This group is designed for day camp directors with one to five summers in their director role looking to deepen and further develop their experiences, skills, and networks with other day camp directors.

What do we mean by director? You have director in your title AND you oversee key leadership functions at your camp such as budgeting and finances, developing policies and procedures, risk management, the staffing cycle, and program evaluation and strategic planning. We know Camp Director roles can vary, so if you’re not sure if this is a fit for you, reach out and let’s chat!

Building community with colleagues from other day camps throughout New England is an important part of staying connected in our industry. As you develop your leadership skills and grow in your role as director, we invite you to be a part of this cohort of like-minded colleagues. Join us for a series of monthly facilitated discussions (October to May) where you’ll have the opportunity to share ideas and resources, get feedback, troubleshoot challenges, and explore opportunities in a safe and professional space.

Topics will be flexible based on the group’s needs/interests, but may include:
• What it means to be a leader
• Building and supporting your team
• Business considerations (risk management, budgeting, marketing & enrollment)
• Camp culture and traditions
• Transportation
• Caregiver engagement

This series is not designed to be a how-to, but an interactive discussion-based opportunity for directors looking to build their professional network and resource sharing as leaders

Ian Moorhouse, a strategic day camp leader with more than 30 years of industry experience in roles ranging from Director to Executive Director to Chief Operating Officer and a long-time instructor of ACA, New England’s New Camp Director Workshop, will facilitate the sessions. His role will be to encourage participant-led discussions, provide resources, offer observations and insights, all while keeping the conversation and session flowing!

Dates & Rates:

• Thursday, October 22 – Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
• Thursday, November 19 – In-person at ACANE, 10 am – 1 pm
• Thursday, December 10 – Hybrid option (ACANE office/Zoom), 10 am – 1 pm
• Thursday, January 7 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• Thursday, February 4 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• Thursday, March 4 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• March 18 or 19 – In-Person during New England Camp Conference (date and time TBD)
• Thursday, April 8 – In-person at ACANE, 10 am – 1 pm
• Thursday, May 6 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am

Member Price: $279

Non-Member Price: $329

This cohort has a minimum of 10 participants to run and a maximum of 24 participants. Registration is for one individual for the entire series and is non-refundable. Sessions WILL NOT be recorded to encourage engagement, open sharing, and confidentiality.

Financial assistance is available. To request assistance, please fill out this form.

Please reach out to Kerry Salvo at kerry@acanewengland.org with questions.

About the Facilitator:

Ian Moorhouse, Newer Day Camp Director Resource Community Facilitator

Originally from England, Ian began his career in the United States as a young summer camp staffer—a foundational experience that ignited his lifelong passion for youth development, staff mentorship, and community building. Over the past 30 years, he has built a diverse leadership portfolio, progressing through roles as a camp counselor, senior boys director, director of campus programs, executive director, and chief operating officer.

A dedicated advocate and leader for the education and camping industries, Ian recently served as the Board President for the American Camp Association (ACA), New England. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s future by helping to develop its strategic “North Star,” a guiding initiative designed to better support and connect camp professionals across the region.

Known for his commitment to operational excellence and volunteerism, Ian continues to be a driving force in creating opportunities for educators, camp professionals, and youth to thrive. Above all, he strives to bring joy, happiness, and a sense of fun to his work and his daily life.

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Not a newer day camp director? We have a Newer Overnight Camp Director Resource Community happening this year too. Click HERE for more info!

Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.

Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.