ACA, Southwest Fall Workshop

Date

October 10, 2024
9:00 am – 4:00 pm MT

Location

Natural History Museum of Utah, Rio Tinto Center
301 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Southwest Fall Workshop logo

Cost

See registration costs below. 

CECs

4.75

Calling all Youth Development Professionals...

Are you a manager of a youth program? Do you work with an organization offering youth programming? Do you lead or work at a summer camp? Whether you’re new to the summer camp industry or a seasoned professional, this program is designed for you! Join us at the Natural History Museum of Utah for an incredible day of networking, learning, and community-building. You’ll leave equipped with valuable tips, tricks, and tools to prepare for an outstanding summer in 2025. Your registration includes the full program, along with a continental breakfast and lunch.

This Not-to-Be-Missed Program Features:

An inspiring opening keynote from industry-renowned Kelly Schuna, co-owner and Executive Director of Hidden Pines Ranch. Kelly will share her expertise on growing as a leader and cultivating the staff culture you envision utilizing leadership strategies inspired by Brené Brown. In addition, Kelly will lead breakout sessions focused on navigating challenging situations, including conflict and difficult conversations with staff, parents, and campers.

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies from one of the industry’s best!

Participants traveling from Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada are eligible for travel expense reimbursement. Learn more.
 

New to the American Camp Association (ACA)? Here’s What You Need to Know!
The ACA is a vibrant community of camp professionals who have been collaborating for over 100 years to share knowledge, experience, and to ensure the quality of camp programs. As part of their commitment to supporting camp professionals, ACA offers a free 1-year membership. This membership can significantly reduce the cost of our workshops for you and your staff, making it a valuable opportunity to enhance your professional development at a lower cost. Take advantage of this offer and join the ACA community today!

Early Bird registration is available through September 12, 2024

  • Registration includes workshop program, continental breakfast, and lunch.
  • Not an ACA Member? Join today for FREE and get the best rates for this event! 
Type Early-Bird Regular
Member $100 $130
Nonmember $170 $200
Additional person from same camp-member $85 $110
Additional person from same camp-non-member $150 $195
Speaker $75 $75
Student/Retiree $60 $60

 

Keynote Speaker-Kelly Schuna

Kelly Schuna Photo

Kelly is the Executive Director and Co-owner of Hidden Pines Ranch Day Camp, located in Stillwater, MN.  Kelly has a BA in Communication Disorders and MEd in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She is passionate about creating intentional culture at camp, developing staff as future professionals (and amazing humans), learning, growing as a camp professional, meeting new camp people, driveway dance parties and a good stick-on mustache.
 

screenhot from Kelly's message

Kelly has a quick message for attendees of this year's Fall Workshop! 

Watch the video!

 

Thursday, October 10, 2024

  • 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. - Coffee & Pastries / Networking opportunities
  • 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. - Welcome and Keynote by Kelly Schuna
  • 10:45 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. - Break
  • 10:55 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. - Educational Breakout Session 1
    • Navigating Camp Challenges Together
    • Real Magic Secrets That Will Make You S.M.I.L.E.
    • Leadership Games & Activities That are the Best Kept Secrets of Staff Training
  • 12:10 p.m. – 1:15 p.m - Lunch & Awards (lunch provided)
  • 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. - Educational Breakout Session 2
    • Contagious Energy
    • Character at Camp
    • Breakout with our Keynote, Kelly Schuna
  • 2:40 p.m. – 3:55 p.m. - Educational Breakout Session 3
    • Crafting Impactful Curricula
    • Excel with Spreadsheets
    • Classroom Management at Camp?! Behavior Management Inspired by the Classroom, That Works!
  • 3:55 p.m. - Closing Remarks
  • 3:55 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Time to Explore the Natural History Museum of Utah
  • Optional dinner/drinks gathering at Desert Edge Brewery (paid for individually)

Educational breakout sessions will bring together camp and youth professionals to explore key issues in programming, staffing, and camper interactions, offering practical, ready-to-use takeaways for immediate application in work and personal life. 

View Schedule with Session Descriptions

 

Natural History Museum of Utah

The Natural History Museum of Utah's home, the Rio Tinto Center, is an inspired architectural wonder nestled in the foothills above Salt Lake City. Its distinct architecture, complete with incredible exhibit galleries and sweeping views of the valley, offers a unique setting for the Southwest Winter Workshop. 

 

 

Anniversary Inn- approximately 2.4 miles from the Natural History Museum

Hampton Inn at University foothills- approximately 2 miles from the Natural History Museum

Hilton Salt Lake City Center - 2.7 miles from the Natural History Museum and in downtown. 

Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel Salt Lake City - 4 miles from the Natural History Museum and in downtown. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-Downtown - 4.5 miles from Natural History Museum and in downtown. 

What people are saying about ACA, Southwest Fall Workshop  

“I appreciate all the hard work that went into planning and executing this event. I look forward to attending again in the future!”  

“I did not attend as a camp professional, my role is in Risk Management at a university where I work with minor protection. However, being at this workshop opened my eyes to camp professionals, the critical job they have, and the opportunity they have to change lives. The biggest takeaway I had was an increased desire to assist, and provide resources to the camp professional at my university so they can thrive, and children and youth will benefit from safe and professional spaces with adults who are enabled with skills and tools to change lives.” 

“Do it again please!  Can’t wait for next year.”  

Thanks to our sponsors!

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Event Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsoring an ACA event will extend your brand identity and marketing capabilities.  For questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, contact Kim Bruno.