ACA, New England’s North Star
June 16, 2026
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The partner for all camps in New England: a network where professionals belong, and every camp finds their path to thrive.
Earlier this year in March, after months of work and consideration, ACA, New England’s Board of Directors adopted a North Star to help guide the organization’s work and remind us of the greater, lasting importance of camp. Our mission and values remain firm, and we’re confident this North Star will only strengthen the foundation and future opportunities we create in camping. Keep scrolling for more from our outgoing and incoming Board Presidents about the creation of the North Star and the season 1 finale of the New England Camp Podcast featuring Ian, Jeff, and the North Star.
Letters From the Presidents
Ian Moorhouse (Wheeler School) – Past President
Dear Members of ACA, New England,
My nan always said to me, “no matter where you are in the world, look up to the North Star and know I will be looking at it too.”
As a young camp staffer from England living in the United States, that advice always gave me a sense of calm, belonging, and clear direction. Years later, throughout my time as an ACA, New England volunteer—and even more so as Board President—that same guiding principle remained vital. While our community has always known who we are, my goal as President was to establish an intentional path for our future, using our own “North Star” to guide the work ahead.
To do this, the Board of Directors and staff dug in over the last year. We listened closely to what matters most to our stakeholders, ensuring this direction truly met the needs, aspirations, and goals of our members. This past March, during a lively and passionate meeting, we formally adopted our new North Star.
As I hand over the reins to Jeff Gleason, I am incredibly excited to see where this direction takes us, and at the heart of it all is you; our membership. This journey has been unforgettable, and the road ahead is exceptionally bright.
Thank you for everything. Please keep reaching out, staying connected, and have an amazing summer!
Jeff Gleason (YMCA Camp of Maine) – Board President
Hello! I’ve reached the point where my “to-do” list turns into “Fall action items”. My Leadership Team is at camp polishing plans for Staff Training, and the kitchen is buzzing with prepping, cleaning, and most importantly, testing new recipes. Most of the grass has even been cut!
This summer, I get to conduct two Accreditation visits, and I’m excited to see those programs in motion. Visiting camps gives me a rare few hours away from my own bubble to connect with peers and see the great work happening across our field. I always return energized to keep doing the good work we do.
Everyone in camping is on my mind right now. As we all put final touches on summer preparations, I hope you’re thinking about your people: how you’ve prepared them, how you’ll bring the best out of them, how you’ll handle the silly and serious moments, and how we all will show up each day.
ACA, New England’s newly adopted North Star is designed to help YOU answer those questions. By focusing steadfastly on camp professionals, ACA, New England is committed to providing support, training, networks, and opportunities that help us grow—so our camps can grow, and so our campers can grow.
I hope your summer is a success. I look forward to gathering in the fall and hearing about your challenges, triumphs, and plans for the future. Remember, ACA, New England is here for YOU. Reach out when you need an idea, an extra ear, a helping hand, or someone to celebrate a win—big or small.
Have fun and do good.