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With summer around the corner and the
Tri-State Camp Conference behind us, please
let me take a moment to reflect on the
2009 Conference.
Our nation and our industry are facing
unusual challenges in the current economic
environment. Many of our families
are looking at their budgets and considering
their priorities, including summer camp. In
such times, it can be tempting to spend
less time at conferences and more time
recruiting or managing your budget.
I, however, believe that this is the very
time that the Tri-State conference is as
relevant as ever. By gathering with
other camp professionals, exhibitors and
speakers, we improve our ability to understand
and serve the needs of our camp families. At
a time where some elements of the press
want to suggest that summer camp is a luxury,
we need to provide evidence that we are
instead a critical youth development opportunity.
By gathering together and sharing ideas,
we do this. By learning and adopting
best practices, we do this. By cultivating
relationships with other professionals
with whom we can overcome challenges, we
do this.
On behalf of those of us who put the Conference
together, we want to thank the exhibitors
(visit www.campshoppingnetwork.com),
speakers and attendees that made this conference
a grand success. From the keynotes
to the educational sessions to the after-hours
networking opportunities, this Conference
stands as one of the best in our 27-year
history. I would also like to thank each
individual who pulled this event together. It
is an honor to work with professionals
and volunteers with such skill and passion.
I hope all of us take a few ideas from
the conference into our camps to help assure
a rewarding and safe summer.
See you again next year in Atlantic City –
March
16-19
Steve Baskin
Conference Chair, Tri-State Camp Conference
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