Gather 'Round the Campfire at the SPARC National Conference

SPARC is introducing a new activity at this year's 10th Anniversary National Conference, one familiar to anyone who loves the camp experience. Each night from 8-9 pm, SPARC leaders will host a Campfire at Valley Ho's Tropicana firepit, and though the fire may be fueled by gas instead of wood, the feeling of fellowship and quiet reflection will be shared by all who attend.

Feedback from previous conferences indicated a need for quieter and more intimate ways for people to come together and connect. To meet this need, SPARC Senior Advisor David Sullivan created Campfires, believing that they offer the perfect space for auxiliary professionals to gather after a long day of sessions and networking.

"I love the metaphor of sitting around a campfire with people," he says. "Things just seem to emerge. Stories happen organically, people share and connect in a way unique to the space a campfire creates."

Because attendees are taking in so much information in three short days, David believes that offering a space where people can "connect, take a breath, and check in with themselves" allows for calm recentering and reflection on all they've learned. "Everyone is taking in so much content," he says. "Around the Campfires, we have a chance to think, listen, and share what internal content might surface."

Each Campfire will have a theme and be facilitated by SPARC leaders. Casual activities designed to generate thought and reflection, like questions, writing prompts, journaling, and music, will provide an informal structure and allow for optional sharing and conversations. And, of course, s'more-making supplies will be available.

The timing of Campfires is intentional. While it offers a lower-key activity for anyone who prefers a quieter conference evening, it also allows attendees to catch the last hour of Karaoke on Monday and the last hour of Game Night on Tuesday.

Campfire 1: First Light--A SPARC Welcome Gathering

Offering a casual, quieter way to relax after a day of travel and meet new friends, Sunday's First Light Campfire will guide you into the days ahead with reflection and intention. Through prompts and sharing, attendees can center themselves, think about what they want to gain from their time in Scottsdale, and even enjoy a signature Campfire cocktail crafted especially for the evening (rumor has it that it may be like a "s'more for adults").

Campfire 2: Embers Within--Centering Yourself as a Leader

For Tuesday's Campfire, SPARC leaders will invite thoughts, experiences, and conversations about your career as an auxiliary leader. How do you feel about where you are now? What are the challenges you face? What do you love about your job? What are your leadership aspirations? Unlike conference sessions which offer tools, hands-on activities, and skills, this gathering is about sharing more personal thoughts and ideas.

Campfire 3: Path and Purpose--Reflecting on Your Personal Journey

For our last gathering on Wednesday, the theme will reflect Ignite Session Speaker Brodrick Clarke's message of connecting to the "why" of auxiliary work. Attendees will consider the impact of their roles on the lives of their campers and participants, considering its significance to them and their families. Share your "why" with your peers--and, by now, new friends--as we say good bye to Scottsdale until we gather again next year.

Fore more information on Campfires, check out our full conference schedule. We hope to see you there!

SPARC members receive discounted rates on conference registration as well as free access to webinars, roundtables, professional development tools, and unparalleled community support on SPARC connect. Join us today!