ACA, Southeastern Fall Camp Conference

Early bird registration is available through December 9, 2024!

Full Conference Registration — Includes opening keynote on Tuesday, through closing on Thursday. Included is exhibit halls, socials, luncheon, and networking events.

Wednesday Only Registration-Includes sessions, exhibit hall and luncheon.

Not an ACA Member? Join today for FREE and get the best rates for this event!

Needing Scholarship opportunities for the conference? Check out the Conference Scholarship Opportunities

Need a hard copy of registration; email kschaefer@ACAcamps.org

Check out the Character Academy Preconference Workshops. These workshops are free for members and $48 for nonmembers. Not an ACA member? Join today for FREE! 

Workshops are Monday, January 6, 2025

Workshop #1 - Character Development at Camp: What it is and How to Get There

Monday: 9:00am-12:30pm 

The purpose of this interactive research-based workshop is to dive into character development within the context of participants’ unique camps. Camp professionals will engage in facilitated discussions to define and prioritize character goals within the elements of hiring, staff training, programming, and evaluation. Each participant will develop a detailed “map” charting a clear path from their organization’s mission and values to their desired camper outcomes, with a focus on character-based staff practices.

Amanda Palmer, M.S. is a camp researcher, consultant, and doctoral candidate at the University of Idaho, researching youth development within the camp industry. Amanda is a former camper, camp counselor, and mother of four campers of her own. She holds a master’s degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management. Amanda has designed and conducted on-site research studies for organizations such as 4-H, Girl Scouts, and faith-based camps, with a focus on assisting each camp to align staff practices with their mission-based values. 

Workshop # 2 - Funding Character Development at Camp:  Steps and Strategies for Successful Grant-Writing

Monday: 1:30-4:30pm 

The purpose of this workshop is to equip participants with the skills to successfully apply for grants to support their camp mission.  With a specific focus on the Character at Camp grant program (opening January 2025), participants will learn the steps and skills necessary for applying for basic grants, including how to find grants, how to tell if they're aligned with your needs, components of a basic grant application, and what happens next if you do or do not receive a grant.

Sterling Nell Leija
Innovative Camp Company, Founder and CEO
Sterling Nell Leija is the Innovative Camp Company CEO, advancing camps through innovative solutions by solving problems with a focus on mission, impact, quality, and safety.  Professionally engaged in the nonprofit space for 20 years, Sterling is passionate about the impact of quality programs, equitable access, staff wellness, and education in out-of-school time.  Her expertise in nonprofit operations expands into capacity building, operational and capital budget management, fundraising, and business development.  As a consultant, educator, speaker, and writer, Sterling has extensive experience as a presenter sharing best practices, research, and tools with industry leaders. 

Meals will not be provided but if you are staying at the hotel breakfast is provided. There will be a break for lunch. 

Register for the Character Academy Workshops

New Director Orientation-January 6-7th, 2025

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:

1. leadership and supervision
2. camper and staff development and behavior
3. staff training
4. risk management
5. evaluation and assessment

This NDO course will be offered in a hybrid model with participants needing to complete online pre-coursework, participate in a two-hour virtual course meeting, and attend the in-person training. Participants will be enrolled into the online/asynchronous NDO course and will be contacted by instructors prior to the course to be given instructions on pre-coursework, the virtual meeting and the in-person meeting.

Due to the pre-coursework, registration will close one week prior to the in-person meeting (unless full prior). Early registration is encouraged to allow adequate time to complete online pre-coursework.

Just a note that meals will not be provided but if you are staying at the hotel breakfast is provided.

This course will begin on Monday afternoon at 12:30 pm and finish Tuesday  before 12:00pm. 

$115 Member | $175 Non-Member

Register for New Director Orientation!

Bob Ditter will join us for a keynote presentation about how camps can leverage their unique ability to develop character with their participants and staff and how critically important this is right now. He is a prolific contributor to Camping Magazine and his books have been a mainstay for staff selection, training and supervision. 

Bob is a thought leader on ACA's Character Initiative and we are very excited to have him at the Southeastern Fall Camp Conference.

