What Next?

It is not uncommon to leave events like Mid States with a great feeling of excitement for the summer, but still have two to three months before the days of ice breakers and s'mores are upon us. How do we keep that momentum that was created here at the conference?

1. Organize what you learned. When you are back in the office (or in your apartment, house or dorm room) and have caught up on the work that piled up while you were gone, organize the handouts you collected. Transfer any notes you may have taken during those amazing educational sessions that the Program Committee put together with Colette on to the handouts, or type them up so they can all stay together. As you read through things again away from the conference, it is easier to think about how you can use those ideas in your own programs.

2. Stay in contact with those who attended the conference with you. Whether it was your boss or your summer staff members, follow up and share ideas. Even if it is just through a Skype date or e-mails, the more you communicate what you learned and brainstorm using your new tools, the more they will actually be implemented.

3. Follow-up with people you met. Perhaps you exchanged business cards, a quick hand written e-mail address on your program booklet, or just friended each other on the Facebook. Follow up and stay in touch, if even to have someone far away who is willing to let you pick their brain about their cell phone policy this summer. Friends don't have to live close, and you have the biggest camp reunion every March to catch up.

4. Make lists. Believe me, I know how it feels to be behind after being gone from the office for a few days - following up on all of this great stuff may not be at the top of your priority list with that voicemail box full of messages and stack of papers waiting for you. Make a list of the things you would like to do, and when you have a minute you need something refreshing to think about or do, you can cross something off that fun list you made.

5. Communicate your great ideas. If you learned something at Mid States, be sure your boss knows that is where you learned it. If you found a great product at Mid States, be sure your boss or board know that is where you found it. If your network of fellow camp professionals has grown and you feel more supported, let others know. If you now have a jump on your staff training, tell others you work with. If you feel Mid States is valuable, they may as well, and be sure it is in your budget or someone is available to cover your time away next year.

We all hope you enjoyed your conference - we are already planning next year's event and look forward to seeing you soon.