CODACON25

In this session, social media expert Kara Alaimo, PhD will explain how to convince your staff to put away their phones while they’re at camp. She’ll start by explaining why it’s simply unsafe to be on our phones while we’re watching children. Then she’ll tell you how to make the case for why a summer with smartphones is good for staff themselves: they’ll practice the art of being fully present in their surroundings, getting comfortable with their thoughts and even experiencing boredom. Nixing phones will also allow them to invest more in relationships with the humans around them. She’ll explain why doing so will be good for their physical and mental health and even fun — leaving them with skills and relationships that will serve them throughout their lives.

Will Guidara, renowned hospitality expert and author of Unreasonable Hospitality, is a visionary in the world of service excellence. With a career built around creating extraordinary guest experiences, Will has led some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Eleven Madison Park. In his keynote address, Will will share insights on how the principles of exceptional hospitality can elevate the camp experience, demonstrating that, regardless of industry, we are all in the service business—focused on creating lasting, meaningful connections that go beyond expectations. His message will inspire us to embrace a culture of generosity, empathy, and thoughtful service, fostering an environment where every camper and staff member feels valued and cared for.

Join Steve Maguire for this engaging and interactive headline address tailored for summer camp directors and owners. This session delves into the critical role of weather preparedness in camp, offering practical strategies and actionable insights to enhance safety, communication, and programming. With a mix of fun anecdotes, expert advice, and deep knowledge of meteorology, Steve brings weather science to life, ensuring camp leaders leave empowered and informed.

Lynn Lyons, a seasoned psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire, has spent over 30 years specializing in the treatment of anxiety in both adults and children. She is a renowned international speaker, trainer, and author, widely recognized for her expertise in the role anxiety plays within families and its impact on children. Through her work, Lynn emphasizes the importance of addressing anxiety preventatively at home and in schools, helping families break the generational cycle of worry. A sought-after expert, her insights have been featured in top media outlets such as The New York Times, Time, and NPR. Lynn is the author of several influential books, including Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents and Playing with Anxiety, and she is also the co-host of the popular podcast Flusterclux. In her keynote, “The Value of Action, Adventure and Autonomy at Camp,” Lynn explores how the camp environment fosters resilience, independence, and a sense of adventure, offering valuable tools for families to combat anxiety and cultivate self-confidence.

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.