ACA, Southern California/Hawaii Spring Leadership Conference
Date
Location

Cost
Please see pricing structure below. Preregistration for this event will close on Wednesday, April 2. After this date, registration will only be available on-site at an increased cost.
CECs
14.00Please Join Us in Palm Springs for the Spring Leadership Conference!
Spring Leadership Conference (SLC) is known for excellent professional development, unrivaled social events, and an incredibly relaxing and energizing conference location. Participants will leave with innovative ideas and practical takeaways that can be implemented upon their return to camp. Bring your full team to improve staff training, staff management, and retention with proven techniques shared by industry leaders. For excellent educational content, and the very best networking, join us at Riviera Resort in Palm Springs!
Join us for:
- 3 Keynote Presentations
- 40+ Education Sessions
- 3 Incredible Networking Socials
- On-site Therapist & Somatic Healer
- FREE Headshots for all attendees (yep! See details below)
Our participants aren't just from Southern California/Hawaii anymore...And we like it! We've been so pleased to have participants from all over the country at the Spring Leadership Conference. We hope you'll join us too! Early Bird Deadline is March 18, 2025.
Please see our scholarship application under the registration tab if you seek financial assistance to attend SLC.
Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot at the best rate—register today!
Registration Information
- Full Conference Registration - Includes the opening Playnote on Tuesday through closing on Friday. Registration also includes socials and networking events.
- Early Bird Deadline is March 18, 2025.
- Not an ACA member? Join today for FREE and get the best rates for this event!
Type | Early-Bird | Regular |
---|---|---|
Member | $375 | $410 |
Non-Member |
$460 |
$495 |
Additional person from same Organization - Member |
$210 |
$260 |
Additional person from same Organization - Non-Member | $295 | $345 |
Student/Retiree Member | $185 | $220 |
Student/Retiree Non-Member | $220 | $255 |
Speaker | $180 | $180 |
Scholarship Information
ACA, Southern California/Hawaii has limited funds available to provide financial support to professionals who would like to attend the conference but aren't financially able to do so. First priority will be given to camp and youth development professionals living in Southern California/Hawaii followed by other regions of the country. The deadline to submit is Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Applicants will receive notification of their status by March 7, 2025.
Monday, April 14, 2025
- Character Academy Pre-Conference 2 -5:30 pm
- Arrive early to enjoy this beautiful resort!
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Character Pre-conference Training
- 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration open
- 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. New Attendee Orientation
- 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Opening “Playnote”
- 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Welcome Reception- appetizers & cash bar.
- 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. – Dinner/Time on your own
- 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.- TRIVIA and Connection Time!!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
- 7:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration open
- 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. EPIC Breakfast Gathering
- 9:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m. Educational Breakout Sessions #1
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Keynote
- 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch on your own--Get some pool time
- 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Educational Breakout Sessions #2
- 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Educational Breakout Sessions #3
- 4:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Cocktail hour and Snacks in the Exhibit Hall
- 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Included Dinner
- 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Dance
- 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Chilling at License to Chill
Thursday, April 17, 2025
- 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Registration Open
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Educational Breakout Session #4
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Keynote
- 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch on your own--Get some pool time
- 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Educational Breakout Session #5
- 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Educational Breakout Session #6
- 4:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Snack Break
- 4:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Meet with your team (conference rooms available)
- 6:30 p.m. – onward: Dinner on your own / Night on the Town (Palm Springs Street Fair)
Friday, April 18, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Educational Breakout Session #7
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Educational Breakout Session #8
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. SLC Closing Campfire
Check out the Character Academy Preconference Workshops! These workshops are free for members and $50 for nonmembers. Not an ACA Member? Join today for FREE!
Register for Character Academy Pre-Conference Workshops
Monday, April 14, 2025 from 2:00 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Preconference Workshop # 1 -Developing Character Through Science and Strategy
This workshop dives into the science of learning and development to explore what character truly is—and what it’s not. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of character development and use this knowledge to set clear, actionable goals for their campers and staff.
Through engaging discussions and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to:
-Identify specific character development outcomes.
-Create a roadmap to achieve these goals through staff training, program design, and parent/community engagement.
Chances are, much of this work is already embedded in your program. This workshop will help you refine your strengths and connect them to the science behind your impactful efforts. Join us to elevate your approach to character development!
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 9:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Preconference Workshop #2-Funding Camp: Telling Your Story for Successful Grant Writing
This workshop is designed to equip participants with the essential skills to successfully apply for grants that support their camp's mission. Participants will gain an understanding of what grants are, explore the key components of a typical grant application, and learn the critical steps and skills required for the grant application process. The session will also delve into the art of storytelling through the lens of grant writing, helping participants craft compelling narratives that align with funding opportunities.
The workshop will begin with an informative lecture, followed by hands-on skill-building exercises where participants will practice responding to common grant application questions. In the final segment, the focus will shift to character at camp, offering participants the opportunity to explore future Character at Camp grant opportunities for 2026 and beyond.

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.

Opening Playnote-
Throughout his 35 years working with young people at summer camps, in classrooms, and in after-school spaces, Tobin has sought balance— balance between solidity and freedom, between learning and unlearning, between work and play. His company provides an array of research-based trainings to strengthen organizational culture by shifting the mindsets and building the skill sets of young people and those who support them. Tobin believes that shared joy and vulnerability build meaningful connection. Through song, dance, and games, his Playnote will create a container of relaxed-alertness in which participants can engage in the productive struggle of reflection and planning.

