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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Tri-State
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T161500
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203337Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T214434Z
UID:10000346-1773242100-1773245700@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:“From Nit to Know-How”—The Science. The Search. The Solution to Calm and Effective Head Lice Management
DESCRIPTION:Head lice can feel like a big disruption at camp\, but it doesn’t have to be. In this workshop\, lice professionals Laurene Plourde and Jill Bazos\, will share proven strategies to keep lice from becoming a stressful memory for campers\, staff\, and parents. We’ll walk through the science of lice\, dispel common myths\, and provide a clear\, step-by-step process for effective head checks and treatment procedures. Participants will learn what supplies and systems every camp should have in place\, how to minimize disruptions when lice are discovered\, and how to decide whether to manage checks in-house or bring in a professional. Our goal is to ensure every camp leaves equipped with confidence and actionable steps for a stress-free lice management process.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/dont-let-lice-bug-your-summer-stress-free-management-for-camps-2/
LOCATION:Room 417
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T161500
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215742Z
UID:10000347-1773242100-1773245700@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Fostering Camp Culture Through Data-Driven Program Innovation
DESCRIPTION:Creating a safe\, transformative camp experience requires more than supervision and policies – it demands intentional design grounded in data and continuous improvement. This session explores how Change Summer uses Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) data and strategies to drive program innovation and cultivate environments where campers thrive and are safe. We believe safety and emotional well-being are directly correlated\, and ensure both are incorporated into our camp culture and our program. We’ll share how we created tailored\, data-driven camper surveys\, how we interpret our data insights to shape programming and culture\, and how we are continuing to innovate the way we measure our impact.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/fostering-a-culture-of-safety-through-data-driven-program-innovation-2/
LOCATION:Room 322
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T161500
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T205908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T205908Z
UID:10000401-1773242100-1773245700@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Get Active! Vendor Make-and-Take
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we gather to make easy and fun projects that you can take with you when you are done. This is a great session to pick up new ideas for quick and easily implemented projects for your camp’s Arts and Crafts\, STEM\, Nature programs and more.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/get-active-vendor-make-and-take-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T161500
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20260210T182129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T182129Z
UID:10000435-1773242100-1773245700@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Preventing Homesickness and Promoting Adjustment
DESCRIPTION:Time away from home is always challenging\, for campers as well as staff\, whether they are new or returning. Why let intense feelings of missing home—which 20% of young people feel—get in the way of enjoying the awesome programs you offer? With the right tools\, your camp can prevent debilitating homesickness and promote positive adjustment to time away from home. Learn how to prevent “pick-up deals\,” create positive expectations\, and help everyone feel like camp is their home away from home!
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/preventing-homesickness-and-promoting-adjustment/
LOCATION:Room 303
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T161500
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20260227T215936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T215936Z
UID:10000438-1773242100-1773245700@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:AI Playground: Hands-On Tools for Camp Professionals
DESCRIPTION:Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Already experimenting but want to go deeper? Pull up a chair at the AI Playground\, a roundtable session designed for camp professionals at every comfort level. Six tables\, six AI tools\, six real camp scenarios. Each table is hosted by a camp professional who will walk you through a live demo of an AI tool solving a problem you actually face: drafting parent emails\, generating staff training materials\, building a rainy day craft project from a photo of your supply closet\, creating a custom camp song\, and more. No tech background required. Pick a table\, watch a demo\, ask questions\, and rotate to try a second tool. You will leave with practical skills you can use this summer and a handout with links and prompts to keep experimenting on your own. \nHosted by the Tech at Camp Affinity Group. This session is for all levels\, from AI-curious beginners to experienced users. Bring a laptop or phone if you have one (but not required).
