Current as of 8/29/2025
4-H Kindred Meeting and Professional Development
Monday, February 16, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
Join your 4-H Extension colleagues for a day of fellowship, networking, and professional development. A team from the University of Florida will hold a training focused on trauma-informed PYD principles for camp settings. Breakfast and lunch will be provided starting at 8 a.m. and training starting at 9 a.m.
Registration Fee: $100
Preregistration closes January 26.
For more information, contact Nila Cobb, [email protected].
Accreditation Visit Mini Boot Camp
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
For camps expecting an accreditation visit in 2026, the Accreditation Visit Mini Boot Camp is an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the accreditation process and ACA standards as they apply to your camp. You’ll learn from experienced accreditation volunteers and leave with resources to help you prepare for your visit. This is designed especially for those new to ACA accreditation. Please limit initial registration to two representatives per camp. Contact us for larger group registration.
Preregistration is required. Registration deadline is Monday, January 26, 2026. Day-of registration is not available. Walk-ins are not permitted.
For more information, contact Bekah Carmichael, [email protected], 765-349-3531.
Accreditation Volunteer Course Part 2
Pre-registration is required; space is limited.
Monday, February 16, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
Fee: No cost
ACA is the only national accrediting body for camps of all types. Accreditation volunteers are the heart and soul of the program. Being an accreditation volunteer provides you with the experience to build your network, polish your risk management skills, and engage in mentoring opportunities for both you and the camps you work with. As much as you give to this experience, you’ll gain from new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to the mission-driven work of the camp industry. More details available.
Preregistration and independent precourse work are required. Application deadline is Monday, January 26, 2026. Day-of registration is not available. Walk-ins are not permitted.
For more information, contact Bekah Carmichael, [email protected], 765-349-3531.
BIPOC Affinity Group Meetup
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
7:00 - 7:45 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
The BIPOC Affinity Group is a safe and inclusive space dedicated to fostering the success and support of Black, Brown, Indigenous, and people of color. This space is designed for those who identify as Black, Brown, Indigenous, and people of color. We hope this time serves as a space where people who identify as BIPOC can find support, common ground, and solidarity. Join us as we celebrate our cultures, support one another through our unique experiences, and build community.
For more information, contact Christen Peterson, [email protected].
Camp Includes Me Gathering
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
At this year's national conference, we continue our commitment to fostering community. Join us for an opportunity to learn about our affinity spaces: BIPOC, Pride at Camp, and Spanish Speakers.
This meet-up is a welcoming space for anyone who identifies with any of our affinity groups and for those dedicated to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive camp environment. Connect and network with others who share similar lived experiences and have a passion for inclusive camp early in the conference, setting the stage for meaningful gatherings throughout the week.
For more information, contact Vincent Irving, [email protected], 765-349-3534.
Camp Researchers' Preconference Workshop
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
The Camp Researchers’ Preconference Workshop offers a Individuals interested in discussing the latest camp research topics, challenges, and successes are welcome to attend this pre-conference gathering. This session is open to all camp professionals, researchers, and students interested in research or evaluation. The gathering will involve panel and roundtable discussions, facilitated by subject-matter experts, focusing on research topics related to studying character at camp, the impact of climate change on camps, and the use of technology at camp. The purpose of this gathering is to connect those in the camp research and evaluation space while expanding the impact of research conducted with camp programs.
Registration Fee: $50 ACA members, $75 nonmembers
Preregistration closes January 26.
For more information, contact Megan Owens, [email protected].
Camps on Campus (COC) Preconference
February 16-17, 2026
Monday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
Join fellow higher education and K-12 professionals as we come together to learn from each other and discuss issues affecting youth camps and programming on our campuses. Learn more about this group.
Registration Fee: $150 ACA members, $175 nonmembers
Preregistration closes January 26.
For more information, contact Ruthi Hernandez, [email protected].
Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA) Conference with New Venture Fund Camps Meeting
February 16-17, 2026
Monday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Precise Schedule will be emailed to registered attendees prior to conference.
This is a professional development gathering for organizations that run diabetes camps, hosted by the Diabetes Education and Camping Association and New Venture Fund. We will have an offsite Sunday afternoon preconference (optional) for folks arriving early. Additional details will be shared prior to the conference.
Registration Fee: $300 for in-person, $140 for virtual.
For more information and to register, visit https://www.diabetescamps.org.
Questions? Contact Lisa Gier at [email protected].
Emerging Professionals in Camping (EPIC) Preconference
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
8:30 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
Additional details to come!
Registration Fee: $99 ACA members, $139 nonmembers
Preregistration closes January 26.
For more information, contact Janette Kunkel, [email protected], 765-349-3523, or Anna Danila, [email protected], 765-349-3530.
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) Camp Professionals Kindred Gathering
Monday, February 16, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
Girl Scout Council camp professionals are invited to join the Girl Scouts Kindred Session on Monday, February 16, 2026. During this interactive session, attendees will engage in robust discussion, learning, and planning to develop dynamic, cost-effective, inclusive camp strategies in partnership with peers from across the country. Session topics may include strategies to remove barriers to inclusion at camp, managing staff and campers, health and safety hot topics, as well as networking with peers from across the country. In addition, all Girl Scouts Kindred registrants will be eligible to register for an additional, optional, second session hosted by Girl Scouts San Diego on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. GSSD, in partnership with GSUSA will host a tour of one of their camps with hands-on activities to showcase innovative practices and spark inspiration. Kindred Session registrants will receive an invitation from GSSD with event information. The $50 registration fee paid directly to GSSD will include transportation, activity costs and lunch.
