Rec Camp 2021 was a huge success!

Our conference ran September 14 to 17, 2021. After our conference in 2020 was canceled, our goal was to rebuild and run the “CAMP” with a smaller number of campers in a safe way. A total of 19 campers made up three teams of Red, Blue and Green with two counselors each.

“Such a fun atmosphere and group of people” – 2021 Camper

Accommodations at Renaissance Boulder Flatiron Hotel were comfortable and clean. Check in was a breeze on Thursday with plenty of giveaways! Our first workshop called Facility Operations Workshop gave us insight into benchmarking data collected by BRS over the past year with a focus on COVID-19 effects on business and programming. It was a reminder of how resilient and flexible the Park and Recreation field can be. For many of the Park & Rec team members that attended Rec Camp together it was the first time being together after a year of working remotely. Tasty appetizers, including tacos, and drinks got people mingling and getting to know each other.

“Rec Camp is well organized and provides invaluable information” – 2021 Camper

The next two days of tours was exhausting yet exciting! The weather was still summer-like in September and it made for some enjoyable tours (good thing the air-conditioning was working on the bus). All of the centers welcomed us, nine in total, and we all wore masks and minded members who were there exercising. We got to speak to staff at each of the locations who were generous with their knowledge and time.

“Rec Camp was a great way to get inspired!” – 2021 Camper

The final half-day workshop was interactive and exciting to understand how a team might figure in needs, resources and politics to come to a budget and ultimately a right-sized center for their imaginary community. We ended with a Rec Camp pin ceremony where people got to share some takeaways from the time together. It was an emotional closing that made us all appreciate the work we do and the people we work with.

“I have been to good conferences. I have been to great conferences. This was an exceptional conference!” – 2021 Camper