NIU STEAM at the American Camps Association Conference
By Erin Lauer, NIU STEAM summer camp counselor and NIU student
Recently, NIU STEAM Educators April Startzel and Jess Winn attended the American Camps Association (ACA) National Conference in San Diego, joined by NIU STEAM camp counselor and NIU student, Erin Lauer. The annual conference brings together camp professionals from across the country to share ideas, build community and strengthen the camp experience for youth nationwide. Below, Erin reflects on the experience from a student perspective.
Attending the American Camps Association (ACA) conference in San Diego this year was an experience defined by support, connection and learning. From the moment I walked into my first session, I knew this was more than a professional event. The people who attend this conference create a community rooted in sharing ideas, encouraging one another, and strengthening the work they love.
One of the most powerful aspects of the conference was the sense of support from every person attending. Whether it was a quick conversation between sessions, shared work experiences during a workshop, or networking for possible job opportunities, there would be an understanding that we all share the same goals. We all want to create a safe, inclusive and empowering environment for those who attend. There was also a huge collective goal of making camp fun. There were many sessions regarding different games, activities, and tools to use to bring fun energy into each camp.
One of my favorite sessions was “10 games every camp professional should know” which was a session full of camp professionals being taught different games they could incorporate into their agenda. I entered this session a few minutes late, but when I walked in, people were doing step-by-step line dancing. Almost immediately there were people waving me in to try it out with them. This session was my favorite not just because I like to play games, but because it was so easy to feel included and have fun. I hopped into line dancing, and every person was willing to teach and laugh with me until I picked up on the moves. That is what we strive for at all our camps. We want campers to try new things and build new connections with the people they meet at camp.
In addition to attending sessions, it was inspiring to see NIU STEAM Educators April Startzel and Jess Winn present at the national level, sharing their expertise with fellow camp professionals.
NIU STEAM Staff Presentation Highlight
From Classrooms to Campfires: Creating Engaging Camps on College Grounds
April and Jess led a session focused on the unique opportunities and challenges of hosting youth camps on college campuses. Their presentation explored how to successfully balance academic enrichment with the playful experiences and friendships that make camp memorable. Attendees learned strategies for designing engaging schedules, training staff and evaluating programs in ways that foster both growth and joy. The session equipped participants with practical tools to transform college campuses into places of excitement, curiosity and discovery.
Attending the ACA national conference left me feeling empowered, inspired, and equipped with new ideas. The conference not only reinforced the importance of the community within the camp profession but also gave us tangible strategies to introduce at our own camps. Whether it was strengthening inclusive environments, better supporting staff and campers, or improving the overall camp experience; these sessions prepared me for a summer full of support, inclusion, learning and FUN.