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/ai-playground-hands-on-tools-for-camp-professionals/
LOCATION:Room 419
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T173000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20260127T213304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T213041Z
UID:10000426-1773246600-1773250200@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:ACA Virginias Gathering
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/aca-virginias-gathering/
LOCATION:Room 418
CATEGORIES:Social Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T173000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20260127T213339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T213449Z
UID:10000427-1773246600-1773250200@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Nonprofit Camps Meet and Greet
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/nonprofit-camps-meet-and-greet/
LOCATION:Room 403
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T173000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20260127T213417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T212932Z
UID:10000428-1773246600-1773250200@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Outdoor Educators Meet and Greet
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/outdoor-educators-meet-and-greet/
LOCATION:Room 419
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T180000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20260109T175857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T214011Z
UID:10000414-1773246600-1773252000@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Playshop: A Workshop of Play and Community
DESCRIPTION:This “Playshop” is an interactive introduction to Playworks’ approach—and you’re part of the fun. In 90 minutes of play and community building\, participants will explore: \n\nInclusive games and activities for campers of all ages\nGroup management and facilitation techniques that promote positive engagement\nStaff\, equipment\, and space systems that support successful programming\nAdditional Playworks resources to strengthen your team and camp culture\n\nJoin Playworks to get moving\, connect with fellow conference attendees\, and leave inspired—with practical tools and resources to make this your best camp year yet. \n  \nPlayworks is the leading national nonprofit using the power of play to help children thrive. For more than 30 years\, we have partnered with schools and community-based organizations to promote healthy behaviors\, strengthen social-emotional learning\, and create safe\, inclusive environments where kids feel connected and engaged. \nWe believe joyful\, safe play builds more than skills—it builds character. Through play\, children develop compassion\, cooperation\, integrity\, and resilience\, forming an inner compass that supports lifelong growth. Grounded in fairness\, respect\, and teamwork\, Playworks programs nurture children’s physical\, social\, and emotional well-being while strengthening the adults and systems that support them. \nPlayworks offers capacity-building trainings for educators\, youth-serving staff\, and families. Led by expert trainers\, these interactive workshops share proven\, youth-development–informed strategies to engage young people\, prevent and redirect challenging behavior\, strengthen group management\, and expand opportunities for learning and resilience.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/playshop-a-workshop-of-play-and-community/
LOCATION:Room 202
CATEGORIES:Social Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T183000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20260127T213452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T213334Z
UID:10000429-1773246600-1773253800@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Camps on Campus Gathering
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/camps-on-campus-gathering/
LOCATION:Room 405/406
CATEGORIES:Social Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T000000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20260223T142457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T151950Z
UID:10000437-1773259200-1773273600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Everybody Dance Now!: A 90s Dance Party Celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ & Allies
DESCRIPTION:From MTV TRL classics to dance-floor anthems\, TRL: Everybody Dance Now! is a 90s throwback celebration of LGBTQIA+ joy\, community\, and their allies who show up. Bring your best 90s energy and dance like it’s 1999—everyone’s invited\, and neon/90s attire is encouraged! \nThe dance floor is on the 2nd floor. DJ Triple B will begin at 9 pm. Byrdcage AC is a restaurant\, so feel free to come early for dinner or mingling. There is also an outside firepit area open all night for anyone looking for a place to hang\, without the music. \n 
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/everybody-dance-now-a-90s-dance-party/
LOCATION:Byrdcage AC\, 3426 Atlantic Avenue\, Atlantic City\, NJ\, 08401\, United States
CATEGORIES:Social Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://tristatecampconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2SLGBTQIA-Tri-State-Event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260311T220000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T020000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251215T195608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T201725Z
UID:10000409-1773266400-1773280800@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Campchella
DESCRIPTION:Campchella is Tri-State’s late-night celebration! Hosted inside Kiss Kiss Nightclub at the Tropicana\, the event transforms a neon-lit nightclub into a high-energy gathering place for camp professionals from across the country. \nAttendees can expect a full nightclub experience curated by the Magen Group\, complete with DJs\, lighting\, and an atmosphere designed for connection\, nostalgia\, and fun. Campchella blends the spirit of camp with the energy of Atlantic City nightlife\, offering a space to unwind\, dance\, and reconnect with old and new friends after a full day at the conference.\n \nPlease note the ACA\, NY & NJ is not responsible for or a decision maker on this event.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/campchella/
LOCATION:Kiss Kiss Nightclub\, 2801 Pacific Ave Suite 308\, Atlantic City\, NJ\, 08401