Wednesday's Keynote
Featuring a special appearance by Bob Ditter. Bob 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. Bob has been a major contributor to the excellence of the Spring Leadership Conference's education over the years. 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 for his triumphant return to SLC! Click here to check out Bob's books!

Thursday's Keynote
Dr. Jamye Hardy Willé (HAR-dee-will-LAY) offers a unique approach that blends leadership, well-being, and play that inspires and equips leaders to sustainably grow to be their best. She is passionate about highlighting the connections between mental health and success, offering keynotes, workshops, and facilitated dialogue centered around mindful reflection, elevating purpose, identifying accountability and tools, the value of a holistic approach to wellbeing, belief in self, and incorporating play. Dr. Hardy Willé is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Doctor of Education in Leading Learning Organizations and Strategic Change, a former college faculty, a current higher education administrator, and an improv and stand-up comedian.
Healing Support at SLC Conference: Free One-on-One & Breakout Sessions with Licensed Therapist & Somatic Healer Ann Odom
We know that 2025 has already brought immense challenges—from wildfires affecting your region and impacting camps, staff, and communities to the uncertainty of administrative shifts leading to funding changes and policy adjustments that are disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. It’s a lot to hold, and we want to acknowledge that.
As a gift to our SLC Conference attendees, we are honored to bring in Ann Odom, a licensed therapist and somatic healer, to support our community. Ann will be offering free one-on-one sessions as well as leading breakout sessions designed to help you process, heal, and reconnect with yourself and others.
Meet Ann Odom

Ann is a licensed child therapist, mother of two, and a cycle starter dedicated to breaking generational patterns through healing. Her approach blends somatic experiencing, nervous system regulation, and inner child work to help individuals process and release the implicit memories stored in the body.
She is passionate about helping adults feel safe, seen, and accepted—not just intellectually, but on a deep, physiological level. Ann teaches how to bridge the gap between what the brain knows and what the body holds, offering tools to regulate the nervous system, move emotions through the body, and heal the inner child. Through this work, individuals can shift from living in a state of protection to a state of connection—accessing more play, presence, and vitality in their lives.
This is an incredible opportunity to receive expert support at no cost during the conference. Stay tuned for session sign-ups and details!
Get a Fresh Headshot at SLC!

We’re excited to announce that professional headshots are now included as part of your SLC registration! Whether you want a polished look for your camp, organization, school, or business—or prefer to show off your camp spirit with a fun, silly pose—you’ll have the opportunity to get a fresh new photo at the conference.
We’re thrilled to have Raya from Raya Jade Photography on-site to capture your best look. She’ll be available at scheduled times throughout the event, so be sure to bring your best smile (and your favorite shirt!).
All photos will be made accessible to attendees via a private link shortly after the conference. Don’t miss this chance to update your professional image—on us!
Tuesday
"Playnote" and Welcome Reception

Learn by doing and get to know your other conference attendees! We will kick off the conference with an interactive and energizing “playnote” followed by our welcome reception with complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.
Wednesday
Spring Leadership Conference Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and Dancing
A highlight for many! Wednesday evening activities include a themed cocktail time followed by an included dinner, and costume dance party. For those who want to continue the fun, join others at License to Chill Bar in the hotel lobby following the dance.
Thursday
Night on the Town followed by Trivia Night Social
Go downtown for the Palm Springs Street Fair. Have dinner with friends both old and new. Then come back for a fun and challenging trivia social. Following trivia join us for an informal gathering at License to Chill Bar in the hotel lobby.
Friday
Closing Campfire
A Spring Leadership Conference tradition! Join the conversation for our closing general session that will feature an inspirational talk and a chance to get energized for Summer 2024!

Welcome to Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs. We can't wait for you to explore this outstanding hotel, which features a state-of-the-art conference facility, stylish upscale accommodations, and lots of great spaces to relax and enjoy the perfect April weather in Palm Springs! Lounge by 2 sparkling pools, schedule a spa treatment or indulge in innovative craft cocktails at the 5 o'Clock Pool Bar.
Some other exciting features of Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs:
- Beautiful modern hotel with two pools, hot tubs, and a poolside bar.
- Great location - 1 mile from downtown and 4 miles from Palm Springs International Airport.
- Award-winning full-service spa.
Hotel Reservation Information
How to Book:
- Use the exclusive booking link: Click Here to View Exclusive Rates
- Call the Central Reservations Team at 877-834-3613
Important Details:
- A credit card is required at the time of booking.
- Reservations Cut-Off Date: March 28, 2025. Please book by this date to secure the group rate. Availability cannot be guaranteed after the cut-off or once the block is full.
Fees:
- A resort fee of $40 will appear when booking; however, this will be reduced to $15 at check-in.
We look forward to seeing you at the conference!
Exhibits:
Booth cost: Member $725 / non-member $1,075
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- $3,000 Title Sponsor*
- $2,000 Keynote sponsor*
- $1,500 Meal sponsor*
- $1,000 Session sponsor
- $500 Snack/Break sponsor
All sponsorships come with logo recognition on signage at the event, and on the events web page.
Sponsorships with an (*) also include a booth and two- minutes to address the participants.
Please contact Kim Fitzgerald, kfitzgerald@acacamps.org with any exhibit or sponsorship inquiries.
Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring an ACA event will extend your brand identity and marketing capabilities. For questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, contact Kim Fitzgerald, kfitzgerald@acacamps.org.