General Sessions

Opening General Session: “Observe, Understand, Respect – Make Connections that Make a Difference – O-U-R Difference”
Faith Evans, Wednesday 7:00 pm
“Actions speak louder than words,” so come help open our
CampWest Conference by making connections from the GET-GO!
GET some knowledge, GET some experience, GET some connections,
and GO have some fun! Make a difference…first, for your self, then
for others at the conference, and finally, for those at camp. GET
ready for some active learning. SET your sights high. Then, GO make
a difference using O-U-R Difference.

General Session: “Connecting with Youth”
Michael Wood, Peg Smith, Thursday 9:00 am
Connect with youth by exploring the latest research on youth
preferences presented by Michael Wood, of Teenage Research
Unlimited. Translate that knowledge into making stronger youth
development connections at camp in a discussion led by Peg Smith.

Mini General Session: “Head, Heart or Hybrid?
Refining Your Emotional Leadership Style”
Chris Thurber, Ph.D. Friday 10:45 am
Based on leading research in emotional intelligence, this enlightening
session teaches participants to examine their “emotional leadership
style” – the extent to which they can tolerate and understand children’s
emotions. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of children’s feeling
states builds the interpersonal connections that increase compliance.

Closing General Session: “The End Is Where We Start From”
Faith Evans, M.Ed. Saturday 1:30 pm
“The end is where we start from*,” so don’t miss the fun during the last
valuable moments with your conference community! Take stock of your
conference learnings about intentional connection. Name the
important differences you want to make this summer. Identify specific
actions that generate those differences. Come full circle with O-U-R
conference model…Observe, Understand, Respect. Bring our
conference to a close with a bang!! You’ll be glad you stayed. *T.S. Eliot

Program Quick Links!
Schedule at a Glance
Featured Speakers
General Sessions
Interest Sessions
Special Ticketed Events