BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Tri-State - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://tristatecampconference.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Tri-State
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Los_Angeles
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20250309T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20251102T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20260308T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20261101T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20270314T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20271107T090000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T093000
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174434Z
UID:10000270-1773217800-1773221400@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:How Green Teams Create a Culture of Sustainability
DESCRIPTION:Sustainability doesn’t stick without shared ownership. This session explores how forming a Green Team – with staff\, leadership\, and campers – can create a lasting culture of sustainability. Drawing from Green Camps’ national research on the motivators and barriers to sustainability\, participants will learn why an inclusive\, team-based approach is key to real progress. The session introduces a flexible framework for launching or strengthening a Green Team\, featuring approachable project ideas like food waste reduction\, energy and water conservation\, and camper-led education. Attendees will leave with a Green Team launch toolkit\, facilitation prompts\, and inspiration to take action.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/how-green-teams-create-a-culture-of-sustainability-2/
LOCATION:Room 316
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T093000
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174445Z
UID:10000269-1773217800-1773221400@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Foundations of a Strong Camp Marketing Plan
DESCRIPTION:Creating an effective camp marketing plan starts with mastering the fundamentals. This session will guide participants through the step-by-step process of building a comprehensive marketing strategy from scratch. We’ll cover how to define your target audience\, craft engaging messaging\, select the most effective marketing channels\, and build a year-round marketing calendar. This session covers the fundamentals to drive engagement and get campers into your camp.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/foundations-of-a-strong-camp-marketing-plan-2/
LOCATION:Room 301
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T071500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T080000
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251216T183838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T183838Z
UID:10000411-1773213300-1773216000@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:5K Fun Run
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our annual 5k Run/Walk benefitting SCOPE. Walk\, run\, jog or skip\, however you want to finish is up to you\, but it is always a great time on the boardwalk of Atlantic City! \nIt will start at 7:15am on the Boardwalk outside of Bally’s (near the LARGE Wagon Wheel). Please arrive a bit before 7:15am to get stretched and ready to go. It is usually windy so please dress warmly! \nEntry fee is $10 and all proceeds benefit our friends at SCOPE.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/5k-fun-run/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tristatecampconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/5k.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T204500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T235900
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251215T200521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T172154Z
UID:10000410-1773175500-1773187140@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Camp Idol
DESCRIPTION:Camp Idol is a free-to-attend social during the Tri-State Camp Conference at The Royce Social Hall in the Tropicana on Tuesday\, March 10th\, from 8:45 PM – 11:45 PM. \nOne after another\, camp professionals will take the stage with a live backing band to perform songs of their choosing; Think karaoke meets summer camp talent show meets concert. \nThroughout the night\, performers will go head-to-head in a friendly competition judged by a panel and the crowd\, with prizes awarded to the top acts. \nAttendees can enjoy live music\, bar games like bowling\, ping pong\, and foosball\, plus a 50/50 raffle benefiting SCOPE. It’s an inclusive\, multi-generational\, community-building night that brings the camp world together in the best way possible! \nPlease note the ACA\, NY &NJ is not responsible for this event and has no decision making authority.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/camp-idol/
LOCATION:The Royce Social Hall\, 2801 Pacific Ave #304\, Atlantic City\, NJ\, 08401
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T193000
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20260127T220428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T220428Z
UID:10000430-1773165600-1773171000@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Social at the Arcade
DESCRIPTION:Join fellow attendees for a FREE fun-filled event sponsored by Dave & Buster’s. What better way to unwind after a day of learning then with\, networking with a side of skee ball\, a free appetizer buffet and a $10 play card all await you. Must bring badge to be eligible for free play card and to gain access to the appetizer buffet.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/social-at-the-arcade/
CATEGORIES:Social Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T193000
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20260127T213036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T213348Z
UID:10000422-1773165600-1773171000@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Girl Scout Gathering
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/girl-scout-gathering/
LOCATION:Room 418
CATEGORIES:Social Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T174500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251217T181942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T152540Z
UID:10000412-1773160200-1773164700@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Swords & Sheilds: A Wayfinder Mini LARP for All Levels
DESCRIPTION:No experience necessary. Come experience an immersive LARP for yourself! We will lead a mini version of what you would experience at our camps as we take you through the character creation process of a classic Fantasy LARP. You will don a costume\, take on a new persona\, and meet characters presenting you with challenges! Should you complete all three\, you will have an opportunity to request a boon from the local monarchs! But that can’t be all\, oh no\, stay to the end for the twist and try to help your comrades save the day!