▶️ Watch this message from Bob

See the preconference schedule for details on what is happening on Monday

Check Out the Full Schedule: Southeastern Fall Camp Conference Detailed Schedule

EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Camping) Track: EPIC provides education, social networking opportunities, and events for emerging professionals in the camp industry. Learn more about EPIC. ACA Southeastern is excited to share that we have a track of breakout sessions for our EPIC Folks (all are welcome at these sessions, but the sessions have a focus on emerging camp professionals). 

Tuesday

• 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  - Registration Open
• 2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. - Newcomer's Orientation 
• 3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Opening General Session  
• 4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - State Meetings 
• 5:30 p.m. -6:15 p.m. - Affinity Group Meetup (BIPOC - Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
• 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Networking and Conference Social Reception 

Wednesday

• 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.- Kindred Group Meetup (EPIC - Emerging Professionals in Camping)
• 9:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m. - Educational Breakout Sessions
• 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. - Exhibit Hall & Coffee Break 
• 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Educational Breakout Session 
• 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Luncheon 
• 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. - Exhibit Hall 
• 1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Educational Breakout Sessions 
• 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - Exhibit Hall & Snack Break 
• 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. - Educational Breakout Sessions
• 5:15 p.m. -6:00 p.m. - Affinity Group Meetups (Pride at Camp - LGBTQIA+ Camp Professionals)

Thursday

• 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.- Kindred Group Meetup (Day Camp)
• 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.- Closing Session
• 10:15-11:30 a.m. - Educational Breakout Sessions

Thursday Closing Session Information: 

Please join us for an interactive closing session with a panel of seasoned professionals representing varying and unique camp backgrounds and experiences.  This engaging conversation will allow you to learn from other's missteps and successes, creating useful takeaways and opportunities for growth as you navigate your own professional journey. 

Affinity Groups & Kindred Groups

Affinity & Kindred Group meetups at the conference

ACA serves the interests of niche communities of camp professionals. Kindred groups represent those who work in similar organizations, have similar business models, or serve similar types of campers. Affinity groups are safe and inclusive spaces dedicated to fostering community for those camp professionals who share a common identity.

Learn more about ACA Affinity and Kindred groups

Sign up to join us for a Kindred or Affinity meetup!

BIPOC Affinity Group- Tuesday, 5:30 pm-6:15 pm

The BIPOC Affinity Group is a safe and inclusive space dedicated to fostering community and centering BIPOC camp professionals. This space is designed for those who identify as Black, Brown, Indigenous, and people of color to discuss their lived experiences in the camp industry.

EPIC ( Emerging Professionals in Camping)- Wednesday, 8:00 am - 8:45 am

EPIC provides education, social networking opportunities, and events for emerging professionals in the camp industry

Pride at Camp- Wednesday, 5:15 pm - 6:00 pm

The Pride at Camp Affinity Group is a safe and inclusive space dedicated to fostering community and supporting LGBTQIA+ camp professionals.

Day Camp Kindred- Thursday, 8:00 am - 8:45 am

Connect with fellow day camp professionals to share insights, discuss challenges, and exchange ideas tailored to the unique needs of day camps. Whether you’re looking for fresh programming tips or simply want to network with others in the field, this meet-up is the perfect place to strengthen your camp community.

More information and details coming soon!

We are excited to be at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center in Greenville, SC. Located 15 minutes from the airport with a free shuttle and made to order breakfast included. Plus enjoy the fitness center and pool!  

Hotel Booking Link!

Reserve your room by December 13th for guaranteed best rate! 

Room Reservation Includes:

• Check-in is 4pm & Check-out is 12 pm
• Breakfast included

ACA Room Rates:

• $158 Single/Double plus applicable sale & room tax

The exhibit hall date is January 8, 2025. 

Booth cost

• $675 - Member
• $1,055 - Nonmember

Register to exhibit

Sponsorship Opportunities

• Title sponsorship:  $6,000 – Choose three of the elements listed below.  Includes an exhibit booth, and two minutes to address the participants
• Keynote:  $4,000 – includes an exhibit booth, two minutes to address participants
• Meal sponsor:  $3,000 – includes an exhibit booth
• Session sponsor:  $1,000 – you will be assigned to a session
• Snack/break sponsor:  $60

All sponsors receive logo recognition on signage.

Contact Kim Fitzgerald for exhibitor questions and sponsorship packages and details.