Events

THE ANCA ANNUAL SUMMIT is the premier professional development opportunity for leaders of nature centers and related environmental organizations. With a focus on leadership and management practices for our unique profession, the Summit provides participants with a wealth of strategies and resources to help them excel in their work.

Join us for the 2027 Summit, August 23–27 at Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We will post more information about the Summit in early 2027.

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“This was the best conference I’ve ever been to."

— 2026 Summit Participant

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“This is always such a valuable experience. The networking, learning and engagement is unmatched!”

— 2026 Summit Participant

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“I absolutely loved the Summit. It was my first time going, and I felt I was surrounded by such amazing people and resources. I learned so much that I'm excited to bring back to my organization.”

— 2026 Summit Participant

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“I can't say enough good things about the Summit. It is a truly amazing group of folks and I always leave feeling seen and inspired."

— 2026 Summit Participant

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“I had an excellent experience as a first-time Summit participant. I have left the Summit inspired and feeling much more confident in achieving my goals over the next year.”

— 2026 Summit Participant

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“I came back to my organization energized, inspired and with a notebook full of ideas that I know will help shape our next chapter.”

— 2026 Summit Participant

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“I loved everything about the Summit! Being able to be in a group of like-minded people all from our industry was very exciting and brought the spark back to why I chose to work at a nature center."

— 2026 Summit Participant

The ANCA Outdoor School Summit brings together directors and management staff from overnight outdoor schools, residential environmental learning centers, and nature-based camps across North America. These organizations share the unique opportunities and challenges of operating multi-day residential programs. By connecting professionals who share responsibilities such as providing lodging and food for participants, the Summit creates a collaborative environment for solving common challenges and building lasting professional relationships.

This Summit is relevant to any organization that offers overnight, multi-day programs that are based in environmental education, and we welcome all professionals in leadership or management positions at these organizations. ANCA holds the Outdoor School Summit in person every two years.

Join us for the 2027 Outdoor School Summit, January 15-19 at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama. If you're a part of this unique field, there is no better space for your professional growth — here you'll gain new skills, resources, and connections that will help you in your role.

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“I love this conference! Continuously the best conference I have ever been to. I leave every time feeling energized and full of ideas.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“It's wonderful to feel that you are part of a larger movement and that this type of work is being done all over the country. These people are inspiring and extremely open and sharing.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“Lots of great discussion, and I left with actionable knowledge and new connections.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“This was my first conference so I didn't know what to expect. It didn't disappoint! Amazing time and I learned a lot.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“This experience was transformative.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“I found this experience enriching and inspiring. I am excited to bring what I have learned back to my team.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

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“Most impactful conference I've ever attended.”

— 2025 Summit Participant

The ANCA Virtual Summit brings together professionals from nature centers and related organizations to share knowledge, exchange resources, and build networks in support of our shared missions, all in an accessible online format.

The next ANCA Virtual Summit will take place in January 2028. Please check back closer to the event for details and registration.

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"ANCA gives the best conferences, hands-down. Relevant, impactful content, and even in a virtual format, plenty of opportunities for intimate small-group work."

— 2026 Virtual Summit Participant

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“It was absolutely worth attending and I will look forward to the next Virtual Summit. I appreciated a virtual opportunity during the slow season. I learned a lot and enjoyed the chance to network with others in a similar field."

— 2026 Virtual Summit Participant

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"The virtual format was accessible and allowed me to take everything in at my own pace. I left every single session with action steps that I am excited about."

— 2026 Virtual Summit Participant

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"I was so energized after the conference! It was a fantastic experience as a first time attendee. I enjoyed the digital format because the space between sessions allowed for action to take place with some ideas that came out of the sessions."

— 2026 Virtual Summit Participant

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"The ANCA Virtual Summit was amazing! It was reassuring and rejuvenating hearing the shared experiences of other experts in the field. Not only are my staff members excited by the information I've shared, but we are already looking forward to investigating resources and implementing strategies learned through the sessions."

— 2026 Virtual Summit Participant

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"The format and flow of this summit was fantastic. The conference page and the way it all worked … was very smooth and user friendly."

— 2026 Virtual Summit Participant

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"It was my first experience with ANCA and I felt so welcomed! It was nice to be surrounded by like minded people and everyone seemed so genuine and willing to share ideas and collaborate."

— 2026 Virtual Summit Participant