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/swords-sheilds-a-wayfinder-mini-larp-for-all-level/
LOCATION:Room 201
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T174500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251210T133317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174515Z
UID:10000406-1773160200-1773164700@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Fast Solutions\, Fun Process: Solve Your Challenges Now with a Great Group Problem-Solving Method
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for our annual blast of learning and fun connection! Tri-State is delighted to continue this unique way to learn at Conference and meet other people. Top camp expert and staff trainer Michael Brandwein leads this special hands-on session in which he will teach you the Consultative Problem-Solving Process. This is an enjoyable\, highly effective\, incredibly efficient group learning technique that you can learn immediately and helps you get great ideas today\, right in this session\, working with colleagues to solve the greatest camp challenges you’re facing at your specific camp. You’ll walk out with lots of notes on how to handle a challenge of your choice. And Michael will show you how you can use this same process back at your camp\, not only with staff but with campers\, too. And wait-there’s more! You’ll meet lots of new camp friends at Conference\, so this is a great way to build your own community of supportive folks you can hang with and learn from throughout Tri-State.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/fast-solutions-fun-process-solve-your-challenges-now-with-a-great-group-problem-solving-method-2/
LOCATION:Room 303
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T173000
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20260127T212957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T213210Z
UID:10000421-1773160200-1773163800@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:ACA Keystone Gathering
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/aca-keystone-gathering/
LOCATION:Room 411/412
CATEGORIES:Social Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T173000
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20260127T212924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T213515Z
UID:10000420-1773160200-1773163800@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:YMCA Camps Meet and Greet
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/ymca-camps-meet-and-greet/
LOCATION:Room 402
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T173000
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20260127T212848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T213552Z
UID:10000419-1773160200-1773163800@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Special Needs Camps Meet and Greet
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/special-needs-camps-meet-and-greet/
LOCATION:Room 415
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T173000
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20260127T212758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T213609Z
UID:10000418-1773160200-1773163800@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:2SLGBTQIA+ Camp Professionals Meet and Greet
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/2slgbtqia-camp-professionals-meet-and-greet/
LOCATION:Room 403
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T173000
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20250402T110023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T201517Z
UID:10000007-1773160200-1773163800@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Shop and Schmooze with Our Vendors!
DESCRIPTION:Join us in the exhibit hall for an hour of unopposed time to shop and schmooze with our 320+ exhibitors. Have a snack at a food vendors booth\, try your hand at one of the many games or attractions\, swing on a Ninja Warrior Course rig\, create at one of the many arts & craft vendors’ booths\, and get your vendor “passport” stamped for your chance to win $250*! \n*Raffle winner will be announced on Wednesday\, March 11th at 4:55 pm back in the exhibit hall. Must be present to win.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/shop-and-schmooze-with-our-vendors/
LOCATION:Vendor Hall
CATEGORIES:Social Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251210T125358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T135346Z
UID:10000404-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Discussion of Camp Referral Service Commissions & Suggested Best Practices: Follow-Up from Tri-State 2025
DESCRIPTION:An open meeting of Camp Directors and top leadership staff for a positive\, constructive conversation about how to handle requests for increases in referral service fees\, along with suggestions for best practices to recommend to the referral services for consideration. Camp Directors and top camp leadership staff only\, please.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/discussion-of-camp-referral-service-commissions-suggested-best-practices-follow-up-from-tri-state-2025-3/
LOCATION:Room 402
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174548Z
