Nearly nine in ten attendees rated the event Excellent, with an average recommendation score of 9.5 out of 10. What they remember most is the connection.
MUSKOKA, ONTARIO, [RELEASE DATE] — CAMP CSSA 2026, held from 27 to 29 May at Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka, has wrapped as one of the most highly rated events on the Canadian swim school calendar. The numbers are strong. The stories behind them are stronger.
CAMP CSSA was designed to feel different. Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka takes real effort to reach, which is part of the point. Once Canadian Swim Schoolers arrive, the daily grind drops away and the room opens up.
This year that showed up everywhere. On the Glow & Goggles night the dance floor filled with people who, by their own admission, had never danced at a conference in their lives. In the breakout sessions, SwimSchoolers who compete for the same local families swapped systems, scripts and hard-won lessons without a second thought. By the time people headed home, the words they reached for were community, connection and genuine.
That is the quiet engine of CAMP CSSA. Get good people in one place, away from the noise, give them room to be themselves and the rest follows. The professional development is excellent. The relationships are what last.
The feedback backs up the feeling in the room. The overwhelming majority of attendees rated CAMP CSSA 2026 Excellent. The average likelihood-to-recommend score landed at 9.5 out of 10, with most giving it a top mark. Attendees were unanimous that the event delivered real value for their time away from the business.
They travelled from across Canada to be there, from the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Quebec, Alberta and southwestern Ontario, alongside international guests from the United States and Australia. Asked to sum up the event in one word, they offered “transformational”, “epic”, “invigorating” and “genuine”.
The programme leaned into business and personal development rather than day-to-day operations, and it landed. Keynote speaker Brad J. Anderson was the most frequently named highlight, with sessions from Cody Adent, Tiernan Murphy, Barbara Smith and Chris Porter also drawing strong praise. The “bird” customer-personality framework, the Customer Service Blueprint and operational scorecards were among the most cited takeaways heading back into attendees’ businesses.
For CSSA Executive Director Luke Daly, the connection was the point.
“Watching CAMP CSSA come together was a genuine highlight. Canadian SwimSchoolers travelled a long way to be in one room. They showed up ready to share. That generosity is rare. People left with plans they can actually act on. What stuck with me was the connection. When operators open up about what’s working in their own business, the whole industry lifts. That’s the part I’m here for.”
— Luke Daly, Executive Director, Canadian Swim Schools Association (CSSA)
CSSA Board Chair Tiernan Murphy said the credit belonged to the community that turned up to build it.
“As a board, we set out to build something that felt different from the usual conference. CAMP CSSA was never going to be rows of chairs and slide decks. We wanted our SwimSchoolers to leave with sharper businesses and stronger friendships. Watching the room come together this year, on the dance floor and in the breakout rooms, told us we got it right. This community is our greatest asset. This result belongs to every SwimSchooler who showed up ready to share. On behalf of the board, thank you for making CAMP CSSA what it is.”
— Tiernan Murphy, Chair of the Board, Canadian Swim Schools Association (CSSA)
Attendees were quick to share what stayed with them.
“This was my first CSSA conference and I truly am so grateful for this experience. The atmosphere and overall vibe of this event is just so genuine. Everyone is there to learn, network and share ideas together.”
— Avery Mutlow, True Blue Swim
“The relationships I’ve formed with fellow Canadian swim school owners have genuinely changed my life. The support, collaboration and friendships I’ve found through this community have been invaluable.”
— Julia Surette, Brave Waves Swim School
“The level of organisation was evident in every detail, from the networking events to the presenters. The sessions were insightful and inspiring. Looking forward to being part of the next one.”
— Julia Ham, Hampton Swim School
“The camp vibe fit very well with our industry … a great vibe once we were there.”
— Catherine Kochel, Finan Swim School
Highlights from CAMP CSSA 2026 are available to view and share.
Event highlights video: https://vimeo.com/1201952518?share=copy&fl=cl&fe=ci
Photo gallery:
Planning for the next CAMP CSSA is already underway. If there was one consistent request in the feedback, it was for more time together, with several attendees asking for a longer programme and additional networking. On this result, demand for 2027 looks set to be strong.
About CSSA
The Canadian Swim Schools Association (CSSA) supports Canada’s SwimSchoolers, the swim school owners and operators across the country, through education, connection and shared best practice. Its flagship event, CAMP CSSA, brings the community together each year for learning, leadership and genuine connection.
Media contact
Luke Daly, Executive Director, CSSA