ACA, New England: New Camp Director Workshop

(a 101-level offering)

ACA, New England’s New Camp Director Workshop is a fast-paced, one-day program designed to give new and aspiring camp directors greater understanding of the scope and key functions of the professional role of the camp director, including the following:

• Transition to Leadership and the Camp Director Role
• Knowing your Camp – mission & values, culture, your audience
• The Business of Camp – finances, policies & procedures, continuous improvement
• Risk Management & Emergency Planning – best practices, mandated reporting, assessing risk, emergency action plans, and crisis response
• Building and Managing a Team – recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, retention
• Hot Topics & things you don’t think of

Participants will also be assigned a “Resource Group” with other attendees and an instructor and can expect the opportunity to connect with them at least three times within a year of taking the course.

Ideal participants are full-time and part-time camp directors in their first three years of the role, and aspiring camp directors. 

The course is taught by instructors from a variety of different camp backgrounds who have at least 7 years of experience as a camp director.

Participants will come away from the day with:

• A welcome to the American Camp Association, New England, which serves camps throughout the region with programming, resources, and accreditation services;
• Increased knowledge related to the topics above;
• A library of handouts and resources to utilize; and
• Connection with experienced instructors and a network of new colleagues to connect with for ongoing support

ACA Core Competencies covered in this workshop:

• Business Management
• Evaluation
• Family & Connection
• Health & Wellness
• Human Resources
• Leadership
• Risk Management
• Youth Development

*Please note: this course does not cover basic youth development, curriculum, or program design principles.

When: Wednesday, March 25, 2026; 8:00am to 6:00pm

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, Manchester NH

Member Price: $110

Non-Member Price: $140

The New Camp Director Workshop is a full-day program. Attendance for the entirety of the program is required to receive education credits and a certificate of completion. 

Have questions? Reach out to Gillian, Events & Logistics Manager, at gillian@acanewengland.org, or call our office at 781-541-6080

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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.