How to win at camp conferences
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Camp conference season is here!
Going to get into what that means here in a sec.
And tell you about 2 Tristate Parties we are throwing - Check the PS
Thank you IENA and CampMinder!
But first need to mention that next week, I’ll be in San Diego for CODA and ACA National.
The latter is an extra big deal this year, because Scott Brody is receiving ACA’s Distinguished Service Award at Nationals. It’s the highest honor afforded to members by the American Camp Association.
Scott’s been a mentor to me and so many others in this industry. He’s an incredible human who’s given decades to making camp better for everyone.
If you’re at ACA National, make sure you’re there to celebrate him. He deserves it.
As for the rest of conference season, in March it’s Atlantic City for Tri-State. Atlantic City in March sucks. Tristate is awesome.
You going to any of these? If so, cool, I can’t wait to see you. If you’re not, maybe this will convince you to show up next year.
Because conferences are one of those things that seem optional until you realize they’re kinda the whole thing.
Sessions are good, friends are great
Obviously, conferences are a good way to get a pulse on what’s going on in the industry.
What camps are worried about. What trends are coming up over and over? What cool ideas people are working on? What the vibe feels like this year?
There’ll be some good sessions, for sure. Like the ones I’m doing at Tri-State! Those will be great!
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Overall, you might learn something useful. Maybe pick up a new idea or two.
And if that’s all you did, then going to a camp conference is an overwhelmingly positive experience. There is so much to learn at all levels, and these are some of the few places where the entire industry is just spewing out awesome ideas.
But really, I think, camp conferences are about building relationships and connections.
I’ve made incredible friends by being at camp conferences. Those friends have helped me personally and professionally in a million different ways.
Without camp conferences, I don’t get to run K&E. Basically, without them, my camp career looks way, way different.
That being said, it doesn’t just happen by accident.
The sucky part about meeting people at conferences is it’s overwhelming. ACA National has like 1,500 people. Tri-State has 4,000.
You’re going to meet people because a lot of time meeting people is pretty easy. Following up is what compounds which is why having a follow-up plan is pretty critical.
CODA does a great job with this. They organize dinners, small groups, intentional gatherings. If you’re already part of different communities, they already have this stuff built in.
Most people don’t have that. So they show up and think, “What do I do?”
At Tri-State, we’re trying to solve this problem. Greg Golf and I are hosting CampChella and Camp Idol (more on that below) because camp people deserve spaces where relationships happen naturally.
But whether you’re at organized events or not, I’ve found a couple of things that work:
Send a text the day after you meet someone. “Hey great talking about your waterfront setup yesterday. Let’s stay in touch.” That’s it. Don’t overthink it.
If someone mentions a problem they’re working on, send them something a week later. An article. A contact. Something useful.
Put people in touch with each other. “Hey, you should meet Sam (Hey Sam!). He’s dealing with the exact same thing.” Two introductions like this and people remember you forever.
And if you’re overwhelmed by the crowd (which I totally get), find one person having a good conversation and join it. Or introduce yourself to Doug, he’ll be at his first Tri-State this year! Don’t need to work the whole room. Just a few real convos does the trick.
I’m sure there are more ways to do this, which I’d love to hear if you got them.
Make the Conference Work For You
Don’t let the conference happen to you. Make it work for you.
If you have some contacts, send a message ahead of time. People want to get coffee. Put together a lunch. Gather some people. Skip a session if you need to.
Some of the best conference moments I’ve had weren’t in sessions at all. Lunch conversations. Hallway problem-solving. Late-night lobbies where someone finally admits what’s actually going on at their camp.
Sessions are worth it, but don’t feel guilty about ducking out to grab coffee with someone who gets it.
I think networking is kind of a yucky word. But I like having lots of friends.
The more people you know in the industry, the more people you can go to with questions that will just do your work for you. What’s your waterfront policy? Who do you use for t-shirts? Do you know someone awesome to hire?
Life is better when you know more camp people. Conferences build that.
Can’t wait to see you all at conference season. Let’s make it count.
You got this,
Jack
A BIG PS - Camp Chella & Camp Idol at Tri-State
Hey Camp Friends 👋
We’re excited to bring two major nights of community + fun to the Tri-State Camp Conference this year. You’re invited to both.
You guys work super hard all year long. You deserve to have an awesome time. You deserve some of that awesomeness that you make for other people.
🎤 CAMP IDOL - Tuesday Night of Tri-State
Presented by CampMinder
Camp Idol is a live-band karaoke competition and camp social for camp professionals. Camp pros take the stage with a professional backing band, competing for prizes - including a $500 grand prize - while the rest of the room hangs out, bowls, plays bar games, and cheers them on.
The night also features a 50/50 raffle benefiting SCOPE, supporting access to camp for more kids.
👉 RSVP for drink specials & info: HERE
🎶 Want to perform? Apply here - performer applications close February 17: PERFORMER APPLICATION LINK
🪩 CAMPCHELLA - Wednesday Night of Tri-State
Presented by IENA
Campchella takes over Kiss Kiss Night Club for a late-night camp pro dance party. Think camp songs in a club setting, a packed dance floor, and a room full of camp people letting loose — the way only camp people can.
👉 RSVP for drink specials & Info: RSVP
Both events are free to attend, open to camp professionals 21+, and produced by The Summer Camp Society.
Can’t wait to see you there - on the dance floor, in the crowd, or on stage 🎶
See you at Tri-State!
Get my newsletter every week.
It’s all about kids today
Jack Schott
Summer Camp Evangelist