As we begin a new year, I am reminded once again of the extraordinary role camp plays in the lives of children, families, and communities across the country. Each camp season offers young people the chance to grow in confidence, experience belonging, build meaningful relationships, and discover strengths that will serve them for a lifetime. As camp professionals, we have the privilege of helping to unlock those possibilities — and the responsibility to keep pushing our field forward so that even more young people can benefit from the life-changing power of camp.
That is why I am especially excited for our 2026 ACA National Conference, where our theme, “Unleashing the Life-Changing Power of Camp,” will anchor a week of learning, reflection, and celebration. At a moment when children are facing unprecedented social and emotional challenges — and when our communities need connection more than ever — our work carries immense importance. This year’s conference will elevate the best thinking, the best research, and the best practices our field has to offer to meet this moment with purpose and optimism.
We are thrilled to welcome keynote speaker Lauren Ridloff, a celebrated actress whose own camp experience played a meaningful role in her journey. At camp, she developed the self-confidence to fully embrace her journey as a deaf person. Her inspiring story reminds us how powerful camp can be when it is truly designed for belonging.
We are also looking forward to a second keynote conversation with Angus Fletcher, a leading story science researcher, whose work sheds light on how narrative shapes brain development, resilience, and human potential. His insights speak directly to the magic of camp — where young people live inside a community of shared stories, collective imagination, and learning through lived experience.
In this issue of Camping Magazine, you’ll find a preview of the rich, practical content you can expect at the conference and can begin applying long before you arrive. Articles such as “Building a Culture of Financial Literacy” and “Coaching Staff Who Struggle to Receive Feedback” address essential skills for strengthening staff development and organizational health. Pieces like “From Fitting In to Belonging: Helping Campers and Staff Thrive Together” and “Communication That Builds Trust” speak to the heart of what makes camp transformative — the intentional creation of communities where everyone feels valued, seen, and supported.
These topics reflect the realities camp professionals face every day: navigating complex challenges, cultivating inclusive environments, and communicating with transparency and care. As you read through this issue, I hope you’ll find inspiration as well as practical tools to support your work in the months ahead.
At ACA, our goal remains clear: to champion the camp experience and support the dedicated professionals who make it possible. Whether through research that helps us understand camp’s impact, advocacy that strengthens the policies shaping our field, or resources that advance youth safety and leadership development, we are committed to equipping you with what you need to thrive.
As we look toward February, I hope you will join us at the ACA National Conference in San Diego for connection, learning, and renewal. Together, we can continue to ensure that every child — and many adults — have access to the life-changing power of camp.
As always, thank you for all you do. It is the most important work there is.
