We are excited to invite you to join us in Monterey, CA for the 72nd Annual WAIC Conference from November 29 – December 2. Our 2023 conference will be centered around navigating camp in a changing climate, physically and socially. Join us as we discuss navigating a new generation of staff, operating business in crisis, and more! In addition to educational opportunities we will enjoy togetherness with friends new and old!
Reducing our impact is a big theme of this conference. You will notice sustainability efforts sprinkled throughout for economic and environmental viability. A couple important things to note: This will be a bagless conference. Some up-cycled bags will be available to borrow but if having a bag is important to you please BYOB. We will also be shifting away from a printed program. You will be provided this in PDF form for you to pull up on your device. A small number of copies will be available at the registration table. Keep an eye out for extra raffles sprinkled throughout for individuals who bring their own coffee cups, water bottles and other reusable items!
This year’s conference is hosted by the Northern California section in collaboration with members of all three sections of the Western Association of Independent Camps. Whether you’re a member of WAIC or not, this conference is open to all camps and individuals who are looking for great conference programming geared toward camp and youth development professionals.
Changing With the Tides
WAIC Annual Conference • Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, 2023
CONFERENCE HOTEL
Conference Group Rate: $209 (single/double occupancy)
Group Rate Reservation Deadline: November 5, 2023
ROOM RESERVATIONS
Important note: The success of the WAIC Conference and the ability to provide a quality program at a great hotel depends on exhibitors and attendees staying at the conference hotel to meet our room block guarantees.
GETTING THERE
The closest airport to our conference is Monterey Airport (3.5 miles). Another option is San Jose Airport (1.5 hour drive, easy shuttle option, choose Monterey Shuttle Station). If you travel by car, overnight valet-parking at the hotel is $30/night.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Take a look at the Schedule-at-a-Glance and the fantastic speakers for this year’s conference.
PRE-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES
Annual WAIC Golf Tournament sponsored by The Original Mattress Factory (Tuesday, Nov. 28)
Join WAIC members, Business Affiliates, and friends at the Annual WAIC Golf Tournament on Tuesday, November 28 at Pacific Grove Golf Links for 18 holes of fun, scramble format (golf cart and box lunch included!) The 18-hole layout, with a front nine that offers glimpses of Monterey Bay on fairways framed by Cypress trees, and an ocean-side back nine cut through windswept dunes reminiscent of a traditional Scottish links, has delighted visitors and locals alike for over 75 years. Tee-time starts at 10am.
Cost per player: $125 Golf Club Rental: $55 (does not include balls or tees)
Monterey Bay Aquarium (Tuesday, Nov. 28)
Join us as we visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Situated on the picturesque California coast, this world-class facility is home to thousands of mesmerizing marine species from around the globe. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the underwater world as you explore exhibits showcasing vibrant coral reefs, majestic kelp forests, playful sea otters, and graceful penguins.
Entrance Fee:
Adult (ages 18-69) $60
Youth (ages 13-17) $50
Child (ages 5-12) $45
Senior (ages 70+) $50
Meet in the Monterey Marriott lobby at 10am. Some shuttles will be available or you can enjoy the 30 min, 1.5 mile walk along the waterfront and historic Cannery Row.
EVENTS DURING THE CONFERENCE
Exhibit Hall (Wednesday & Thursday, Nov. 29-30)
Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall and visit with new and returning vendors to help you get a jump start on next summer’s planning and ordering!
Dinner NOT On Your Own (Thursday, Nov. 30)
Back by popular demand, Thursday’s Dinner NOT On Your Own provides folks the opportunity to connect and engage with new and old friends at the conference. Various large party dinner reservations have been made to accommodate all price ranges and food preferences. Signup for these reservation spots will be available at the Registration Table.
Trivia Night (Thursday, Nov. 30)
Are you up for some fun with friends on Thursday night after dinner on your own? We sure hope so! Continue your conversations or meet some new camp folks as you play, laugh, and enjoy the rest of your evening. Hosted by our friends at Walton’s Grizzly Lodge this night is sure to be one to remember!
Explore the Local Monterey Area (Friday, Dec. 1)
Friday afternoon offers ample opportunity to take advantage of the local area. From whale watching, kayaking, biking, walking or even a quick trip to the aquarium, there is no shortage of fun to be had in the Monterey Bay!
Auction Reception and Dinner (Friday, Dec. 1)
Don’t you wish there was still an Atlantis to visit?! This year’s auction takes inspiration from themes of sustainability and Changing with the Tides to bring you an mystical underwater wonderland. We plan on repurposing items to create a land under the sea that feels like Atlantis with mystical and fun features. It will be a sparkling evening with a grand Underwater Wonderland and many sustainable items to peruse!
Annual WAIC Slide Show (Friday, Dec. 1)
The Annual Slide Show is a wonderful WAIC tradition and everyone looks forward to getting a peek at the fun and memorable experiences created at other member camps. KC Wilsey from Cali Camp will be putting together a wonderful show for us this year.
Camp WAIC
Camp WAIC is a program for children of conference attendees designed to help with child care throughout the conference. There are various different options for all child care needs. We will follow up with details in a separate email.
WAIC BOOSTERS
Become a WAIC BOOSTER!
This program is the mainstay of WAIC’s fundraising efforts which helps to provide the funds needed to operate the organization for the next fiscal year and provide opportunities for increased member education and benefits! It’s easy to participate, just look for the donation section on the conference registration. Thank you in advance for your contribution!
REGISTRATION
Please complete the online registration for your camp or organization by November 15. During the registration process you will be able to add individual attendees.
REGISTRATION FEES
Full Conference Registration
(includes all education sessions & conference events, Wednesday reception & dinner, Thursday breakfast, coffee break, & lunch, Friday breakfast, reception & dinner, Saturday breakfast)
WAIC Members & Guest Affiliates: $500
WAIC Director Emeritus: $400
Non WAIC Members: $625
Daily Registration
Wednesday (11/29) – $250
(includes Wednesday’s sessions/events/conference meals)
Thursday (11/30) – $250
(includes Thursday’s sessions/events/conference meals)
Friday (12/1) – $250
(includes Friday’s sessions/events/conference meals)
QUESTIONS?
For questions or assistance, please contact WAIC Association Manager, Chelsea Rowe, at conference@waic.org or 949.407.9242.
Presented by
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference Chair: Samantha Townsend Bundy (Kennolyn Camps)
Education: Andrew Townsend (Kennolyn Camps)
Pre-Conference Events: Adrienne Portnoy-Durgin (Skylake Yosemite Camp), Jessica Portnoy Sonka (Skylake Yosemite Camp), Miles Bundy (Kennolyn Camps)
Hospitality: Lindsey Johnson (Kennolyn Camps), Erica Stein (Walton’s Grizzly Lodge), Brenda Townsend (Kennolyn Camps)
Auction: Bridget Terreri (Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp), Gretchen Collard (Bar 717 Ranch/Camp Trinity)
Camp WAIC: Liz Kimmelman (Tumbleweed Day Camp)
Slideshow: KC Wilsey (Cali Camp)