A Message from the President

Festive music, bright decorations, sharing gifts, and huge smiles on the faces of kids of all ages—aren't the holidays wonderful? I love this time of year, especially because of the opportunity to be with friends and family for traditional celebrations. In some ways, ACA's national conference is just like a holiday—a time to which we look forward for several months, eagerly awaiting the gifts of inspiration and knowledge from speakers and session leaders, and visiting with friends and colleagues in the camp family. The traditions we share with our kindred groups and the celebration of our profession makes the American Camp Association national conference a special time for all of us.

Preparing for the conference, just like the holidays, is exciting, invigorating, and a lot of work. Both volunteers and staff have been working months to secure outstanding presentations. Heading up the 2007 conference as keynote speakers are Dr. David Elkind, author of The Power of Play, which will be published just prior to the conference (and which addresses the importance of free, imaginative play in the development of children), and Neil Howe, co-author of Millennials Rising, who will share how today's Millennial teens are defying conventional wisdom about youth. In addition, there are informative sessions on topics relevant to all aspects of youth development and camps, plus the opportunity to honor some of our colleagues for their outstanding service and to recognize unique camp programs.

Here's another great thing about the upcoming conference—it's in my favorite state, Texas! Our state capital, Austin, will be the scene for the 2007 conference from February 13 – 16. The early bird deadline is just around the corner, so be sure to register online by December 12 and make plans to pack your boots and head on out to Austin, Texas, for the 2007 ACA National Conference.