CODACON25

To stay at the forefront of camping, owners must seek out learning beyond camping. Discover how insights from retail, fine dining, the military, strategy consulting, and big tech can revolutionize your summer camp. Learn how the best-in-the-business manage resources, create memorable experiences, build effective routines, identify valuable opportunities, and streamline operations. This session’s real-world examples will provide you with actionable strategies to improve your camp’s business efficiency and camper impact.

Teambuilding Guru Jim Cain recently penned a new book with co-author Bob Ditter to explore valuable ways to build character at camp. In this workshop Jim and Clare-Marie will share several of their favorite ways to help you build character at your camp.

Many of us have some sense that we need to increase our summer staff salaries. But there are so many things that get in our way. (So many!) We’ll spend a bit of time talking about the “why” of increasing summer staff salaries to get our motivation up, but we’ll spend most of the time talking about “how” to do it without upending your entire business, with real world examples to back it up.

This session will focus on equipping camp directors and owners with the knowledge and tools address mental wellness. You will learn to recognize early warning signs of mental health struggles among staff and campers. We will discuss why it is essential for camp leadership to be proactive in identifying and de-escalating potential mental health concerns. With anxiety, depression, and burnout becoming more prevalent, the ability to act early and offer support is crucial. The discussion will explore how proper training can empower leaders to foster a healthy, supportive camp culture and ensure that staff are mentally equipped to handle the emotional demands of camp life. We will also look at the detrimental effects that a mental health crisis occurring at camp can have and look at examples of how proper training can have a summer altering impact.

Join us for breakfast as we honor Fritz Seving, this year's Speedy Altman Recipient!

Scott Brody's latest legislative update focuses on the evolving landscape of the camp industry in response to recent shifts in policy and regulations. As the political environment changes, camp operators are navigating new challenges and opportunities that impact everything from safety standards to environmental policies and staffing. Scott will highlight how the industry is adapting to these changes, ensuring that camps continue to provide valuable, enriching experiences for children.

David Yeager, PhD, presents a groundbreaking keynote based on his latest book, 10 to 25: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation. Drawing from his extensive research on adolescent behavior and development, Yeager offers new insights into how short, impactful interventions can significantly shape motivation, mental health, and resilience in young people. With a focus on strategies for camp owners and directors, David explores how to effectively guide the next generation through critical life stages. His work, developed in collaboration with renowned psychologists like Carol Dweck and Angela Duckworth, has already influenced organizations like Google, Microsoft, and the World Bank. In this keynote, Yeager shares actionable tools and strategies that can inspire positive change in young minds, equipping leaders with the knowledge they need to foster engagement, well-being, and growth in adolescents today.

David will announce the 5 camps participating in the Fall Tour this September!