ACA, Texoma Winter Conference

Early bird registration is available through December 12, 2025.

• Full Conference Registration for January 20-22, 2026 includes the full conference program, and five meals (Tuesday dinner, Wednesday breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Thursday breakfast).
• Wednesday Only Commuter Registration includes sessions, exhibit hall, and meals (lunch and dinner).
• Lodging is available at Mo-Ranch. See the Mo-Ranch tab for additional details. Participants are encouraged to register and select their preferred lodging as soon as possible for the greatest selection.

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

Understanding Registration Pricing:

We encourage you to register early - not just to save money, but to help us plan the best possible event!

Early Bird: Lock in the best rate by registering early! You'll get the lowest price and the best deal.

Standard: This is our standard registration rate, available after the Early Bird period ends.

Final Wave: Begins two weeks before the event and includes onsite registration.

As the conference gets closer our team is finalizing all the details, including meal numbers, room setups, and materials. Our host site needs final numbers well in advance of the event. We are always happy to welcome last minute registrations when possible. Registering early helps us serve everyone better!

Tuesday, January 20

• 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Check-in for the Conference
• 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Newcomers Orientation
• 3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Welcome to the Texoma Winter Conference!
• 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Opening Keynote
• 4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Educational Breakout Session #1
• 5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner
• 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Social

Wednesday, January 21

• 7:20 a.m. Polar Bear Plunge
• 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
• 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Check-In Open
• 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Roundtable Discussions
• 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Educational Breakout Session #2
• 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Educational Breakout Session #3
• 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Educational Breakout Session #4
• 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Educational Breakout Session #5
• 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
• 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner
• 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Social

Thursday, January 22

• 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
• 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Educational Breakout Session #6
• 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Closing Keynote
• 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Closing Activity

In a world where change is constant and challenges can feel overwhelming, one truth remains steady: community matters. In this inspiring keynote, Sterling, co-founder of Innovative Camp Company, will explore the profound value of belonging, coming together, and supporting one another.

Through the playful yet meaningful lens of children's literature, we'll look at why sticking together isn't just comforting - it's strategic and essential. Thriving communities don't happen by accident, and this session will highlight the collective strength that emerges when we lean on each other.

To reinforce that message, a special guest will also join the stage - someone who embodies the timeless power of love and shared purpose! Their presence will serve as a powerful reminder of what binds us and why these forces matter now more than ever. 

Leave this session inspired, grounded, and committed as we reaffirm why the camp community is worth protecting, investing in, and celebrating - especially when things are hard.

Sterling Nell Leija's work in youth development and camp is grounded in her Texas roots. Her passion for camp began as a camper at Slumber Falls Camp. She later built her early career at Camp CAMP and Camp for All, and she further strengthened her connection to the regional camping community while serving on the Texoma Local Council of Leaders (LCOL).

Leveraging a foundation in educational psychology from Texas A&M University, Sterling brings both expertise and heart to advancing education in the out-of-school space. While at Texas A&M, she founded Camp LIFE, a unique youth development project of the university.

As an educator, consultant, speaker, and writer, Sterling focuses on creating intentional outcome-based programming that ensures access to high-quality youth development opportunities. Her work emphasizes meaningful program impact and using summer programs as a platform for learning.

Her leadership spans nonprofit operations, program quality, and strategic impact. She has served as a camp founder, nonprofit executive, and national volunteer for the American Camp Association, leveraging her experience to foster impactful growth and sustainable success in programs and organizations. Sterling is the co-founder of the Innovative Camp Company, where she helps camp and youth development organizations achieve transformative growth by aligning mission, innovation, and community for sustainable success. 

Kendra Perkins, M.A. Ed, is the Co-Founder of Innovative Camp Company where she helps camp and youth organizations streamline operations and enhance mission delivery. Kendra brings a wealth of expertise in program management and content development. Her focus explores the complexities of overseeing overnight programs, encompassing supervision best practices, mental health and wellness supports, risk management, innovative program and activity development, and food services (including managing special dietary needs).

Kendra's work is distinguished by her dedication to making impact accessible and immediate for the camp professionals she supports. She is passionate about creating practical, affordable, and easy-to-implement resources and tools that leaders can use immediately to enhance program quality and staff development.

Kendra has dedicated her career to working with youth and adults with disabilities and illnesses. With a master's degree in special education, her culminating thesis focused on youth resiliency. Kendra is also a certified therapy dog handler, sharing the therapeutic benefits of therapy animals with camps.

Harbor - Certified Therapy Dog

Harbor, a mini-Australian Labradoodle, is the proud member of a certified therapy dog team with her handler, Kendra Perkins. Born on March 26, 2021, she loves people and other animals. She has a particular fondness for stuffed moose toys and has never eaten any human food! Harbor began her training in elder care and started working at camp in the summer of 2022. She and Kendra are proud to be registered as a team with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. 

Nestled on 500-acres, Mo-Ranch located in Hunt, Texas, will be the perfect backdrop for the Texoma Winter Conference. 

Lodging

Lodging is available on-site at Mo-Ranch on January 20 and January 21. Mo-Ranch has a variety of lodging options for the conference. Single, double, and group lodging are available. Wynne & Flato Lodges are hotel-style accommodations, each room with two queen beds and full bath. The Guest & Log Lodge are group cabin accommodations, with twin bunk beds and shared bathrooms. 

Participants are encouraged to register and select their preferred lodging as soon as possible for the greatest selection. Lodging is assigned on a first come first served basis. When registering online, please select options in step 4.

Single Occupancy Lodging - $175/night

Double Occupancy Lodging - $90/night

Group Cabin Lodging - $64/night

Sponsorship Opportunities:

• $3,000 Keynote Sponsor*
• $2,000 Meal Sponsor*
• $2,000 Networking Sponsor*
• $1,500 Session Sponsor
• $1,000 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.

Exhibit Hall Schedule - Wednesday, January 21, 2026

• 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Exhibitor Setup
• 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
• 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
• 7:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Closed

Booth Cost: Member $450 / non-member $950

Register to Exhibit

For questions regarding exhibit & sponsorship opportunities, contact Kim Fitzgerald [email protected]