Camp Southern Ground NEWS

Gold Standard in the Camping World: CSG at the ACA Conference

Feb 27, 2025

Last week, Camp Southern Ground’s camp team spent four days immersed in learning, networking, and innovation at the American Camp Association (ACA) National Conference in Dallas, Texas. As an accredited ACA camp, Camp Southern Ground remains committed to upholding the highest standards in the camping industry, and our team returned with valuable insights and inspiration for the upcoming summer. Here are our five key takeaways from the conference:

1. Connecting with Camp Professionals Nationwide
We had the incredible opportunity to engage with camp professionals from across the U.S., including several who got their start at Camp Southern Ground and are now making an impact in the industry full-time! These connections reinforce the strength of the camp community and the power of mentorship in the field.
2. Gaining Insight from Expert-Led Sessions
Our team attended a variety of insightful sessions on the latest trends in CIT (Counselor-in-Training) programming, insurance, staff development and leadership, child protection, feedback and communication, camp games, mental health, and social skills. Each session provided actionable takeaways to enhance our camp operations and ensure a meaningful experience for campers and staff alike.

3. Advocating for Inclusion
Camp Southern Ground was proud to present to fellow camp professionals on how to better include and support neurodiverse campers. Our presentation highlighted our partnership with the Marcus Crisis Prevention Program at the Marcus Autism Center, reinforcing our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive camp environment for all. And in true camp fashion, we ended our session with a surprise—a water leak that evacuated the entire room! Talk about making a splash—we cleared the room faster than a fire drill.
4. Exploring the Latest Camp Innovations
While visiting with vendors, we explored the newest innovations in camp technology, camper swag, training resources, and communication tools. We’re always on the lookout for ways to enhance the camper, family, and staff experience, and this conference provided plenty of exciting opportunities to do just that.
5. Embracing the Culture of Dallas
Beyond the sessions, our team had the chance to soak in the culture and diversity of Dallas. A highlight of the trip was an unforgettable performance from a local dance troupe, reminding us of the importance of incorporating cultural appreciation and celebration into our camp experiences.

Our team left the conference feeling inspired, energized, and ready to implement everything we’ve learned. As we prepare for another incredible summer at Camp Southern Ground, we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue growing, learning, and leading in the camp community!