The Great Lakes Day Camp Forum I March 3 - 4, 2027 I Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL
Quick Links: Program + Speakers (Coming Soon!) | Know Before You Go (Coming Soon!) |
The ACA Illinois day camp conference experience returns with the Great Lakes Day Camp Forum this March. Join us for education session breakouts, keynotes, networking, and more!
Centering the voices and experiences of day camp professionals, this event will drive innovation, tackle challenges facing our camp pros, and bring together our remarkable community.
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What’s Going to Happen at the Great Lakes Day Camp Forum?
A lot! We’ll have education sessions, keynotes, networking, and social events - all focused on the day camp experience! Two full days of learning, networking, and reflection. The committee is hard at work finalizing the program and schedule.
What Are the Dates of the Forum?
Monday, March 1 - Tuesday, March 2, 2026 | Great Lakes Pre-Conference Days
We’ll have pre conference offerings for both folks who will stay to attend the Great Lakes Day Camp Forum and those just coming in for their training or certification.
Wednesday, March 3 - Thursday, March 4, 2026 | Great Lakes Day Camp Forum
The big event! Don’t miss out on this forum designed for day camps including education sessions, keynotes, networking, & more!
Where is This Event Happening?
Elgin Community College, Elgin, Illinois.
We’ll have room blocks at nearby hotels for those who wish to stay overnight close by!
Who Should Attend?
- Camp Directors, Owners, & Executives.
- Program Managers, Directors, and Year Round Camp Staff.
- Seasonal Leadership Team Members.
- Seasonal Staff.
Can I Attend if I'm Not From ACA Illinois?
YES! YES! YES!
You do not have to be from ACA Illinois, living Illinois, or even work at a day camp to attend. Everyone is welcome! You do not have to be a member to attend.
ACA Illinois events are attended annually by folks from around the world!
How much does it cost to attend the Forum*
Click here for registration rates. Register by November 1st and not only do you get 55.55% of the registration but you also get a FREE stainless steel, limited edition water bottle!
*Our goal is to be sure this is accessible to all who wish to attend.
Is there financial support?
Yes! We have opportunities for financial assistance. Please reach out to registration@acail.org if you need help attending.
Please note: We cannot offer assistance for hotel or travel.
Who is planning this EPIC event?
We have assembled an amazing leadership team to guide the direction of the Great Lakes Day Camp Forum. This is a for-the-people, by-the-people event!
Your Inaugural Great Lakes Day Camp Forum Committee:
Sam Thompson, Crystal Lake Park District, Forum Co Chair Jess Main, Peoria Park District, Forum Co Chair Dave Thoensen, Tamarak Day Camp Mary Zeilinski, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Shauna Guglielmo, Lincoln Park Zoo Amy O’Rourke, Hepzibah Children’s Association | Gunnar Kohlbrecher, Two River YMCA Brianna Fowlie, Camp Kawaga Kelly Ireland, Event Coordinator Shena Willbrandt, Communications Coordinator Jessie Blumberg, Manager of Family Services Colette Marquardt, CEO |
Get Involved with the Great Lakes Day Camp Forum!
Interested in speaking, or volunteering, with the Day Camp Forum? Contact Kelly at: kelly@acail.org.
Support Camp + Grow Your Reach.
Become a Sponsor!
ACA Illinois is ready to talk about sponsorship and donation opportunities for the Great Lake Day Camp Forum. This is your chance to be part of something innovative and timely while reaching more folks. Contact Colette Marquardt to learn about Sponsorship opportunities today at colette@acail.org.
Questions? Contact Us.
If you have questions about The Great Lakes Day Camp Forum, please contact us at registration@acail.org.
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