Close to 1,300 camp and youth-development professionals are headed to New Mexico for four full days of education, social and issue-based networking, and special events to help them create exceptional experiences for campers, counselors, families, and communities.

Organization: American Camp Association

Conference: 2017 ACA National Conference

Venue: Albuquerque Convention Center

City: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Researcher and author Dr. Shimi Kang will open the 2017 ACA National Conference on Tuesday afternoon by addressing one of the most challenging issues in camp: helping campers and counselors manage anxiety and related mental health concerns. Also on the agenda:

Give back. For this year’s conference service project, ACA will collect items for the Albuquerque Public Schools’ Title I Homeless Project. Title I hosts weekly lunch programs at nine high schools in the community, where homeless students can check in, grab some pizza, request a bus pass, or replenish needed hygiene products.

All inclusive. New this year is the “Camp Includes Me” track—a series of workshops, discussions, and experiential activities that explore issues like globalization, cultural intelligence, and unconscious bias. Its goal: to help attendees build competence around issues of inclusion, fusion, and cross-cultural agility.

Dine around. Self-proclaimed foodie? ACA has attendees covered with its seven-page cheat sheet on where to find breakfast, lunch, and dinner in different neighborhoods—complete with walking distance from the convention center and price points. Besides food, there’s also info on local transit and attractions.

Want more details? Twitter (#ACANat17) and Facebook are your best bets.

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