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215731Z
UID:10000348-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Getting Comfortable With Your Budget: A Crash Course in Fiscal Management
DESCRIPTION:Let’s be honest – most of us didn’t get into camping because we love spreadsheets. But budgets shape everything we do: what we can build\, who we can hire\, and how we show up for our campers. \nThis crash course is for camp leaders who want to finally feel confident talking about money. We’ll walk through what a camp budget really means\, then jump into hands-on “what if” challenges. What if enrollment drops mid-season? What if we actually make more money than expected? You’ll practice adjusting\, prioritizing\, and explaining your decisions in ways that make sense to boards\, families\, and staff. \nYou’ll leave with simple tools\, real examples\, and the confidence to stop dodging the finance talk—because leading well means owning the numbers\, not fearing them.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/getting-comfortable-with-your-budget-a-crash-course-in-fiscal-management-2/
LOCATION:Room 301
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215630Z
UID:10000349-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Where Does the Soup Go? Lessons Learned From an Anxious Kid... Who Grew into a Teen
DESCRIPTION:Years ago\, my son’s first camp experience came wrapped in tears\, fear\, and overwhelming anxiety\, an experience that changed how my team approached camp. Now older\, his worries have grown and shifted\, offering new lessons about supporting teens. Back by popular demand\, this session expands on the beloved “Where Does the Soup Go?” presentation. \nTogether\, we’ll explore the reality of anxiety for both brain and body\, the unique benefits and challenges that summer camps bring for anxious youth\, and how staff can adapt their approach as campers grow. \nParticipants will leave with practical strategies to support anxious campers with empathy and humor\, tools to help teens build belonging and resilience\, and actionable steps to train and empower staff to better meet the needs of today’s campers.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/where-does-the-soup-go-lessons-learned-from-an-anxious-kid-who-grew-into-a-teen-2/
LOCATION:Room 417
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215720Z
UID:10000350-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:From Hookup Culture to Consent Culture: How to Make the Difficult Transition
DESCRIPTION:When camp staff arrive at the beginning of each summer\, they are not blank slates. Hookup culture\, the harmful sexual culture on high school and college campuses today\, has far-reaching impacts on the way our staff have learned to conceptualize sex\, romance\, and intimacy. To foster a healthy\, professional culture among staff\, camps have the opportunity to address hookup culture and consent in their staff training and cultural expectations. Building a culture that celebrates consent and self-advocacy skills will also allow us to do the most important thing of all: care for our campers better. This session will allow camp leaders to understand the hookup culture their staff are entrenched in outside of camp and build the tools to take tangible steps towards building a consent culture this summer.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/from-hookup-culture-to-consent-culture-how-to-make-the-difficult-transition-2/
LOCATION:Room 314
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215618Z
UID:10000351-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Creating a Camp Culture People Want To Be A Part Of
DESCRIPTION:The best camps intentionally build cultures where campers and staff feel seen\, valued\, and inspired to return year after year. This session explores practical ways to create a positive\, inclusive\, mission-driven camp culture through strong values\, intentional onboarding\, meaningful traditions\, and authentic leadership. Learn how to foster belonging\, promote staff ownership\, and prevent burnout or culture drift. Help your camp become a community people are proud to be part of long after summer ends.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/creating-a-camp-culture-people-want-to-be-a-part-of-2/
LOCATION:Room 310
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215604Z
UID:10000352-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:From Florida Man to The Bear - Lessons Learned in the Kitchen
DESCRIPTION:For 29 summers\, Iain has lived the camp and camp kitchen life from washing dishes to running a resident camp. In this lively session\, he shares lessons learned along the way: the meals that worked (and didn’t)\, camper feedback\, silly traditions\, and how his kitchen evolved into one of the highest-rated parts of camp. Discover what makes a camp dining experience truly memorable\, explore your own non-negotiables\, and leave inspired with a few new ideas and maybe a craving for Taco Tuesday.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/from-florida-man-to-the-bear-lessons-learned-in-the-kitchen-2/
LOCATION:Room 315
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215538Z
UID:10000353-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Responding to Racially Charged Language Among Campers using the "Speak Up Superpowers" Framework
DESCRIPTION:“Go back to Mexico or I’ll report you to ICE” one of your counselors overheard their camper jokingly say this to a Latinx camper and is asking for your help to address it. As adults in charge of camper safety\, we need tools and strategies to address racially charged language among campers. In this interactive workshop\, we will begin by recognizing how unconscious beliefs can influence interactions and interpretations. Using real-life camp scenarios\, we’ll then apply the “Speak Up Superpowers” framework along with an understanding of applicable frameworks\, and a sense that addressing racially charged incidents is an ongoing learning process that requires active participation and continuous growth.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/responding-to-racially-charged-language-among-campers-using-the-speak-up-superpowers-framework-2/
LOCATION:Room 311
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T142144Z
UID:10000354-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Painted Projects for All
