Wico Hit the ACA Tri-State Conference: A Week of Learning, Laughs, and Leadership

Each spring, the Wicosuta team packs up our notebooks, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of camp spirit to attend the ACA Tri-State Conference—the largest gathering of camp professionals in the world! This year was no different, as we spent the week immersing ourselves in professional development, discovering exciting new ideas, and, of course, strengthening our own team bond along the way.

Building Connections: Bonding with Camp Professionals

One of the best parts of the Tri-State Conference is the opportunity to connect with other camp professionals. Throughout the week, we had valuable conversations with other directors, staffing coordinators, and program leaders from camps across the country—sharing ideas, challenges, and best practices that will help us continue to improve our very own Wico community.

We also loved spending time with our Camp Group network, strengthening relationships with our fellow camps. Whether it was swapping stories, brainstorming ideas, or just enjoying time together outside of the summer, these moments reinforced the power of collaboration in the camping world. We left the conference not just with new ideas, but with a renewed appreciation for the larger camp community that helps make every summer successful.

Inspiring Keynotes: Lessons from the Best

The conference featured two incredible keynote speakers, each delivering powerful messages that resonated deeply with us as camp professionals.

• David Brooks – “The Moral Education of Summer Camp: Building Character in a Fragmented Society”
  Brooks highlighted the unique role that summer camp plays in shaping character, resilience, and community values in a world where these qualities are increasingly fragmented. His talk reinforced what we already know—camp is more than just fun; it’s a place where kids learn responsibility, empathy, and teamwork in ways that traditional education can’t always provide.
• Dominique Dawes – “Success is a Journey, Not a Destination”
  The Olympic gold medalist shared her inspiring journey, emphasizing perseverance, self-confidence, and the importance of enjoying the process, not just the outcome. Her message was a perfect reminder for us as we guide campers and staff through their own journeys of growth, helping them embrace challenges as stepping stones to success.

Professional Development: Top Takeaways

The heart of the conference is its incredible lineup of sessions, and this year was no exception! We explored a wide range of topics—from effective camper behavior strategies to leadership development, inclusion initiatives, and creative programming ideas—all with the goal of enhancing the Wico experience for our campers, staff, and families.

Here are some key themes and takeaways that sparked new ideas and reinforced best practices:

• Camper Behavior & Mental Health: Addressing the social-emotional needs of campers and understanding how to build positive behavior strategies that foster resilience and confidence.
• Leadership Development: Strengthening staff training with tools that emphasize communication, accountability, and team dynamics.
• Inclusion & Belonging: Building inclusive environments where every camper and staff member feels valued, seen, and supported.
• Program Innovation: Bringing fresh, creative ideas to camp programming that engage campers and enhance their overall experience.

Vendor Hall Favorites

No trip to the Tri-State Conference is complete without exploring the vendor hall! From camp gear to our international hiring agencies and program enhancements, we found plenty of exciting additions to consider for Wico 2025. A few of our favorite finds:

• New camp apparel designs—fresh styles we are excited to bring to camp (be on the look out for a new 7 year gift)!
• New snacks and meal ideas- we love visiting the Tavezio booth to taste the new ice cream, coffee and possible snack shack ideas
• Fun zone – we walked through interactive and immersive activities such as trying the Ninja Warrior Course and the Ultimate Vortex Tunnel

Bringing It All Back to Wico

After an inspiring week, we’re more excited than ever for the summer ahead. With new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a stronger team bond, we’re ready to create another unforgettable season at Camp Wicosuta. See you soon, Summer 2025!