UID:10000268-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Steal These Ideas to Level Up Your Camp
DESCRIPTION:Great camps don’t reinvent the wheel\, they learn from what’s working elsewhere\, adapt it to their own context\, and make it part of their culture. In this session\, two camp pros from differently sized organizations will share 10 high-impact\, field-tested ideas that spark results across camps of all shapes and stages. From purposeful program design and staff retention strategies to parent communication\, community-based marketing\, and smart operational systems\, each idea is designed to be stolen\, stretched\, and scaled. Walk away with practical\, adaptable strategies you can put into action this summer and beyond.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/no-fluff-just-fire-10-ideas-to-level-up-your-camp-2/
LOCATION:Room 308
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174610Z
UID:10000267-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Big Magic in Small Spaces: Creating Collective Effervescence at Urban Day Camps
DESCRIPTION:You don’t need a ropes course\, fireworks show\, or camp-wide color war to create unforgettable energy and community at day camp. In this session\, we’ll explore how urban day camps can foster collective effervescence—that electric feeling of shared joy and connection that makes campers feel part of something bigger—using limited space\, time\, and resources. \nParticipants will learn how to design special events and camp moments that capture that same magic typically found at sleepaway camps through intentional planning\, storytelling\, rituals\, and playful design. We’ll share strategies and examples from Kids in the Game’s NYC-based programs\, where schools\, rooftops\, and playgrounds transform into spaces of pure camp spirit.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/big-magic-in-small-spaces-creating-collective-effervescence-at-urban-day-camps-2/
LOCATION:Room 416
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174626Z
UID:10000266-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Write the Story of Camp: Great Newsletters Driving Enrollment and Connection
DESCRIPTION:Most camps send newsletters because they feel they have to. But for many families\, those emails go unopened\, or even worse\, ignored. \nParents don’t tend to buy “magic” or “home.” They buy the stories and details that make camp feel real for them and for their camper. \nIn this interactive workshop\, we’ll show you how to turn small camp moments into stories that families actually read and remember. You’ll see how we transform moments at camp into polished newsletter drafts in real time and then practice doing it yourself. \nBy the end\, you’ll leave with the bones of at least one draft ready to send\, plus a framework you can use all year to grow enrollment\, deepen family connection\, trust\, and bring the stories of your camp to inboxes everywhere.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/write-the-story-of-camp-great-newsletters-driving-enrollment-and-connection-2/
LOCATION:Room 310
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T145208Z
UID:10000265-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Infusing Character into Camp: It Starts with the Staff
DESCRIPTION:This workshop explores the magic that happens when character is infused throughout camp with intentionality and within a structured framework that supports everyone’s leadership\, seasonal staff\, campers\, and parents. \nThe School Culture and Climate Initiative team will guide you through the benefits of integrating a character focus throughout camp\, what intentionality truly means\, and how to make this a reality. You’ll see specific examples of applying an intentional framework\, including the best ways to ensure seasonal staff and camp leadership are on the same page and walking the talk consistently. \nLeave with a clear picture of what this looks like at your camp and practical tools to implement immediately.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/infusing-character-into-camp-it-starts-with-the-staff-2/
LOCATION:Room 419
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174657Z
UID:10000263-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:It's Not Laziness\, It's Development: Understanding the Needs of Young Staff
DESCRIPTION:Camp staff are still developing the executive functioning skills that help adults stay organized\, flexible\, and emotionally regulated. What may look like laziness\, defiance\, or carelessness is often a skill gap\, not a character flaw. In this session\, Rachel Hoffman reframes common staff challenges through a developmental lens and helps camp leadership move from frustration to understanding. Participants will learn how to coach instead of criticize-unlocking potential\, building accountability\, and strengthening camp culture.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/its-not-laziness-its-development-understanding-the-needs-of-young-staff-2/
LOCATION:Room 415
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174708Z
UID:10000264-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:What is ACA Doing in Washington DC\, and How Can My Camp Benefit?