DESCRIPTION:Paint\, painting\, painted can be so many different things. Come explore different uses of paints\, and different types of simple paints. Join in the fun as we colorfully paint our way to making several unique crafts with string\, paper\, water\, rocks\, and paint. Participants can expect to create 2-3 crafts in a supportive\, fun environment and leave with directions and ideas for many more painting projects.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/painted-projects-for-all-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215549Z
UID:10000355-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:The Power of the Narrative: Using Storytelling to Transform Your Camp
DESCRIPTION:In this session\, we will move beyond treating stories as simple anecdotes and instead learn how to craft and deploy them to solve concrete challenges. Participants will learn how storytelling can transform a camp’s identity into a compelling brand\, communicate a unified vision to staff and stakeholders\, elevate routine training into memorable\, impactful lessons\, enrich program areas to foster deeper camper engagement\, and build an unshakeable bond of trust with parents. Specifically\, this workshop will provide staff with a practical toolkit of narrative frameworks and prompts\, enabling them to tell powerful stories that inspire action\, build community\, and foster a deeper connection to instructional objectives and the camp’s mission. By the end of this session\, attendees will not just understand the theory of storytelling; they will have a practical toolkit to immediately implement\, creating a more cohesive\, engaging\, and successful camp community.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/the-power-of-the-narrative-using-storytelling-to-transform-your-camp-2/
LOCATION:Room 322
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T142231Z
UID:10000356-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:The Inside-Out Camp: How to Prioritize Your Staff
DESCRIPTION:What is the true engine of an unforgettable camp experience? This session explores the powerful “Inside-Out” leadership model\, a framework built on one core principle: a thriving camp starts from within. Leo\, a camp leader with over 15 years of field-tested experience\, will demonstrate how prioritizing the staff journey—their growth\, well-being\, and sense of purpose—creates a powerful ripple effect across the entire camp. Discover practical strategies to build an exceptional staff experience that directly translates into higher staff retention\, deeper camper engagement\, and a vibrant\, self-sustaining culture. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to focus on their team and unlock their camp’s true potential.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/the-inside-out-camp-how-to-prioritize-your-staff-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215419Z
UID:10000357-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:From Interview to Arrival: Building a Strong Staff Onboarding Experience Before Day One
DESCRIPTION:At Woodmont Day Camp\, onboarding our staff doesn’t begin at orientation—it starts the moment they are invited to interview. In this session\, we’ll walk through the systems and strategies we use to initiate communication and subsequently prepare our staff before they even arrive at camp. From interview tools to pre-season emails\, and even an online introductory “course\,” learn how we’ve designed our onboarding process to build excitement\, confidence\, and connection long before our staff ever sets foot on camp for orientation.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/from-interview-to-arrival-building-a-strong-staff-onboarding-experience-before-day-one-2/
LOCATION:Room 408/409
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T203938Z
UID:10000358-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:How Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Camp Operations
DESCRIPTION:This session explores how emerging technologies are already reshaping the way camps operate\, with examples like automated medical form processing\, camper intake profiles that surface important insights\, time-saving email and communication tools\, and AI-assisted staff hiring processes. Attendees will see how “Efficiency AI” can streamline operations and how “Opportunity AI” can open new frontiers in safety\, camper experience\, and personalized parent engagement. Participants will leave with clear\, actionable ideas for integrating AI into their own camp operations.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/how-artificial-intelligence-will-transform-camp-operations-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215353Z
UID:10000359-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Awesome Activities: Teaching Staff (and Campers!) to Handle Challenges and Make Decisions with Flexibility\, Confidence\, and Creativity
DESCRIPTION:Join us to play\, learn\, and take it all back home to your staff team! Staff leaders are frequently reporting that many (not all) of our team members have increased difficulty with “solving problems on the spot”. To their credit\, many staff don’t move forward for fear of doing things “wrong” or when they haven’t been given explicit directions about what to do in a specific situation. In response\, Michael has designed some great ways to use “playing with a purpose” to boost their skills in approaching challenges with greater initiative\, skill\, creativity\, calmness\, and confidence. Learn how to get them to ask for support even when reluctant to do so. Most importantly\, he’ll demonstrate with the concept of “point of concentration” how to explain to staff the one key secret to improvising solutions when we haven’t been told exactly how to handle something. These are quick bursts of experiential learning that can be used and practiced in staff training before and after campers arrive.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/awesome-activities-teaching-staff-and-campers-to-handle-challenges-and-make-decisions-with-flexibility-confidence-and-creativity-2/
LOCATION:Room 303
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215405Z
UID:10000360-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:The "Unknown Known" Magic of the Campfire: The Serious Work of Making Fun
