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

What do we mean by director? You have director in your title AND you are the decision-maker at your camp. This includes having responsibility for: budgeting and fiscal oversight, strategic planning, health, safety, and risk management protocols, policy creation and enforcement, and overall staff leadership and management. If you’re not sure if this is a fit for your role, reach out and let’s chat!

Building community with colleagues from other overnight 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 for each session will be determined based on the group’s needs/interests, which will be discussed during the first session, but may include:
• Leadership v. management
• Human resources and staff development
• Budgeting and financial planning
• Strategic decision-making
• Facilities management
• Marketing and enrollment
• Camper and staff retention
• Industry trends

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

Mark Lipof, Director/Co-Owner of Camp Micah with over 40 years of camping experience, 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:

• Friday, October 16 – Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
• Friday, November 6 – In-person at ACANE, 10 am – 1 pm
• Friday, December 11 – Hybrid option (you and anyone who wants to be in-person at ACANE, but a Zoom option too), 10 am – 1 pm
• Friday, January 8 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• Friday, February 5 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• Friday, March 5 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• March 18 or 19 – In-Person during New England Camp Conference (date and time TBD)
• Friday, April 9 – In-person at ACANE, 10 am – 1 pm
• Friday, May 7 – 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:

Mark Lipof, LICSW

Mark Lipof, Newer Overnight Camp Directors Resource Community Facilitator

With over 40 years of camping experience as a camper, counselor, head counselor and camp administrator, Mark Lipof is now the Co-Owner and Founding Director of Camp Micah.

Mark graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and earned a High School teacher certification. He then graduated from the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work with an MSW and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

Mark’s experience with youth is extensive and includes evaluation and counseling of at-risk youth and residential camp experience at most administrative levels. From 1990 – 2005, Mark held many positions at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, MA, including Synagogue Administrator, Counselor, and Youth Director. In 1995, he became the founding Director of the Ansin Religious School of Ohabei Shalom. Mark currently serves on the Board of Directors of Maine Summer Camps and is a member of Maine Camp Experience and ACA, New England. He takes pride in the culture of acceptance and the importance of building resilience in campers at Micah.

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

We will also have an Overnight Assistant Camp Director Resource Community launching this fall, if that feels like a better fit for your role. Check back for more information soon!

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.