The First Annual Convention
The first annual convention (now the New England Camp Conference) is held by the New England Section of the NADGC.
CDAA changes its name to ACA
- CDAA changes its name again, to become the American Camping Association, Inc. (ACA) This name would not change again until 2004.
- New England Camp Directors Association returns as a Section of ACA.
New England Section Members Send Representatives to Washington D.C
New England Section members send representatives to Washington D.C. to arrange war-time transportation of campers. Members voiced the need for a full-time person and office to plan the annual convention.
Mrs. Ruth H. Griffin is Appointed Executive Secretary
New England Section appoints Mrs. Ruth H. Griffin Executive Secretary for 3 Months and opens office on December 1 at 14 Beacon Street, Boston, MA.
Marjorie S. Conzleman is Hired as Executive Secretary
New England Section hires Marjorie S. Conzleman as Executive Secretary. The office began offering assistance and education to those seeking camps for their children.
Barbara Learoyd Becomes Executive Secretary
Barbara Learoyd takes over as Executive Secretary on May 1st.
NECA conducts ‘Camper Census’
NECA conducts ‘Camper Census’ – 65,000-75,000 campers are served by NECA camps. 250,000 attend camps in New England.
The National Office of ACA Moves to Martinsville, Indiana
- The national office of ACA moves to Martinsville, Indiana – where it remains today.
- NECA Offices move to 110 Tremont Street, Boston, MA.
Velma Stone as Executive Secretary
Velma Stone takes over as Executive Secretary.
Terry Phinney Becomes Executive ‘Director’
- Terry Phinney takes over as Executive ‘Director’.
- NECA Offices move to 687 Boylston Street, Boston, MA.
$1.3 Million Donated for the Phinney Wing
ACA members donate $1.3 million to fund an addition, the Phinney Wing, to the ACA National Office in Indiana to honor ACA/NES Executive Director Theresa (Terry) Phinney.
Bette Bussel Becomes Executive Director
Bette Bussel takes over as Executive Director.
ACA/NES Offices Move to Natick
ACA/NES offices move to 214 North Main Street, Suite #104, Natick, MA.
Now Known as American Camp Association
- The American Camping Association changed its name to American Camp Association to clarify the mission and purpose of the organization.
- ACA/NES becomes known as American Camping Association of New England (ACANE).
Officially Named ACA, New England
- Though still incorporated as NECA, “ACANE” officially begins doing business as American Camp Association, New England. (ACA, New England or ACA, NE)
- ACA, New England launched its first capital campaign to raise funds for new office space to meet the growing needs of its service area.
ACA, New England Offices Move to Lexington, MA
After a successful capital campaign, ACA, New England moved its offices to 80 Westview Street, Lexington, MA.
Michele Rowcliffe Becomes Executive Director
After three decades of leadership, Bette Bussel retired, but not before welcoming Michele Rowcliffe as the new Executive Director for the American Camp Association, New England. Michele previously spent nearly 25-years in camping and camp leadership with the YMCA of Greater Rochester.
100th New England Camp Conference
In 2020, we celebrated the longest running camp conference in the country.