Date/Time
Date(s) - Sep 15, 2026 - Sep 18, 2026
3:00 pm - 11:00 am
Location
Camp Newaygo
Categories No Categories
2026 Director’s Camp
September 15-18, 2026 | Camp Newaygo, Michigan
A professional development experience built for veteran camp leaders.
🧭 About the Retreat
Join us for the inaugural Director’s Camp—a four-day, in-person experience designed specifically for seasoned camp professionals. Hosted at Camp Newaygo in West Michigan, this retreat brings together directors from across the country for collaboration, learning, and community.
Whether you’re troubleshooting staffing challenges, refining your strategic direction, or simply looking to connect with other experienced directors, this is the space for real conversations with people who understand the weight—and the joy – of leadership.
This is not a conference. It’s a focused gathering for camp professionals who are ready to go deeper and push their thinking further.
💬 Why Attend?
- Collaborate with top-level directors from across the country
- Explore advanced topics in staffing, risk management, finance, and marketing
- Participate in peer-led sessions, case studies, and open discussions
- You will not be trapped in a windowless hotel room. This “campference” is designed to get you out of the conference room and into the outdoors—think kayaking conversations, rock wall chats, and hiring strategies discussed on a wetland hike.
📅 Retreat Schedule
September 15 – 18, 2026
Tuesday, September 15
- 3:00 PM – Arrival & Check-In
- 5:30 PM – Welcome Dinner
- 7:00 PM – Opening Session & Tour & Fireside Networking
Wednesday, September 16
- Morning: Workshops & Peer-Led Sessions
- Afternoon: Breakout Tracks
- Evening: Pontoon Cruise & Social Gathering
Thursday, September 17
- Morning: Roundtable Case Studies & Industry Trends
- Afternoon: Breakout Tracks (including camp tours of nearby camps)
- Evening: Group Discussions + Campfire Conversations
Friday, September 18
- 8:00 AM – Closing Workshop & Reflection
- 9:30 AM – Breakfast
- 11:00 AM – Departure
Full session titles and facilitator bios will be released in Summer 2026
🏕️ Lodging & Amenities
All lodging and meals are provided on-site at Camp Newaygo.
- Shared Lodging (Included)
Dormitory-style or cabin housing, with adjacent bathrooms and showers - Private Room Upgrade (Optional): +$225
Private queen-bed room with private or semi-private bathroom
Limited availability; assigned on a first come, first served basis - Linens Provided for an additional fee
If you need linens (those in dorms/cabins), including towels, they can be provided for $10 per person. - Meals
All meals are included from Tuesday dinner through Friday breakfast, with coffee, snacks, and refreshments available throughout the retreat. - Airport Shuttles
Complimentary transportation to/from the Grand Rapids (GRR) airport will be available at designated times.
💵 Cost & Registration
Early Bird Rate:
- $400 per participant
- Register by May 30 2026 to save $100!
Standard Rate (after May 30):
- $500 per participant
Optional Private Room Upgrade:
- $225 for 3-night stay
Registration Deadline: September 1st 2026
Space is limited to 45 participants.
👥 Who Should Attend?
This retreat is designed for experienced camp directors with 5+ years of leadership experience in residential, day, or year-round camp settings. If you’re managing staff, budgets, and big-picture vision—and want to strengthen your skills alongside peers who get it—this retreat is for you.
Not sure if this is the right fit? [Contact us] and we’ll be happy to talk through it.
📍 Location: Camp Newaygo
5333 S. Centerline Road
Newaygo, MI 49337
🏡 Facilities at Camp Newaygo
Camp Newaygo offers a beautiful, functional setting that’s designed to meet the needs of adult learners, with a blend of modern comfort and natural charm. During the retreat, participants will have access to:
🛖 Year-Round Lodges & Meeting Spaces
- Three heated, year-round lodges provide the core meeting and living spaces for the retreat.
- Each lodge includes multiple breakout areas, ideal for workshops, small group discussions, and informal collaboration.
🛏 Lodging Options
- Heated Communal Dorms – Twin beds with shared bathrooms in climate-controlled buildings
- Hotel-Style Rooms – Private rooms with queen beds and private or semi-private baths (limited availability; upgrade required)
- Rustic Cabins – Unheated, charming cabins near shared bathhouses (used for optional outdoor time or overflow)
All guests will be provided with linens (sheets, pillows, blankets, and towels), regardless of lodging choice.
🌐 Tech & Accessibility
- Strong cell phone service and reliable Wi-Fi are available throughout camp.
Our site is accessible and designed to welcome all participants comfortably. For a full overview of our facilities, visit campnewaygo.org/facilities.