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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T110000
DTSTAMP:20260421T073406
CREATED:20250903T140604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T180102Z
UID:14402-1767952800-1767956400@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Coffee & Camp Chat
DESCRIPTION:Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly space for informal\, yet purposeful\, discussion among summer camp people! Sip your favorite beverage as we share insights\, swap stories\, and discuss trends in camping. Cozy into your Friday with fellow camp folk while we brew ideas\, forge new connections\, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp! \nFor more information or to suggest a topic for a future Chat\, email bud@acanewengland.org  \nCoffee & Camp Chat is free and open to everyone in camping!
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/coffee-camp-chat-2026-01-09/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education,Coffee & Camp Chat
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ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T130000
DTSTAMP:20260421T073406
CREATED:20251114T155024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T190643Z
UID:14909-1767960000-1767963600@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to MESH(+) Seal: Virtual Info Session
DESCRIPTION:An Introduction to the MESH(+) Seal:\nAt a time when young people and adults are all longing to be seen\, feel heard\, and sense authentic connection\, ACH is exploring the best ways to elevate care for healthier communities. Your desire to obtain the MESH(+) Seal helps us reach that goal by creating an opportunity to examine your program through a comprehensive well-being lens. \nThe MESH(+) Seal program recognizes camps and programs that intentionally evaluate and integrate Mental\, Emotional\, and Social Health(+) throughout their operations. MESH(+) Seal programs consciously incorporate practices and strategies that enhance mental health\, emotional resilience\, social development\, and overall well-being in meaningful ways. \nMESH(+) is a framework that strives to create intentional communities by integrating mental\, emotional and social health into the personal and collective camp experiences. MESH(+) does this through providing resources and evidence-based models to camps for evaluation of activities (or ‘values’) in four key pillars (program\, training\, screening and medical). \nThe MESH(+) Seal application process serves as a valuable analysis and reflection framework as you develop your program’s comprehensive approach to camper and staff well-being. Join us so you can identify opportunities to become a part of the #MovementOfCare and to create and #EcosytemOfWellBeing in a meaningful way through current best practice. \nThis is a free virtual info session for camps who are interested in learning more about the MESH(+) Seal before applying. The submission window for applications is October 1\, 2025 to March 1\, 2026. \nJoin ACA\, New England and the Alliance for Camp Health on January 9\, 2026 at 12:00pm ET to explore how the MESH(+) Seal is helping leaders elevate care by weaving mental\, emotional\, and social health into every part of camp life. \nClick Here to Register \nFor questions about the info session\, reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Coordinator at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106. \nFor questions about the MESH(+) Seal\, reach out to Nikki Alvarado-Hobbs\, Program Director at Alliance for Camp Health\, at nikki@allianceforcamphealth.org \nUse 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.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/introduction-to-mesh-seal-virtual-info-session-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MESH-Logo-SIZED.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260112T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260112T140000
DTSTAMP:20260421T073406
CREATED:20251120T191727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T193915Z
UID:14942-1768222800-1768226400@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Emergency Preparedness at Camp: A Panel Discussion with Chalmers Camp Insurance
DESCRIPTION:Emergency action planning has become a critical focus across the camp community following the devastating flooding in Texas this past summer. This timely webinar brings camp professionals together to learn from peers who have navigated real-life emergencies and discover why a strong camp culture is just as essential as well-crafted policies. \nOur panel will share their experiences and highlight key emergency management resources to support programs before\, during\, and after a crisis. Whether you’re refining an existing plan or building one from the ground up\, this session will provide actionable insights to help you prepare with confidence. \nPanelists: \n\nJolly Corley\, Co-Director\, Camp Robindel\nTony Oyenarte\, Camp Director\, Camp Emerson\nTonya Roy\, Director of Quality Controls\, YMCA of the USA\nKatie Johnson\, Senior Risk Consultant\, Chalmers Camp Insurance\n\nWhen: January 12\, 2026 at 1:00pm EDT \nWhere: Zoom (link will be provided prior to the start of the session) \nCost: FREE \nClick Here to Register \n*This program is offered by Chalmers Camp Insurance as part of their partnership with ACA\, New England.*\nQuestions\, reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Coordinator at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106. \nUse 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.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/emergency-preparedness-at-camp-a-panel-discussion-with-chalmers-camp-insurance/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Chalmers-11226.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T160000
DTSTAMP:20260421T073406
CREATED:20251030T130823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T185638Z
UID:14821-1769072400-1769097600@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Youth Mental Health First Aid (blended course)
DESCRIPTION:This is an 8-hour education program that teaches participants how to identify\, understand\, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity\, role-playing\, and simulations to demonstrate: \n\nHow to assess a mental health crisis\nHow to select interventions and provide initial help\nHow to connect young people to professional\, peer\, and social support\, as well as self-help care.\n\nThe course covers:\n\nCommon signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use challenges in this age group.\nHow to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.\nHow to connect the youth with help.\nExpanded content on trauma\, substance use\, self-care\, and the impact of social media and bullying.\n\nThis course is offered in a two-part format and both components must be completed to earn your certification: \n\n2.5 hours of pre-work\, which must be completed by Thursday\, January 15\, 2026\nLive\, virtual course from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Thursday\, January 22\, 2026\n\nWhat will participants learn?\nParticipants learn the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents including anxiety\, depression\, psychosis\, eating disorders\, AD/HD\, disruptive behavior disorders\, and substance use disorder. \nParticipants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness\, or who are in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-aged youth\, ages 8-18. \nParticipants do not learn to diagnose\, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling.  \nWho should take this course?\nThis course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents\, and who are either ACA\, New England members or who work at camps located in Western Massachusetts. \nWe are able to provide this course free of charge to ACA\, New England members thanks to a SAMHSA grant \nWho created this course?\nThe National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the United States. Mental Health First Aid USA worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program. \n\nDates & Rates\nWhen: Thursday\, January 22\, 2026\, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Thursday\, January 15 to qualify for the in-person portion of this course). \nWhere: Online. Participants will receive a Zoom link no later than 24 hours prior to the program. \nCost: This course is FREE for ACA\, New England members and folks who work at camps in Western Massachusetts (parameters of the grant funding to support this course). \n*Because this course results in a certification\, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*\nClick here to register! \nRegistration Information:\nThis course is nearing capacity. If the course is full\, please email gillian@acanewengland.org with your interest. We will offer another course in the spring.\nThis workshop has a maximum capacity of 15 participants. \nOnce you register through ACA\, New England\, additional communication about the course will come from the course instructors/the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. You will then receive an email with additional details on how to access the pre-work through the Mental Health First Aid Portal. Please allow time to receive that email. Pre-work should be completed by Thursday\, January 15 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program (some flexibility exists if you need a few extra days\, just let us know). \nRegistrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event\, provided there is enough time for that individual to complete the mandatory pre-work. \nQuestions: Reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/youth-mental-health-first-aid-blended-course-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Youth-Mental-Health-First-Aid-graphic-1-e1744219340114.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T110000
DTSTAMP:20260421T073406
CREATED:20250903T140604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T173008Z
UID:14403-1769162400-1769166000@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Coffee & Camp Chat
DESCRIPTION:Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly space for informal\, yet purposeful\, discussion among summer camp people! Sip your favorite beverage as we share insights\, swap stories\, and discuss trends in camping. Cozy into your Friday with fellow camp folk while we brew ideas\, forge new connections\, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp! \nFor more information or to suggest a topic for a future Chat\, email bud@acanewengland.org  \nCoffee & Camp Chat is free and open to everyone in camping! \n  \nThis Coffee & Camp Chat is sponsored by our partners at Chalmers Camp Insurance.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/coffee-camp-chat-2026-01-23/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education,Coffee & Camp Chat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/coffee-and-camp-chat-multi-mug-2025-e1735919622879.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260127T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260127T120000
DTSTAMP:20260421T073406
CREATED:20251030T130723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T185954Z
UID:14815-1769511600-1769515200@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:AI Essentials for Camp Professionals: From First Prompt to Custom Assistant
DESCRIPTION:Summer camps are often technology-free for campers\, but camp professionals are discovering that AI tools can help them work smarter. This hands-on 60-minute workshop takes you from complete beginner to building your own custom AI assistant – no technical experience required \nThis is a workshop\, not a lecture. You’ll need access to an AI platform during the session (free accounts work fine)\, and we’ll build together. Perfect for anyone who’s curious but hasn’t really dove in yet\, or for folks who’ve been experimenting but want to understand the fundamentals better. \nBy the end\, you’ll have practical skills\, working examples\, and a custom tool you build yourself. \nDates & Rates\nWhen: Tuesday\, January 27\, 2026; 11:00am to 12:00pm EDT \nWhere: Zoom (meeting links will be sent prior to the start of the session). This session will be recorded. \nCost: Members $25; non-Members $40 \nClick here to register!\nAbout the Instructor\nJoseph Rosenbaum | CEO | Synaptic Labs \n \n  \nJoseph has an MSW from Boston College and over 10 years of experience in nonprofits and adult education. Joseph co-founded Synaptic Labs\, an AI Agency dedicated to providing equitable access to AI for nonprofits and small businesses through education and integration services. \nLearn more about Synaptic Labs \n  \n  \n  \nQuestions\, reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106. \nUse 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.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/ai-essentials-for-camp-professionals-from-first-prompt-to-custom-assistant/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
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ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T120000
DTSTAMP:20260421T073406
CREATED:20251020T202840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T185849Z
UID:14734-1769684400-1769688000@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Interviewing with Intention\, Part 2: Reading Between the Lines - Interviewing New Staff with Intention\, Insight\, and Integrity
DESCRIPTION:Interviewing with Intention: A Two-Part Series for Camp Hiring Leaders\nHiring is one of the most important responsibilities a camp director has – but the interview process is often underused as a tool for growth\, learning\, and leadership development. In this two-part series\, Donna Johns-Thomas\, SHRM-CP\, founder of Indigo Consulting\, explores how to make every interview count. \nPart One helps camp leaders turn returning-staff conversations into opportunities for leadership building\, skill development\, and shared ownership of camp culture. \nPart Two focuses on interviewing new staff — asking better questions\, reducing bias\, and using what you learn to shape stronger\, more intentional pre-camp training. \nWhether you’re hiring your 100th counselor or your first\, these sessions will help you turn interviews into meaningful conversations that strengthen your team and your summer. \nReading Between the Lines: Interviewing New Staff with Intention\, Insight\, and Integrity\nAnyone who’s hired for camp long enough has said it – “I can tell within five minutes if they’ll be good.” But while instinct plays a role\, great hiring isn’t about hunches; it’s about information. Every interview is a chance to learn who this person might be in your camp community – how they’ll handle conflict\, feedback\, exhaustion\, and a bunk full of campers. The key is asking questions that reveal more than rehearsed answers. \nThis session focuses on how to design and conduct interviews that are engaging\, legally sound\, and deeply informative. Participants will learn to move beyond stock questions (“What’s your favorite part about working with kids?”) to ones that uncover mindset\, emotional intelligence\, and real readiness for camp life. We’ll discuss how to: \n\nStructure interviews that feel conversational yet consistent and purposeful.\nAsk questions that draw out authentic responses from Gen Z candidates.\nAvoid bias traps and recognize how personal assumptions can cloud judgment.\nNavigate interviews for “must-fill” roles when ideal candidates aren’t available — assessing risk\, readiness\, and potential while meeting supervision ratios.\n\nWe’ll also explore how to use what’s learned in interviews to shape pre-camp training. If multiple staff express anxiety about parent communication or camper behavior management\, that’s not just an individual concern — it’s a training theme. When interview insights directly inform staff development\, teams feel heard\, supported\, and better prepared for the summer ahead. \nRegistration Info:\nWhen: Thursday January 29. 2026; 11:00am to 12:00pm (eastern) \nWhere: Zoom (link provided prior to the start of the session). This session will be recorded. \nCost: $25 for Members; $40 for non-Members \nClick here to register \nRegistration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your organization. Registration in based on individual membership status. \nAbout the Instructor\n \nDonna Johns-Thomas\, SHRM-CP\, is the founder of Indigo Consulting\, providing training\, strategy\, and HR-informed support for camps and youth-serving organizations. An HR-certified camp professional\, Donna brings over 30 years of experience in camp\, human resources\, and professional development. She previously served as Director of Learning & Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and as Director of Professional Development for the American Camp Association\, New England. Known for her humor\, clarity\, and real-world approach\, Donna helps camp professionals turn everyday challenges into opportunities for connection\, growth\, and stronger workplace culture. Her sessions combine insight\, practicality\, and just enough edge to keep things real. \nLearn more about Donna at IndigoConsultingJT.com \n  \nQuestions\, reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106. \nUse 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.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/interviewing-with-intention-part-2-reading-between-the-lines-interviewing-new-staff-with-intention-insight-and-integrity/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Interviewing-with-Intention-Part-2-graphic-450x450-4.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
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