DESCRIPTION:We all know that getting camp culture right is one of the critical factors that lead to lasting success or closing our gates. Too often\, we rely on what we’ve always done or chase after the newest trend without ever looking at what research actually tells us. We know what we’re doing even if we struggle to articulate what we know\, but frankly\, we don’t have time for academics. However\, there are scholars—some with camp backgrounds—who take camp culture seriously. They test what we assume\, study what we don’t fully understand\, and uncover insights we might never see on our own. Their work often lies hidden in academic journals\, but it has practical lessons that can strengthen and evolve our programs. This session introduces scholars whose research sheds light on camp culture. Participants will leave with clear\, usable takeaways to get camp culture right.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/the-unknown-known-magic-of-the-campfire-the-serious-work-of-making-fun-2/
LOCATION:Room 309
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T203939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215257Z
UID:10000361-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Health Center Staffing:  Diversity in Roles and Needs
DESCRIPTION:Camps have diverse profiles\, locations\, and operations. This means that there is no one particular health service model that works for everyone. This session will discuss the many variables that impact the decision of camp leadership on how to most effectively and safely staff health services.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/health-center-staffing-diversity-in-roles-and-needs-2/
LOCATION:Room 421
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T204139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215217Z
UID:10000362-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Helping Camp Parents Thrive: Supporting their Campers\, Setting Expectations\, and Letting Go
DESCRIPTION:As summer camps increasingly serve as crucial developmental experiences for children\, parents are navigating more complex emotions around separation\, trust\, and control. This session\, led by a Psychotherapist\, Camp Wellness Advisor\, and former Camp Director\, will explore how camps can play an active role in supporting not just campers\, but their parents as well.\nParticipants will learn how to communicate with families in a way that validates their concerns while reinforcing boundaries that protect the camper experience. We’ll discuss strategies to help parents prepare for the emotional transition of camp drop-off\, manage their need for control\, and avoid over-involvement that may undermine their child’s independence. The session will also address why more communication\, updates\, or access isn’t always better-and how to help parents understand and respect this.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/helping-camp-parents-thrive-supporting-their-campers-setting-expectations-and-letting-go-2/
LOCATION:Room 302
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T204139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215234Z
UID:10000363-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:CIT Program Development = Strong Future Leadership
DESCRIPTION:We all know and have experienced the staffing challenge. Each year\, we look for a new and creative solution to add to our hiring strategies. and camps mustn’t overlook the importance of building and maintaining a strong CIT Program. Your best staff is there\, in camp\, in the making. Camps need to ensure their CIT Program is effective and producing future staff. Most importantly\, the CIT participants need to experience and feel their summer experience is one of professional and personal growth\, and that being a camp counselor is an important step into their future endeavors. Come ready to evaluate\, share\, and build your CIT program. You will walk away with a clearer direction and incentive to spend time evaluating and building this essential feeder program.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/cit-program-development-strong-future-leadership-2/
LOCATION:Room 308
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T204140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T215206Z
UID:10000365-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:We Get to Do This: Increasing Retention through Staff Engagement
DESCRIPTION:When the day starts\, does your staff think “I have to go to work” or “I get to go to work”? Getting to go to work means our staff members understand the purpose of their jobs\, they feel appreciated\, and they have fun! This highly interactive session includes a mix of thought-provoking discussion as well as dynamic activities to encourage camp leaders to increase the engagement level of the staff they lead as a key tool to help increase staff retention.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/we-get-to-do-this-increasing-retention-through-staff-engagement-2/
LOCATION:Room 402
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T100000
DTSTAMP:20260611T150305
CREATED:20251209T204140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T145053Z
UID:10000364-1773306000-1773309600@tristatecampconference.com
SUMMARY:Growing a Camper and Staff MESH Program - A Case Study
DESCRIPTION:This roundtable chat will explore one camp’s progression of MESH (Mental\, Emotional\, Social Health) support for staff and campers. From sporadic virtual consulting to the development of an on-site MESH department\, Frost Valley YMCA has continued to invest in the well-being of its stakeholders and has seen the benefits. You’ll hear from Frost Valley’s mental health consultant\, who has been working with the camp since the inception of the program\, as well as its new on-site MESH Director. You’ll also hear insights from members of the Frost Valley director team\, who can share about some of the successes and setbacks faced over the years. They’ll share about prioritizing MESH in the budget\, thoughts on creating and implementing intentional policies\, and more! Camp leaders who are considering making an investment in the mental\, emotional\, and social well-being of their campers and staff can’t miss this! Folks who have created MESH programs and roles are encouraged to come share their stories and experiences.
URL:https://tristatecampconference.com/event/growing-a-camper-and-staff-mesh-program-a-case-study-2/
LOCATION:Room 313
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR