Recap: Summer Camp by P&V 2026
Practical Insights, Meaningful Connections & a Little Monterey Magic.
Some conferences leave you with a notebook full of notes, but the best ones leave you with new ideas, lasting relationships, and renewed energy for the work ahead.
Just as the marine layer over Monterey slowly gives way to sunshine each morning, we hope Summer Camp by P&V helped provide confidence and a fresh perspective to the important work waiting during the school year ahead.
This year, school psychologists, administrators, special education leaders, program specialists, and educators came together along the California coast with one shared purpose: to leave more equipped, more connected, and more inspired to serve their students and communities.
From the first welcome to the final farewell, Summer Camp felt less like a conference, and more like a gathering of friends and colleagues who genuinely wanted to learn and grow with one another.
Day One: Guidance on Legal Developments “GOLD”
We kicked off Day 1 of Summer Camp with Pastries with P&V and GOLD at The Barns at Cooper Molera, where the relaxed, camp-inspired atmosphere set the tone for meaningful conversations and shared visions.
Attendees spent the day exploring preschool to kindergarten programming and assessment practices, as well as legal developments impacting California schools. Our guest speakers challenged attendees to think differently, sparking valuable discussions and offering fresh takeaways on current issues impacting schools across California.
Between sessions, conversations continued over coffee and shared meals, in a sunny courtyard gathering, because the best professional development rarely ends when the presentation does.
As the sun set on Day 1, conversations continued during one of our favorite Summer Camp traditions: Campfire Chats, at The Portola Hotel & Spa. Gathered around the outdoor fire pits, attendees had the opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day’s learning while mingling with colleagues in a relaxed setting.
Day Two: Breakout Sessions
After a peaceful start to the morning for those who joined us for Beachside Yoga, we welcomed guests to Day Two at the Monterey Conference Center. During Day 2, the focus shifted toward legal compliance and practical guidance, with presentations delivered by experts in their fields, providing actionable strategies attendees could immediately bring back to their LEAs.
To better serve attendees at every stage of their professional journey, Day Two featured two distinct learning tracks:
Our First-Year Campers track welcomed those new to special education and those who were looking to strengthen or refresh their foundation. Sessions focused on defensible assessments and IEPs from the practical and best practices lens.
Meanwhile, our Experienced Campers track invited seasoned professionals and those looking to dive deeper into nuanced topics to engage with experts in the field. In this breakout strand, experts shared best practices and practical insights on assessing students with verbal and cognitive delays and assessing English Language Learners. We ended the day discussing best practices on how to goal set and review your special education programs. The conversations were rich with thoughtful questions, focusing on strategies that could make an immediate impact at the school site.
Again and again, we heard the same message in this year’s survey responses:
“The information was both informative and immediately useful.”
Another attendee appreciated the practical approach, sharing:
“Clear guidelines and examples of what to do—and what not to do.”
This has always been our goal. We believe great professional learning should leave attendees feeling more confident than when they arrived. And we believe we accomplished just that this year!
More Than Professional Development
While the presentations are at the heart of Summer Camp, we believe the experience matters just as much.
It’s the oversized camp mug that becomes your new favorite go-to cup. The task notebook filled with ideas you’ll refer to again and again. The welcome bag waiting at check-in. Morning yoga overlooking the Monterey Bay. The warm and beautiful environment of the conference itself, with gingham tablecloths and fresh florals. The laughter between sessions. And possibly most importantly, the conversations that remind you you’re not doing this work alone.
Every detail is intentional because every single attendee experience matters to us.
When attendees tell us they felt both cared for and challenged professionally, we know we’ve accomplished what we set out to cultivate for our Campers.
Summer Camp 2027
For us, the real work begins after Summer Camp ends.
Every survey response has been carefully combed through. This year’s feedback affirmed so much of what makes Summer Camp special, and it has also given us thoughtful ideas to make Summer Camp even better in the future. Attendees shared appreciation for the quality of the presentations, the organization of the event, the beauty of the venues, and the opportunity to learn from both P&V attorneys and experts.
Some of our favorite comments included:
"The conference provided a good blend of legal do’s and don’ts and best practices content without overwhelming the audience to lose hope in the public educator's mission to help develop young minds."
"For me personally, I'm starting my career so it was informative without being overwhelming."
"Everything was very informative and relevant to what many districts are currently dealing with."
"LOVE this conference! We will be back in 2027!"
Behind every Summer Camp is a year’s worth of planning, countless conversations, a level of intentionality and care that is unparalleled, and an incredible team committed to creating an experience that feels thoughtful from beginning to end. Hearing that attendees felt welcomed, cared for, and inspired is the greatest compliment we could receive.
Listening first. Planning second. That’s one tradition we’ll always keep.
Looking Ahead
As we packed up the flowers and tablecloths, folded up the camp signs, and said our goodbyes under Monterey’s coastal skies, one thing became abundantly clear. Summer Camp is more than another legal conference; it is about the community and the students whose lives are impacted when educators return to their schools with renewed energy for the year ahead and with confidence and practical tools to better serve their communities.
To every attendee, presenter, and member of our P&V team: thank you for making Summer Camp by P&V 2026 one to remember.
We’re already dreaming about Summer Camp 2027, and we can’t wait to welcome you back. We already have some amazing surprises planned!
Until then, thank you to our Campers for continuing to lead with compassion, asking thoughtful questions, doing the work that changes students’ lives every single day, and for pouring your hearts into your work.
So, what do you say, can we save you a seat around next year’s campfire?
Written by: Katie Elm, September 2, 2026
Please contact katie@pvllp.law to request more info about this annual event.This posting may be considered advertising or an advertisement under the applicable laws and ethical rules. This posting is for informational and promotional purposes only and should not be considered legal advice and creates no attorney-client relationship. No representations, testimonials, or endorsements contained in this posting constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any legal matter. If you have questions about this posting, you can direct them to Aimee Perry, Founding Partner, at Perry & Villarreal, LLP, 1610 R Street, Ste. 300, Sacramento, CA 95811. Or you may call her at 916.340.2204.