Join us at the Women in Camp Summit, where a vibrant community of camp professionals will come together to learn, connect, and grow.
This event is crafted to empower you as a woman or nonbinary person in the camp industry, providing the space for meaningful conversations, professional development, and new relationships.
Whether you're looking to expand your skills, share your experiences, or simply enjoy the company of others who share your passion, WICS is the place to be.
*This event centers the voices and experiences of women and nonbinary folks. However, all are welcome.
Helpful Links
How to Register
Create or Login to your ACA Illinois Member Profile. Creating a profile is free!
Register and pay for your Women in Camp Summit registration fee. If you would like to pay by invoice/check, please contact registration@acail.org prior to registering.
*Registration fee MUST be paid at the time of registration.
Please Note:
ACA Illinois is the co-sponsor of the Women in Camp Summit, and registration is provided through their online system.
By registering and attending an ACA Illinois event, whether virtually or in person, you agree to all the event policies listed here. These policies include the photo release, refund, link sharing, Code of Conduct, and other related policies.
What’s Included
Hotel Accommodations
Hotel accommodations for Wednesday, January 14, and Thursday, January 15, 2026, are included in your registration, with both double and single room options available. If you already know who you’d like to room with, let us know at registration!
Head to our Hotel & Travel Info page to learn more about the Summit hotel accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel, 5440 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018, and getting to the Summit.
If you don’t require a hotel room, please contact us at registration@acail.org for information on alternative pricing.
If you would like to arrive early or stay later, you can add on additional nights to your registration.
Already registered? Email registration@acail.org to get additional nights at a discounted rate.
Meals
To keep you well-fed and connected throughout the event, we’ve included lunch on Thursday and Friday in your registration. We’ve also curated a variety of dining options at different price points, both within the hotel and nearby, so you can choose what feels right for you.
On Wednesday evening, we’ll offer you the chance to connect with other attendees through a dinner outing. If you choose, you’ll be matched with a small group of participants within the same price range, providing an opportunity for genuine conversation and community building in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
On Thursday, you can purchase a ticket to our special, off-site event! Click here for more information!
Cost of the Summit
Super Early Bird Rate: $600
Must register before August 1, 2025
***Includes exclusive WICS Weekender Bag!***
This fee is at the double occupancy rate. You will have the ability to select a single room for an additional $100 when registering.
Early Bird Rate: $600
August 2, 2025 through October 1, 2025 Registration
This fee is at the double occupancy rate. You will have the ability to select a single room for an additional $100 when registering.
Non-Early Bird Rate: $800
October 2, 2025 through December 20, 2025 Registration
This fee is at the double occupancy rate. You will have the ability to select a single room for an additional $100 when registering.
Extra Chicago Adventures
While the Women in Camp Summit offers everything you need for a fulfilling professional experience, we’ve curated some optional add-ons to enhance your time in Chicago. These experiences are designed to give you a deeper connection to the city and to further enrich your event journey.
Bowling & Dinner at King Pin
Looking for some fun and relaxation after a day of learning and networking? Join us for an evening of bowling and dinner at King Pin on Thursday, January 15. For just $35, you’ll enjoy great company, a little friendly competition, and a delicious meal in a fun setting.
*An advanced ticket purchase is required for this event add-on.
Chicago Tours
Explore the Windy City on Saturday, January 17th, with two exciting tour options, led by local experts who know Chicago inside and out. Choose the adventure that best suits your interests:
“No Ketchup” Tour
A quintessential Chicago experience! Visit famous spots like the Bean, The Ribbon (ice skating, if you’d like!), and the Art Institute, followed by lunch (on your own) at Navy Pier. We should be finished up about 2:00pm.
Price: $50 (includes Ventra travel card, AND Art Institute, OR Ribbon entry)
Hungry for More? Tour (Includes the “No Ketchup” Tour)
Continue your exploration of Chicago with a trip to Chicago 360 and finish with a late dinner together at a favorite local restaurant. This tour should finish at about 6:30pm.
Price: $100 (includes Chicago 360, The Ribbon OR Museum entry, AND Dinner)
Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or want to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Chicago, these add-ons are sure to add to your Summit experience. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot when you register!
Traveling with family or friends? Bring them along on the tour; however, please note this is an 18+ only event. To register, email registration@acail.org.
*An advanced ticket purchase is required for this event add-on.
Communicating the Value of the Summit to Your Boss
We've all heard the phrase “time is money”, and we acknowledge that it takes both time and money to attend the Women in Camp Summit. We get it; professional development funds can be tight, or sometimes non-existent. So if you’re looking for reasons to prove to your boss why this could be a keen investment to you AND your organization, consider these facts from Wellbeing Stats for Women in the Workplace Show a Need for Change by Vipula Gandhi and Gennifer Robison.
“...Gender diversity, especially in leadership, improves financial metrics such as revenue, return on assets, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, return on innovation, and operating profit margin”.
“...Wellbeing is declining among employed women, whether or not they have children, faster than among working men.”
“...Leaders who understand and commit to female employees' overall wellbeing get better business results.”
The bottom line? Employee wellbeing matters to an organization’s overall finances. So investing in YOU by funding your attendance at the Women in Camp Summit and the incredible learning experiences you’ll gain, is a smart investment for your organization to make.
You’re worth it.