DESCRIPTION:Come hear about ACA’s ongoing and ever-increasing work in DC and how you can support our advocacy efforts! Current hot topics include protecting the Bridge USA J-1 Visa programs\, maintaining our federal wage and overtime exemptions\, the tax deductibility of staff meals\, ensuring access to federal lands\, insurance availability and affordability\, and other important federal matters. We will also discuss ACA’s work to build a Camp Caucus on Capitol Hill\, as well as our upcoming Hill Days from April 28-30.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/what-is-aca-doing-in-washington-dc-and-how-can-my-camp-benefit-3/
LOCATION:Room 322
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174721Z
UID:10000262-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Energize Your Orientation
DESCRIPTION:Every year it’s the same challenge: with everything else going on\, how do you plan and implement an orientation or kickoff event that sets the tone for a successful season and inspires your staff? We’ve got you covered. Get ready to channel your inner child and play like you’re back at camp! \nSince 1996\, Playworks has been the leading national organization leveraging the power of play to build staff capacity\, promote community\, and shape organizational culture. Through engaging activities\, we will teach you actionable strategies and systems to manage large groups\, resolve conflict\, and build valuable social and emotional skills for the kids you work with. You’ll walk away with tangible skills that can be immediately applied to your orientation plans. \nLets get everyone at your camp sharing laughs\, ideas\, and unforgettable experiences that will prepare them for the best season yet.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/energize-your-orientation-2/
LOCATION:Room 202
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174734Z
UID:10000261-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Mosquitoes at Camp: Prevention\, Protection\, and Peace of Mind
DESCRIPTION:Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they’re a public health concern that every camp should take seriously. In this session\, Michael Hoban from New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Mosquito Control Coordination will discuss practical strategies to reduce mosquito presence and protect campers and staff. Drawing on his experience in statewide mosquito surveillance and control\, he will cover prevention techniques\, how to identify common breeding sites\, and the science behind effective control methods. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to work with local mosquito control programs to create a safer\, more enjoyable camp experience. All in all\, offering prevention\, protection\, and peace of mind.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/mosquitoes-at-camp-prevention-protection-and-peace-of-mind-2/
LOCATION:Room 316
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174745Z
UID:10000260-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Universal Values: How Camps Can Evaluate and Elevate Their Entire Staffing Cycle
DESCRIPTION:As the staff experience continues to be put under a microscope\, are camps doing enough to ensure that the expectations they set align with the realities their staff face? This session shares a new model camps can adopt to reshape their entire staffing process and provides tangible tips and tools camps can use to evaluate and level-up their interviews\, onboarding/orientation\, feedback systems\, and how they can integrate each of these pieces of the puzzle into their overall staff culture. This session will focus on restructuring a camp’s entire staffing cycle\, and will focus on what camps can do AFTER summer 2026\, and how they can utilize their 2026 staff to help set the stage for the future\, helping create buy-in and accountability for the summer ahead.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/universal-values-how-camps-can-evaluate-and-elevate-their-entire-staffing-cycle-2/
LOCATION:Room 303
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T174810Z
UID:10000259-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:The Game Design Lab: Forge Your Next Camp Classic
DESCRIPTION:Is your special event calendar in need of a creative spark? Move beyond the traditional and learn to engineer unforgettable moments for your campers. This highly interactive session is a hands-on design lab where you won’t just learn theory\, you’ll build a new game from the ground up.\nAs a facilitator\, Luis will share his proven Experience Design process\, challenging you to think outside the box and rapidly develop a unique activity in real-time. You’ll collaborate with peers in a dynamic\, creative sprint. Participants will leave this session with a step-by-step creative framework to design impactful activities\, the skills and confidence to facilitate this process with your own staff\, and a brand-new\, ready-to-play game designed by YOU for the summer!
