Episode 104 | Building the Next Generation of Camp Directors

Episode 104 | Building the Next Generation of Camp Directors

From CampWire by American Camp Association

March 7, 2026 · 37 min · Episode 104

About this episode

The episode discusses the Camp Career Accelerator program and its impact on developing future camp directors.

How do we prepare the next generation of camp leaders? In this episode, we’re joined by Erec Hillis and Jack Schott to revisit the Camp Career Accelerator program — an initiative designed to help emerging camp professionals gain the skills, experiences, mentorship, and connections they need to become successful camp directors. One year after launching the program, Erec and Jack reflect on what they learned from the first cohort, what surprised them along the way, and the impact the program has had so far. They also share how the Camp Career Accelerator is evolving and what camp professionals can expect as it continues to grow heading into summer 2026. Show notes: The Summer Camp Society CampWire Episode 82 Tri-State Camp Conference ACA Conferences & Events The views and opinions expressed on CampWire by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.

People in this episode

Guests: Erec Hillis, Jack Schott

Topics covered

  • camp leadership
  • career development
  • mentorship
  • professional growth
  • camp professionals
  • program evaluation

Keywords

  • camp directors
  • leadership training
  • career accelerator
  • mentorship
  • camp professionals
  • program impact
  • summer 2026

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Camp Career Accelerator, American Camp Association, Summer Camp Society, ACA Conferences & Events

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