors hear speakers who range from seasoned camp veterans to individuals who are just a few years older than themselves. They share ideas for presentations they might like to lead in the future. This has two effects. First, it sharpens their understanding of their own passions and skills. Second, it makes them want to come back for another year.

Much of our team eventually goes on to speak at the conference. The first time I presented was in 2017. Once again, I was nervous. The irony of my first session being about imposter syndrome is not lost on me. What I failed to consider was the fact that camp professionals are a fantastic first audience for a new speaker. My small number of attendees (around 15) participated, responded, and were genuinely engaged. I have spoken at SLC every year since, and the confidence that I have built has made an impact far beyond those few days each April. I am more comfortable speaking to larger groups, leading training sessions at camp, as well as owning and teaching from my own expertise.

Networking at local conferences is an integral part of the positive experience. Through facilitated ice breakers and activities, we meet other camp professionals. The smaller number of attendees means that we inevitably see those same people throughout the conference. We make connections, and those connections often become friendships, which serve as invaluable support systems during the summer. And the desire to see and reconnect with those fellow camp directors keeps our team members wanting to return to the conference, and by extension camp, year after year. 

Possibly the largest impact that SLC has each year is on our team dynamic. By learning, playing, and growing together, we build a close-knit group. We share traditions with new assistant directors, which help to integrate them into our existing team. We attend social events where we create memories. Ultimately, a leadership team who enjoys working together understands each other, and shares vision can have a profound, positive impact on the camp culture. 

At the end of summer, we do exit interviews. The Spring Leadership Conference is mentioned every year. They express appreciation for the skills learned, the team built, the investment felt, and the passion lit. We all look forward to our local conference every year and know that it is an important piece of the puzzle that is a fantastic summer at camp.

Sam Townley is the senior director for Outpost Summer Camps in San Diego, California, as well as Outpost’s year-round administrative director. She serves as a volunteer standards visitor for the American Camp Association and is the communications chair for ACA’s Southern California/Hawaii Local Council of Leaders.