Camp Ondessonk Staff Shine at the ACA St. Louis Winter Warm-Up: Professional Development & Leadership
Ongoing Professional Development for Camp Staff: Why It Matters
In the world of summer camps and youth development, ongoing professional development for camp staff is not optional. It is essential. Camps operate in dynamic environments that require staff to continually strengthen skills related to safety, youth development, mental health awareness, inclusion, and leadership. When camp professionals invest in learning, the impact reaches far beyond the staff team. Campers benefit from higher-quality programming, stronger relationships, and a safer, more supportive environment.
The American Camp Association has long emphasized that professional learning opportunities help camps maintain excellence, adapt to emerging challenges, and uphold best practices across the industry. For Camp Ondessonk, continued staff development ensures that our programs reflect both current research and the evolving needs of today’s youth.
ACA St. Louis Winter Warm-Up: A Regional Youth Development Conference
The American Camp Association St. Louis Winter Warm-Up is a regional gathering designed specifically for camp and youth development professionals. Hosted annually, the event brings together camp directors, program leaders, educators, and support staff for a full day of education, collaboration, and idea sharing.
The 2026 Winter Warm-Up, held at Camp Wartburg in Waterloo, Ill, featured a mix of keynote discussions, targeted breakout sessions, and structured networking opportunities. Sessions addressed timely topics such as staff well-being, inclusion, environmental stewardship, team building, and emerging social challenges facing youth. The format allowed participants to engage deeply with peers while returning home with practical tools that could be immediately applied at their own camps.
Camp Ondessonk staff returned from the Winter Warm-Up with meaningful insights and actionable strategies that support continuous improvement across our programs.
Key Takeaways: Growth, Innovation, and Collaboration
Innovation in Camp Practice
Educational sessions challenged participants to examine camp culture, staffing models, and program design. Workshops focused on strengthening staff support systems, fostering inclusive camp environments, and adapting activities so every camper can participate and thrive. These conversations reinforced the importance of innovation that remains grounded in mission and values.
Professional Growth and Best Practices
Presenters shared research-based strategies and real-world case studies from camps of varying sizes and models. Topics ranged from behavior guidance and inclusive programming to land-based learning and environmental stewardship. These sessions equipped staff with new perspectives and tools that enhance camper care, staff training, and overall program quality.
Networking and Shared Solutions
One of the most valuable aspects of the Winter Warm-Up was the opportunity to connect with other camp professionals. Structured networking sessions and informal conversations created space to exchange policies, procedures, and lessons learned. These relationships strengthen the broader camp community and allow camps to learn from one another’s successes and challenges.
Camp Ondessonk’s Leadership Role: Addressing Loneliness Through Camp
Camp Ondessonk was proud to contribute to the Winter Warm-Up not only as participants but also as presenters. Nolan Hurst, Camp Ondessonk’s Camping Services Director, led a breakout session titled Let’s Connect on Loneliness. His presentation addressed the growing loneliness epidemic affecting both youth and adults and explored how summer camps can play a vital role in addressing this challenge.
The session highlighted research showing that loneliness is increasingly common among young people and adults alike. Nolan emphasized that camps are uniquely positioned to counter isolation by creating intentional communities rooted in belonging, shared experiences, and meaningful connection. Drawing on Camp Ondessonk’s programming and care models, he shared how structured activities, mentorship, and community traditions help campers form lasting relationships and build social confidence.
This presentation reinforced Camp Ondessonk’s leadership within the camp community and demonstrated how our staff contribute to national conversations about youth well-being, mental health, and social development.
Advancing Camp Ondessonk’s Mission Through Professional Engagement
Participation in the ACA St. Louis Winter Warm-Up directly supports Camp Ondessonk’s mission to provide exceptional outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages. By investing in staff development, Camp Ondessonk ensures that our programs continue to evolve while remaining grounded in our core values of stewardship, personal growth, community building, and respect for all.
The knowledge gained and shared at the Winter Warm-Up strengthens our ability to serve campers, support staff, and steward our resources responsibly. Families, donors, and partners can be confident that Camp Ondessonk remains committed to excellence, learning, and leadership within the summer camp industry.
Professional development is not a one-time effort. It is an ongoing commitment. Camp Ondessonk’s engagement with the American Camp Association and the broader camp community reflects our dedication to preparing today’s staff and empowering tomorrow’s leaders.
Sources and Professional References
American Camp Association. Professional Development and Education for Camp Professionals.
American Camp Association, Illinois. ACA St. Louis Winter Warm-Up Conference Schedule and Session Descriptions, 2026.
Murthy, V. Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World. Harper Wave.
American Camp Association. Youth Development Outcomes of Camp Experiences.
Conference session materials and presenter biographies from the ACA St. Louis Winter Warm-Up, Camp Wartburg, Waterloo, Illinois.