Registration Fee: $150
Preregistration closes January 26.
For more information, contact Anna Canter at [email protected].
International Camping Fellowship (ICF)
Join an informal dinner Monday night (meet in the conference hotel lobby at 6 p.m. to walk to a local restaurant and pay for your own meal). On Tuesday, join a Gathering of Internationals and Friends from 10 a.m. to noon in the International Room (check conference information for location). Stop by and visit the room during the conference! We seek to involve camp and youth development professionals from around the world in conversations. We gather to create enthusiasm, knowledge, and commitment by empowering each other. Everyone is welcome to celebrate catching the vision of our common experiences.
For more information, contact Cheryl Gans, [email protected].
Medical and Disability Camp (MDK) Kindred Preconference
Monday, February 16, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join us in San Diego for the Medical & Disability Camp Kindred Preconference at the 2026 ACA National Conference! This special gathering brings together camp professionals from direct service camps, host sites, and partner organizations, all with the common mission of serving campers with chronic medical needs, physical challenges, or disabilities. Through networking opportunities, table discussions, and topic-based breakouts, we’ll problem-solve together, celebrate summer successes, and learn from one another’s challenges. Whether you’re looking to build new connections or deepen your practice, this is the perfect space to recharge and collaborate with peers who understand the unique joys and complexities of supporting campers with medical needs and disabilities.
Registration Fee: $75 ACA members, $100 nonmembers
Preregistration closes January 26.
For more information, contact Gay Bruner, [email protected], or 765-349-3524.
New Director Orientation (NDO) Training
Monday, February 16, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
NDO is an interactive course that includes activities, lectures, and discussions in a group problem-solving environment designed to address real-life situations at camp. This course covers five critical areas to help directors and supervisors develop the skills they need to be effective leaders. The core areas covered include:
- leadership and supervision
- camper and staff development and behavior
- staff training
- risk management
- evaluation and assessment
This course will be offered in a hybrid model, with a two-hour virtual meeting* and pre-coursework needing to be completed prior to the in-person meeting.
*Virtual NDO Meeting
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
2:00-4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Learn more about NDO.
Limited to 40 participants. Registration available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration Fee: $150 ACA members, $250 nonmembers
Preregistration closes January 26.
For more information, contact Erin Flores, [email protected], or 765-349-3527.
Not-for-Profit Council (NFP) Lunch
Thursday, February 19, 2026
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
Join others from nonprofit camps for lunch and conversation. The NFP Council leadership will share recent and upcoming activities. Network with existing friends and make new ones. Learn how you can get more involved. This is a ticketed event and fills up. Learn more about ACA's Not-for-Profit Council.
Registration Fee: $45 ACA members, $65 nonmembers
Preregistration closes January 26.
For more information, contact Grechen Throop at [email protected], or 765-349-3517.
Sponsored by Bowline HQ
Pride at Camp LGBTQIA+ Gathering and Social
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
8:00 - 8:45 p.m.
Town and Country Resort San Diego
Please join us for the Pride at Camp LGBTQIA+ Gathering and Social, a networking event for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Held at the beginning of the conference, this event aims to foster a supportive community for participants throughout their week in San Diego. It offers a welcoming and safe environment to connect, share resources, and expand your professional network. Registration is encouraged to support pre-conference connections and virtual networking opportunities within your community. However, registration is not required, and walk-ins are gladly welcomed.
For more information, contact Kristina Lee, [email protected] or 765-349-3535.
Quality Programs Level 1 Training
Monday, February 16, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Quality Programs Level I is an immersive, in-depth training designed to help camps build stronger, more supportive environments where youth thrive. Participants learn how safe and supportive staff practices drive social-emotional learning and walk away with practical strategies to integrate these into staff training. This experience also equips attendees to confidently use and score the Social Emotional Learning Program Quality Assessment for Camps tool. Camps that invest in this training are better prepared to lead with intention and grow with purpose. For maximum impact, enroll at least two team members and take the first step toward meaningful, lasting program improvement.
Registration info coming soon!
Preregistration closes January 26.
For more information, contact Jami Foster, [email protected], or 765-349-3519.
Quality Programs Level 2 Training
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
*Please note that participants must have completed Quality Programs Level I to advance to Quality Programs Level 2.
Quality Programs Level 2 is an immersive, in-depth training designed to help camps move beyond foundational practices to foster deeper camper engagement and connection. Building on the skills from Level 1, this training equips participants with strategies to strengthen interactive staff practices that support social-emotional learning and enhance day-to-day engagement. Attendees will also refine their use of the Social Emotional Learning Program Quality Assessment for Camps tool to evaluate these higher-level practices. Ready to take your team further? Bring a colleague and continue your camp’s journey toward meaningful, lasting program improvement.
*Registrants must have participated in Quality Programs Level I in order to be eligible for Quality Programs Level II.
Registration info coming soon!
Preregistration closes January 26.
For more information, contact Jami Foster, [email protected], or 765-349-3519.
