a global meeting of the seriousfun minds

By Kelly Elliott, Senior Program Manager

As the bus pulled into camp, it was obvious that something special was about to happen. Eighty camp professionals from 18 countries were arriving at Barretstown, a SeriousFun Camp in Ireland, for the 2013 Network Conference held at the end of October. The event provided an opportunity for staff from around the globe to share best practices in delivering the highest impact experience possible for campers.

Held for camp directors, medical directors, volunteer recruiters and leaders from our Global Partnership Program, the conference focused on providing tools to help strengthen participant’s skills and knowledge necessary to enhance camp programming and operations.  It was the first time in SeriousFun’s history that all of these groups have gathered together at one time.

“This conference is our favorite week of the year when the best-of-the-best camp leaders across the SeriousFun Network have the opportunity to come together to learn from one another, and share both successes and challenges they’ve faced in their camps,” said Aly Fox, Director, Global Partnership Programs, SeriousFun. “And it also reinforces the power of the Network by connecting peers that can turn to one another for ideas and assistance at any time.”

Topics for the week-long conference included risk management, behavior support and psychosocial care, training, and innovative programming. Social time was also built in to allow participants to meet new colleagues and network with other camp leaders.

“Developing meaningful relationships with our peers is invaluable,” commented Patrick Smith, Director of Operations, North Star Reach (Michigan). “This is what it means to be a part of a global network. Knowing that someone else has been there, knowing that you can learn from someone else’s success, that’s how we grow.”