ACA Climate Symposium

Date

March 30-31, 2026

Location

Virtual
Climate Symposium logo

Cost

Member: $60
Nonmember: $85

CECs

6.00

From severe storms and wildfires to flooding and extreme heat, recent weather-related emergencies have disrupted operations, displaced campers and staff, and forced camp leaders to make critical decisions under pressure. These moments reveal the same truth every time: preparedness changes outcomes. ACA's inaugural Virtual Climate Symposium is a focused professional development dedicated to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for camps. ACA is here as a resource for camps before emergencies happen, not just after, and this symposium is designed to help camp professionals strengthen their plans, clarify their roles, and build systems that work when conditions are far from ideal. Participants will learn from industry experts and have dedicated time to network alongside peers to test ideas, share strategies, and think through real scenarios. Emergency preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst; it’s about being ready for reality. Acting now gives you options later.

Thanks to a generous philanthropy gift, the price of this event has been reduced to make it more affordable for camp professionals to attend. This is a low-cost opportunity to invest in the future for your camp facilities, staff, volunteers, campers, and more. 

  1. Strengthen Preparedness Knowledge: Participants will gain a clear understanding of the importance of emergency preparedness and learn how to develop an effective Crisis & Emergency Action Plan.

  2. Build Collaborative Capacity: Participants will learn strategies for establishing and sustaining partnerships that enhance emergency preparedness and response efforts.

  3. Highlight ACA as a Key Resource: Participants will recognize the American Camp Association (ACA) as a trusted and valuable source of emergency preparedness guidance, tools, and information.

  4. Expand Climate Awareness: Participants will deepen their understanding of climate change and explore how emerging climate-related risks may impact their organizations.

Call for presenters closes February 2. All proposals will be reviewed by the planning committee and speakers will be notified by February 26. Session proposals need to be focused on emergency preparedness, response and recovery to natural disasters, and climate change impacts affecting camp organizations. 

Submit Proposal

Register Now

  • Registration includes virtual program and recordings of sessions which will be available for 30 days following the event. 
  • Thanks to a generous event sponsorship, registration fees for this event have been reduced for 2026
  • Early bird registration rates through March 1
  • Not an ACA Member? Join today for FREE and get the best rates for this event! 
Type Early Bird Regular
Member $60 $75
Nonmember $85 $110

 

Financial assistance is available to attend this event. To request financial assistance, please email Erin Flores  

Day One Schedule

*All times are in Eastern

11:30am-12:40pm: Welcome & Keynote
12:50pm-1:40pm: Educational Session I
1:50pm-2:40pm: Educational Session II
2:50pm-3:40pm: Educational Session III
3:50pm-4:30pm: Collaboration Hub

Day Two Schedule

11:30am-12:10pm: Collaboration Hub
12:20pm-1:10pm: Educational Session IV
1:20pm-2:30pm: Closing & Keynote 

Coming Soon!

Sponsoring this event is a meaningful way to support camps as they strengthen their emergency preparedness and resilience in the face of increasing climate-related challenges. Your partnership helps make this timely professional development accessible to more camp professionals while positioning your organization as a trusted supporter of safety, leadership, and preparedness within the camp community.

Sponsors receive thoughtful visibility before, during, and after the symposium, along with opportunities to build authentic connections with camp decision-makers from across the country. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Kim Fitzgerald.