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/the-game-design-lab-forge-your-next-camp-classic-2/
LOCATION:Room 404
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T173635Z
UID:10000258-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Building Bridges: Partnering with Families for Successful Disability Inclusion
DESCRIPTION:Building trust with families of children with disabilities is key to successful inclusion. This session offers practical strategies to create welcoming messaging\, improve intake processes\, and navigate challenging conversations with empathy. Participants will hear compelling family testimonials about the impact of true inclusion and explore ways to reduce non-disclosure by shifting the narrative from “Why didn’t they tell us?” to “How can we create the trust needed for families to share?” \nAttendees will gain tools to foster stronger partnerships with families\, empowering staff to better understand and support all participants. By focusing on communication\, collaboration\, and inclusive practices from the start\, camp professionals can ensure every camper feels seen\, supported\, and able to thrive in their programs. This session equips staff with the mindset and methods needed to build meaningful bridges with families and create environments where all children truly belong.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/building-bridges-partnering-with-families-for-successful-disability-inclusion-2/
LOCATION:Room 314
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T195010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T173646Z
UID:10000257-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Understanding LARP: the What\, How\, and Why (or Why Not)
DESCRIPTION:Live Action Role Playing (LARP) has become more mainstream over the past few years; but what exactly is it? Most people think of it as a bunch of people in full costume running around and hitting each other with swords (which it totally can be\, and that is very fun). But at its core\, LARP is a story-telling medium. Come learn about LARP and how it can be integrated into your camp programming; either as an enhancement to what already exists\, or as a completely new activity. Let The Wayfinder Experience bring you along on the journey from no budget and no space to elaborate costumes and rituals\, with all the steps in between. Figure out how LARP can fit into your camp programming in the capacity that works best for you. Come listen\, learn\, and go back ready to play! \nFollowing this session will be an additional session running a mini LARP for all levels to gain the full LARP experience.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/understanding-larp-the-what-how-and-why-or-why-not-2/
LOCATION:Room 304
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T194801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T173712Z
UID:10000256-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Firm\, Kind\, and Effective: Navigating Tough Parent Conversations
DESCRIPTION:Today’s parents are more involved than ever\, and sometimes\, that involvement crosses boundaries or escalates into conflict. Whether you’re addressing a complaint\, clarifying expectations\, or de-escalating an emotional conversation\, the way you communicate matters. \nThis session will provide practical strategies and a clear communication framework to help camp professionals engage confidently and respectfully with difficult parents. Drawing from real-world experience and a simple\, memorable model\, you’ll learn how to approach even the hardest conversations with professionalism\, empathy\, and consistency—without sacrificing clarity or authority.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/firm-kind-and-effective-navigating-tough-parent-conversations-2/
LOCATION:Room 408/409
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T194800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T173740Z
UID:10000255-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Culture by Design: Developing Staff Through a Pyramid of Success
DESCRIPTION:Legendary coach John Wooden built one of the most successful dynasties in sports history not by focusing on winning\, but by defining and living his “Pyramid of Success\,” a framework of values\, habits\, and character traits that guided every player and coach in his program. What if your camp had its own version of that? \nIn this session\, we’ll explore how to intentionally design and reinforce a camp culture that reflects your core values at every level\, from your directors to your newest counselors. Using Wooden’s Pyramid as a model\, participants will learn how to identify their camp’s “building blocks\,” align daily actions and traditions with guiding principles\, and communicate those values so that everyone – campers\, staff\, and families – feels part of something meaningful. The result could be a camp that doesn’t just say what it stands for\, but rather\, it lives it every single day.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/culture-by-design-developing-staff-through-a-pyramid-of-success-2/
LOCATION:Room 417
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T194800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T173726Z
UID:10000254-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Let’s Keep Our Hands to Ourselves
DESCRIPTION:The camp experience is all about building relationships\, meeting new people\, making friends\, and finding oneself. But what happens when lines are blurred and boundaries are crossed? How do camps navigate what is appropriate and inappropriate\, and manage and respond to boundary violations and peer conflict? Using real examples from camp\, this session will dive into what happens when campers cross lines\, how Counselors and Directors respond\, how to assess and manage risk\, and what happens next.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/cannot-keep-my-hands-to-myself-2/
LOCATION:Room 401
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260310T161500
DTSTAMP:20260501T225308
CREATED:20251209T194759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T173757Z
UID:10000252-1773155700-1773159300@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Hiring in Real Life: Managing Late Hires Without Lowering the Bar
DESCRIPTION:Even the most organized camps can find themselves hiring in June or scrambling mid-season when someone backs out. This session offers realistic systems to help leaders manage late hires strategically\, not desperately. We’ll unpack what’s truly essential in screening\, reference checks\, and onboarding when time is tight\, and how to design condensed training plans that still reinforce culture\, safety\, and professionalism. Participants will learn how to communicate expectations clearly\, document effectively\, and build quick-connect strategies that help new staff feel part of the team within days. Whether you’re filling a counselor role or a leadership gap\, you’ll leave with practical templates\, communication tools\, and HR-informed guidance that keep standards high\, even when the clock is not on your side.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/hiring-in-real-life-managing-late-hires-without-lowering-the-bar-2/
LOCATION:Room 313
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR