American Camp Association New England

Summer and Auxiliary Programs Workshop: Thinking About Measurement, Data Collection, and Analysis
2020-01-30 13:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Nobles and Greenough School, 10 Campus Dr, Dedham, MA, 02026
Attendees will receive 3 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for their participation.

Data matters. We all track and look at data benchmarks before, during, and post-camp. Do you ever wonder why you track some things, how to best use the data you’ve collected, if you’re missing something important, or what other summer/auxiliary programs at independent schools are analyzing? Join us for an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues (please come prepared to share the what and how of your program’s data collection), hear what other programs track, share your process and how you use the information you collect, and to ask/answer questions about each other’s practices. Georgia Hall, PhD, Director of the National Institute on Out-of-School Time, will facilitate the day’s program.

Proposed Agenda

Welcome
Why does data matter and what do we measure? – Presentation by Georgia Hall
Small group discussions on data-related questions that matter to you.
Lunch (included in cost of program)
Action mapping exercise.
Wrap-up.

Georgia Hall, Ph.D.

Georgia is Senior Research Scientist and Director of the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) and Associate Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW). Hall specializes in research and evaluation on youth development programs, settings, and learning experiences. Her work has focused extensively on strategies to improve out-of-school time program quality along with investigations of summer learning programs and STEM initiatives for girls. Hall serves as principal investigator on several multi-year research projects and is a frequent presenter at national conferences, seminars, and meetings.

Snow Date
If school at Nobles and Greenough is cancelled due to inclement weather, our event will be postponed to a scheduled snow date of February 4, 2020. If this is the case, we will also send an e-Mail notifying participants as soon as we become aware of the situation.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: January 30, 2020 from 10:00AM – 1:30PM (RSVP required)
Where: Nobles and Greenough School
10 Campus Drive
Dedham, MA 02026
Cost: $25/members; $30/non-members
Registration Information
Online registration has closed for this event. Please email Kerry Salvo, kerry@acanewengland.org, as limited spots may still be available.

Program registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another individual from your camp by contacting ACA, New England. We do not offer refunds for the workshop due to weather if the program runs as scheduled.

Virtual Book Group Discussion - Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well
2020-02-05 09:30 - 10:30 | Zoom
Click here for Guiding Prompts/Questions to think of while you read.

We know that evaluation and feedback is a topic relevant to all of us at camp – how and when do we give feedback? Is the person we are talking with receiving feedback in the way we intended? How do we process feedback and does it change based on the situation, the person giving it, or even the setting?
If this resonates with you, we encourage you to pick up a copy of Thanks for the Feedback: The science and art of receiving feedback well, read it, and join us for a FREE Zoom-based discussion about the book on February 5, 2020.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: February 5, 2020 from 9:30AM – 10:30AM (RSVP required)
Where: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: FREE (but registration is required)
Registration Information
Click Here to Register
Once you register, the Zoom link will be sent to you in a separate email the week prior to the book group discussion.
Guiding Prompts/Questions
We are excited for our upcoming discussion about this book. The book is full of lots of great topics and we can’t possibly cover them all in an hour, so here are some guiding questions to think about as you prepare:

The book talks about three types of feedback: appreciation, coaching, and evaluation.

Had you thought about feedback in this way before? What were some “ah-has” or takeaways you had about this? How have you seen this play out in your own life? How can you separate appreciation, coaching, and evaluation in your day-to-day (and at camp)?

There are many different things that can impact how we receive (and give feedback). Some of the ones mentioned in the book include:

Triggers (truth, relationship, identity)
Not seeing your own blind spots
Switchtracking
Relationship systems
Wiring and temperament (swing/recovery combination and growth/fixed identity)

Which of these resonate with you and why?
Can you think of a time when one of these areas caused friction? Knowing what you know now, is there a different way you could have handled things?

Thinking about all of the “ah-has,” learnings, and takeaways from the book, what are one or two things that you would like to apply or take action on in your own life or with your team at camp?

E.g. figuring out a way to share this with staff so we have the same language/feedback at camp is more successful;
Asking a colleague for the “one thing you see me doing that gets in my own way;” or
Identifying a supportive mirror and an honest mirror in your life

Avoid the Panic Hire: Take a Deep Breath Before Employing the Next Warm Body (Web-Based Session)
2020-02-28 10:30 - 11:30 | Zoom
Summer is near…the pressure to fill remaining positions heightens. It is easy to convince yourself the next warm body is good enough – a decision you may regret later. Stop. Take a deep breath and reflect on the intentional framework designed to build your staff team. Develop a plan allowing for the flexibility to secure additional veteran staff and hire your next rock stars. Act in ways that will avoid panic-hiring and move you closer to your vision for staff culture long term. Join Kim Aycock and Jolly Corley for this virtual, web-based session and come away with some new tools and ideas for your camp hiring!

About the Presenters
Kim Aycock
Kim Aycock, MST, has 30+ years of experience developing young people with skills robots are unable to do. While blending the talents of a master teacher with the knowledge of a seasoned camp expert, Kim ignites the learning for varying levels of campers and staff worldwide. She has the ability to connect with and motivate learners of all ages through her interactive and innovative presentations. Kim speaks professionally at regional and national conferences, presents webinars, contributes regularly to Camping Magazine and ACA blogs, and serves as Co-Chair of ACA’s Project Real Job Committee. More information can be found at: www.kimaycock.com.
Jolly Corley
Jolly Corley, M.S. works with 130 university students each summer at Camp Robindel. She has been involved in the camping industry in the mid-west and New England for over 20 years. The past 15+ years have been spent developing emerging leaders in camping through staff development. Jolly has given workshops at the Mid-States ACA conference, ACA National Conference, camps and businesses across the USA. Her undergraduate and graduate work revolved around leadership, group dynamics, experiential learning, philosophy and theatre. Using games, theatre and life experiences Jolly prepares staff to understand that our own experiences are the most useful tools for reflection and growth toward a solid foundation to becoming leaders for life. Jolly’s work takes her around the world collaborating with organizations in providing training to develop a staff culture that promotes personal and professional growth.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: February 28, 2020 from 10:30 am – 11:30 am (RSVP required)
Where: Virtual, via Zoom
Cost: $15/ACA-members; $35/non-members **Take advantage of this great introductory pricing on ACA, New England’s web-based learning opportunity.**
Registration Information
Register HERE
Once you register, the Zoom link will be sent to you in a separate email the week of the virtual session. The email will be sent to the email address listed on your ACA account when you register.

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA (Camp Focus) - FULL
2020-03-04 09:00 - 18:00 | Camp Maude Eaton, 141 Abbot St, Andover, MA, 01810
This is an 8-hour education program (plus breaks & lunch) which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity, role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
Our March course is currently full. We have added a second course on Monday, April 27.

What will participants learn? This course teaches participants 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. Your course will be specifically geared to camp, camp counselors, and camp experiences.
Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or 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-age youth, ages 8-18.
Who should take this course? The course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents. So…YOU!
Who created the course? The National Council for Behavioral Health was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. 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.
About the Instructor
Lori Beverage is a teacher, trainer, facilitator, mother, wife, and Girl Scout of 45 years. She’s been a camper, camp counselor, camp program director, outdoor trainer and facilitator, and outdoor enthusiast. As a teen she was part of the Student Conservation Corp, she’s built hiking trails on Isle Au Haut, backpacked in the Tetons and throughout New England. She’s canoed Chesuncook above Katahdin using the Northwoods paddle of the indigenous tribes of Maine, and led trips down the Connecticut. Lori also taught children and teens living with emotional disturbance and mental health issues.
Currently, Lori designs online trainings for volunteers with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, in addition to providing in-person trainings in Medic First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Lori believes that if we can teach and train adults better, equip them with strong tools and strategies…they will have better tools for working with the children and young people they serve. She lives for this.

Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: March 4, 2020 from 9:00AM – 6:00PM (RSVP required)
Where: Camp Maude Eaton
141 Abbot Street
Andover, MA 01810
Cost: $75/Members | $100/Non-Members
Registration Information
*Because this course results in a certification, attendees must fully participate in the entire day from 9 am – 6 pm.*
This course is full. We have added a second course on Monday, April 27. For more information and to register, visit here.

Space is limited to 30 participants, so register early! Because we need to pre-order books for participants, the deadline to register is Wednesday, February 19, 2020.
Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Snow date for this program is Thursday, March 5, 2020. Should we need to use this date, an e-Mail notifying participants as soon as we become aware of the situation.
Program registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another individual from your camp by contacting ACA, New England. We do not offer refunds for the workshop due to weather if the program runs as scheduled.

Independent Schools Auxiliary & Summer Programs workshop
2020-03-26 10:00 - 15:00 | ACA New England Conference, DoubleTree Manchester Hotel, Manchester, NH, United States
The focus of this workshop is to give Aux/Summer directors an opportunity to network, learn, and share in a more focused and tailored environment. This year’s program will include: a business session, an Auxiliary Program Safety & Security session, a panel discussing best practices about construction on campus, fun style Aux networking; and round table discussions.
This workshop will be a great way to kick off your experience if you plan to attend the New England Camp Conference, which begins on Thursday! While we encourage you to consider attending the entire New England Camp Conference, it is not required in order to participate in this Auxiliary/Summer Programs Workshop.
The focus of this workshop is to give Aux/Summer directors an opportunity to network, learn, and share in a more focused and tailored environment.
This year’s program will include:

a business session delivered by David Platt, Assistant Headmaster for Finance and Operations at the Fenn School (also a former Camp Director);
an Auxiliary Program Safety & Security session lead by Chris Landosky, Director of Summer Programs & Director of Campus Safety at Berkshire School;
a panel discussing best practices about construction on campus;
an optional break-out marketing session;
fun style Aux networking; and
round table discussions.

$40/member & $50/non-nonmember for first person; $30/member & $35/non-member for additional people
Online registration is closed, but we do accept on-site registrations.
Coffee and light snacks will be served.
Lunch is on your own, but optional bag lunch options will be available for purchase ($12) during the registration process.
Registration rate is based on your individual ACA membership status.

EPIC, New England - Friendly Forum (with state-specific breakouts)
2020-04-16 15:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
One of the key takeaways from the New England Camp Conference is that many EPICs are juggling new responsibilities amidst the currently, evolving environment. Piecemealing information from a myriad of sources and trying to make sense of it can be especially difficult, specifically when you may not have final decision-making abilities. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be a valuable resource throughout this process.
Do you want to talk things through?
Wonder how your state implications relate to others and the greater picture?
Wanna just vent?
On Thursday, April 16th at 3pm EPIC, New England is hosting a Zoom, in part as a follow up to the great discussion facilitated at the ACA, New England Conference Lunch & Learn. If you didn’t attend, no worries! Taking it to the next level, there will be dedicated “Breakout” time to discuss implications with people in your own state, as well as space to discuss as a full EPIC, NE community.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: EPIC, New England + ACA, New England
When: April 16, 2020 from 3PM – 4:30PM (RSVP required)
Where: Zoom
Cost: FREE

Self-Care During Turbulent Times (Webinar)
2020-04-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Self-Care During Turbulent Times (Webinar)
Now more than ever, self-care is essential. But, if you struggled with self-care under “normal” circumstances, you might really be wondering how to start now. Camp professionals are traditionally giving, selfless, problem-solvers. Untended though, these same qualities can lead to burnout. Learn the purpose of self-care, shifting your mindset, and practical tips to apply right now to lay the foundation for future habits. Join Susan Fee for a one-hour webinar to dive into these ideas.
Here’s what you’ll learn:

Determine your personal “why”
Make the connection between self-worth and self-care
Create habits, routines, and rituals to increase mental clarity
Apply benefits of self-care to lead and serve others

About the presenter:
Susan Fee is a licensed mental health counselor, certified executive coach and national speaker. In 2016, she delivered a TEDxWWU talk on relational aggression and is a speaker coach for TEDxSeattle. Susan is passionate about the use of storytelling in mental health and is the director of “The Brainpower Chronicles,” a storytelling show for NAMI of Washington State. She’s a regular Seattle MOTH StorySLAM winner and has been featured on The Moth Radio Hour. Learn more by visiting www.susanfee.com.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: April 17, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Website
Registration Information
Register here.

Financial Contingency Planning; Protect your Cash and Explore Financial Options (Webinar)
2020-04-21 13:30 - 14:30 | Zoom
Financial Contingency Planning; Protect your Cash and Explore Financial Options (Webinar)
Opus Consulting Group presents its approach to financial contingency planning as COVID-19 is impacting camp businesses, creating uncertainties for the coming summer. This approach aims at understanding your cashflow drivers and addressing coordination and communication with all stakeholders, accounting for the high uncertainty.
This webinar presents an emergency checklist and expands on cash flow management, stress testing, supporting discussions with key stakeholders (lenders, landlords, clients, investors) and navigating the current challenges and opportunities .
Topics discussed include:

Contingency Planning steps
Cash Management
Preparing Financials (13-Week Cash Flow Budget)
Preparing for discussion with lenders and other stakeholders
Financing options and assistance programs
Q&A to follow

About the presenters:
Jacques Santucci, MBA
Jacques has held leadership positions in the entertainment, tourism, financial services and technology industries. Prior to founding Opus Consulting Group, he began his career as an auditor for Ernst & Young and Universal Pictures in Paris, France. Since moving to Maine in 1999, Jacques has held several executive positions and engaged in an array of consulting assignments. Over the past few years, he has been instrumental in bringing alive a number of business startups and engineering corporate turnarounds. His expertise lies within business strategy and management, new business venture, due diligence, accounting, process improvement, financial systems, planning and analysis, sales and marketing strategy.
Jacques holds a degree from EDHEC School of Management in Lille, France with a concentration in Finance.
Andrew Wood, MBA
Andrew specializes in providing clients with strategic and operational support during the start-up and growth phases of a business. He supports new businesses with financial modeling, business plan writing, and ongoing project management to support a successful launch and poise companies for long term growth. In addition, he assists clients as an interim controller to improve core business practices and develop strategic action plans for future growth. Prior to joining Opus, Andrew worked for a multinational corporation selling financial products and services. Andrew is a fluent native speaker of the German language and has experience in German/English translation. He earned a double major in Economics and German with additional studies in international management from Missouri State University and a dual MBA/MSF degree from Northeastern University.

Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA New England
When: April 21, 2020 from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Website

Virtual Staff Training Activities for Camp Staff (Webinar)
2020-04-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom

Exploring Virtual Engagement (Webinar)
2020-04-23 10:30 - 11:30 | Zoom
Many of us are looking for ways to engage our staff, campers, and families virtually – from training to programming to just plain being interactive!
Come hear what’s on the mind of some of our camp industry pros, including tips, tricks, and tools we can use as we are all figuring out how to stay connected during this time of physical facility closure and social distancing. We will be joined by:

Travis Allison, Go Camp Pro
Ruby Compton, Ruby Outdoors
Allison Klee, Hometown Stomping Ground
Jason Levasseur, Camp Timanous & The Rockstar Project

Sponsored by ACA, New England
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA New England
When: April 23, 2020 from 10:30 am – 11:30 am ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Website

Urban Camps Symposium
2020-05-02 09:30 - 12:30 | Philantrhopy MA, 133 Federal St, Suite 802, Boston, MA, 02110
Join ACA New England, your colleagues, and licensed clinical social worker and well-known camp consultant Bob Ditter for a morning of discussions around key topics relevant to urban camps like yours as you gear up for another awesome summer season! Space is limited, so register early.
The program for the day is:

Opening remarks from Stephen Spaloss, Senior Vice President, Team Leadership at City Year, Inc.
A panel discussion on Diverse Staffing for Diverse Campers moderated by Bob Ditter. Panelists will include: Lisa Fortenberry, Executive Director, Camp Harbor View; Alphonse Litz, Director, Boston Explorers; Bexi Perez, Operations Director, Department of Child Development, YMCA of Greater Boston.
Small group discussions on other hot topics facing urban camps, with topics to be generated by attendees.

This symposium is designed for directors and key staff working in the urban camp environment. We encourage you to register multiple members from your team and come prepared to ask questions and engage in discussion throughout the morning!

Participants will receive 3 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for attending.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: American Camp Assocation, New England
When: May 2, 2019 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (registration and networking opens at 9:00 am) (RSVP required)
Where: Philanthropy MA
133 Federal Street, Suite 802
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Cost: $20/member; $25/non-member

Virtual Camp, Real Risk: Legal and Risk management Considerations for Online Programs
2020-05-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Virtual Camp, Real Risk: Legal and Risk Management Considerations for Online Programs
Does your camp offer year-round online activities to keep campers engaged? Are you going to run virtual programs this summer? As many camps take their programs online, their insurance policies, camper contracts, and risk management processes are still based on in-person camp.
Join ACA, New England and legal and insurance experts for a discussion of the procedures and policies you should be thinking about expanding, tweaking, or re-working as you make this shift. Believe it or not, it isn’t about recreating the wheel, but rather, making minor adjustments to existing materials to reduce your camp’s risk exposure. Topics to be covered include:

Insurance inclusions/exclusions and right-sizing your policy,
Risk management guidelines and protocols,
COPPA and children’s online privacy,
Waivers, participation agreements, and assumptions of risk, and
Intellectual property and copyright considerations.

Panelists:

Katie Johnson, The Redwoods Group
Isaac Mamaysky, Potomac Law Group
Eliza Hall, Potomac Law Group

This sessions is hosted by ACA, New England and will be recorded and posted on the ACA’s COVID-19 Online Learning & Events Page following the live program.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 5, 2020 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Registration Information
Register here.
This sessions is hosted by ACA, New England and will be recorded and posted on the ACA’s COVID-19 Online Learning & Events Page following the live program.

Day Camp Drop-in For Assistant Director/Program-Level Staff
2020-05-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
ACA, New England Drop-Ins for Assistant Director/Program-Level Staff

Join ACA, New England and your colleagues (again or for the first time) for conversation, advice, and support as you sort through the hard decisions your camp is facing. This is an informal opportunity to engage in dialogue with other New England camp pros at the assistant director/program level – we will be there to facilitate, but discussion will be led by participants. We will use the Zoom platform, so come ready to engage with your mics and cameras on!

Please note what this is not – which is a substitution for legal, medical, insurance and other advice that camps should be seeking from experts in those fields.
A recording of this session WILL NOT be posted/shared, so please plan to join us live!
Based on feedback, we will plan more time for small group discussion during this session. Please pre-select your breakout topic during registration:

Virtual camp
Health/safety precautions
Maintaining camp culture

Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 6, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Resident Camp Drop-In for Assistant Director/ Program-Level Staff
2020-05-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
ACA, New England Drop-Ins for Assistant Director/Program-Level Staff
Join ACA, New England and your colleagues next week (again or for the first time) for conversation, advice, and support as you sort through the hard decisions your camp is facing. This is an informal opportunity to engage in dialogue with other New England camp pros at the assistant director/program level – we will be there to facilitate, but discussion topics will be up to participants. We will use the Zoom platform, so come ready to engage with your mics and cameras on! Please note what this is not – which is a substitution for legal, medical, insurance and other advice that camps should be seeking from experts in those fields.
A recording of this session WILL NOT be posted/shared, so please plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 7, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Impactful Activities to Maximize Online Staff Training
2020-05-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Impactful Activities to Maximize Online Staff Training
Roz and Jed Buck, Roz and Jed Training & Consulting
“To Hear is To Forget, To See is To Remember, To Do is To Learn.” During this one-hour online training workshop, we will demonstrate a variety of activities that can be used throughout orientation for summer camp staff to maximize learning and retention and create an exceptional orientation experience! Whether our staff training takes place online or at camp, it needs to happen so that we can prepare our staff to help us deliver an amazing camp experience. All of the activities that we share and you participate in can be used for either online or in-person staff training.
About the presenters

Roz and Jed Buck have done what many married couples consider to be “the impossible” . . . They have worked together, side by side, for over 15 years. From 2004 – 2016, they Owned and Directed Meadowbrook Country Day Camp, a large private day camp in New Jersey. They sold their camp in 2016 and successfully launched Roz and Jed Training & Consulting. Now, they travel the country sharing what they have learned and experienced first-hand. Roz and Jed successfully provide Two Voices, Customized Content, and Real Experience. They are proven youth development experts and dynamic speakers who have shared their messages and experiences at conferences in 17 different states and have trained thousands of staff from coast to coast.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 8, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Taking Your Camp Virtual - Learnings from the Field
2020-05-22 11:00 - 12:15 | Zoom
Taking Your Camp Virtual – Learnings from the Field

Are you taking your camp virtual this summer?
Or considering a hybrid of in-person and virtual programming?
Or still exploring options and want to learn more?
If so, join us to hear from three camp pros who have been providing a variety of virtual programming this spring (from enrichment to vacation camps) and are working through their camps’ plans for the summer.
The following panelists will share what they have been doing and there will be time for Q&A too:

Meghan Gardner, Founder and CEO of Guard Up and Guardian Adventures
Lauren Hoops-Schmieg, Executive Director of Hill House
Kara Larochelle, Camp Director and Youth Development Director at Camp Ketcha

About the panelists:
Meghan Gardner is the CEO of Guard Up, Inc’s Guardian Adventures, which owns and operates Wizards & Warriors and Zombie Summer Camps, programs and events. These informal educational camps and events are STEM and story-based experiences where all ages play a character of their own design, battling monsters with physics, biology, chemistry, and more. Meghan is the Lead STEM Curriculum Designer for the parent company of The Princeton Review in the development of their Mission to Mars STEM Adventures in east Asia and in the USA. She is also a guest lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education and other major universities, and an international speaker on the topic of Informal Education and Learning for all ages. In her free time, Meghan volunteers for hospice and works with terminally ill patients of all ages as well as their families.
Lauren Hoops-Schmieg is the Executive Director at Hill House, an independent, nonprofit community center whose mission is to provide programs, services and activities to meet the diverse social, educational, cultural and recreational needs of individuals and families residing in Boston’s downtown neighborhoods. Prior to Hill House, Lauren served as the VP of Communications and County-Wide Services at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County as well as the organization’s Camp Director for Camp Grosvenor. Lauren earned her MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management and her B.A. in English from UMass, Amherst. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking, traveling, camping, and collecting rare books.
Kara Larochelle is the Director of Youth Development at Camp Ketcha in Scarborough, Maine. In this position she runs summer camp, school year programming, and adventure challenge programming. Along with these youth programs Camp Ketcha has a pre-school, event rentals, therapeutic programs, and operates the Portland Gear Hub and The Portland Gear Hub Bike School. Kara has worked in camping at Ketcha for 7 years and was previously a music teacher in the Portland Public Schools. In her free time Kara enjoys hiking, climbing, reading, and playing with her dog, Casco.

Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 22, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:15 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Website
Registration Information
Register here.
Make sure to share any burning topics or questions you have about virtual camp – we will do our best to address them!
If you are unable to join us live, this session will be recorded. A recording will be posted here on ACA’s COVID-19 resource page, https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/coronavirus/online-learning-events-covid-19, some time during the week of May 26, so be sure to check back!

Drop-in: Virtual/Remote Camp Planning
2020-05-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and your New England camp colleagues to brainstorm, discuss, and get feedback on your plans for virtual and remote camp this summer. The conversation will be attendee-driven and we may break out into smaller discussion groups.
Unlike many of our recent sessions, a recording of this session will not be posted, so plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 27, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Drop-in: Day Camps Planning to Operate In-Person Programming
2020-05-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and your New England camp colleagues to brainstorm, discuss, and get feedback on your plans for in-person day camp programming this summer. The conversation will be attendee-driven and we may break out into smaller discussion groups.
Unlike many of our recent web-based sessions, a recording of this drop-in will not be shared, so please plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 28, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Drop-in: Resident Camps Planning to Operate In-Person Programming
2020-06-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and your New England camp colleagues to brainstorm, discuss, and get feedback on your plans for possible in-person programming at your resident camp this summer. The conversation will be attendee-driven and we may break out into smaller discussion groups.
Unlike many of our recent web-based sessions, a recording of this drop-in will not be shared, so please plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: June 3, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Drop-in: Camps Suspending In-Person Operations for Summer 2020
2020-06-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and your New England camp colleagues for support and discussions around your camp suspending in-person operations during summer 2020. Are there other plans for your facilities, are you thinking ahead to 2021, what else is on your mind? The conversation will be attendee-driven and we may break out into smaller discussion groups.
Unlike many of our recent web-based sessions, a recording of this drop-in will not be shared, so please plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: June 4, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Drop-in: Day Camps Operating In-Person Programming
2020-06-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and your New England camp colleagues to brainstorm, discuss, and get feedback on your plans for in-person day camp this summer. The conversation will be attendee-driven and we may break out into smaller discussion groups.
Unlike many of our recent web-based sessions, a recording of this drop-in will not be shared, so please plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: June 11, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Disability Inclusion During Covid-19 | Strategies for Camp and Recreation Programs
2020-06-17 13:30 - 14:45 | Zoom
Are you running in-person camp this summer (or already looking beyond this summer) and looking for some support adapting your inclusion principles and strategies? If so, join us!
Inclusion is NOT Cancelled – join ACA, New England and Lisa Drennan of MERGE Divers e Abilities Inclusion Consulting for a webinar designed to support your inclusion initiative ensuring that campers with diverse abilities are still engaged and supported in meaningful participation. We’ve taken MERGE’s inclusion principles and strategies, adapting them to be applied to the challenges of the new health and safety guidelines your camp community is facing. You’ll learn that embracing these strategies will not only be beneficial to children with disabilities, but also builds a positive camp culture as we recognize that ALL your campers (and staff) may be experiencing effects of the current global pandemic and resulting isolation and uncertainty. Give your team the tools and confidence to successfully support ALL campers this summer, but especially those with diverse abilities.
About the presenter:
Lisa Drennan, Founder of MERGE Diverse Abilities Inclusion Consulting
Lisa has a 35-year career supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be active and engaged within their community. At New England Village in Pembroke, MA, she gained experience in working as a Direct Support Worker and eventually as the Director of The Sollar Wellness Center specifically designed for this population. In 2014, she joined the South Shore YMCA as the first-ever Association Director of Inclusion, creating innovative programs and comprehensive staff trainings to build a culture of inclusion. In 2018 Lisa started her own company, MERGE Inclusion Consulting where she provides consultation, staff training and systems implementation to community entities committed to recreation, sport and social program inclusion.
*This session will be recorded and shared on the national ACA COVID-19 resource page a few days after the session.*
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: June 17, 2020 from 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Summer Fundraising 2020 Conversations
2020-07-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
ACA, New England Summer Fundraising 2020 Conversations
This series is FULL and registration is now CLOSED. Please consider joining us for a webinar, Fundraising for Camps 2020 and Beyond, hosted by ACA, New England and presented by the DBD Group, Thursday, July 30, 1:00 – 2:15 pm ET.

Are you leading your camp through a fundraising campaign this summer?
While we know most camps don’t actively fundraise during the summer, COVID-19 has changed many of our plans, putting camps in a situation where they need to be raising more money than ever and on different timelines than usual.
If this resonates with you and you’d like to discuss and workshop ideas, challenges, and strategies related to your summer 2020 fundraising, join ACA, New England and a small group of your New England camp colleagues engaged in similar work to build a community of support. While the group will be lightly moderated, it is designed to encourage YOU to learn and share with each other. So, come prepared to actively participate and engage (cameras and mics on)!

The group will convene on Zoom from 10:00 – 11:30 am ET on the following dates:

Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 29
Wednesday, August 12

Registration is for the series of three sessions. To build a supportive and trusting environment, we highly encourage participants to join ALL three sessions to get the most out of their experience. If you have a conflict with one of the dates, please email Kerry before registering to discuss. Space is limited!

If your camp isn’t actively fundraising this summer, but you are looking for more information on fundraising, keep an eye out for a couple of ACA, New England sponsored web-based sessions later in July/August.

Fundraising for Camps 2020 and Beyond, hosted by ACA, New England and presented by the DBD Group, Thursday, July 30, 1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: July 22, 2020 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Registration Information
This series is FULL and registration is now CLOSED. Please consider joining us for a webinar, Fundraising for Camps 2020 and Beyond, hosted by ACA, New England and presented by the DBD Group, Thursday, July 30, 1:00 – 2:15 pm ET.
Registration is for the series of THREE sessions – participants are highly encouraged to join all sessions

Fundraising for Camps 2020 and Beyond
2020-07-30 13:00 - 14:15 | Zoom
We know that many camps have suspended in-person operations this summer or are operating at reduced capacities and are looking to launch or increase fundraising.
Whether you’ve kicked off your fundraising already or are planning to in the near future, join us for a practical discussion designed for day and resident camp leaders focused on the four core components of a successful fundraising effort:
Case, Prospects, Leadership, and a Plan

Articulating your need with transparency and confidence
Identifying your prospects
Engaging donors, alumni and camp families
Involving volunteers, board members and staff
Thanking your donors in remarkable ways
The right time to ask is NOW!

This webinar is hosted by ACA, New England, presented by Jon Simons and Michele Goodrich of DBD Group, and open to all camp professionals working on fundraising efforts.
About the presenters:
DBD Group provides comprehensive fundraising services to nonprofits including over 100 resident camps in recent years. For more resources or to request a free consultation visit: https://www.dbd.group/uncertainty
You can learn more about Jon Simons, Executive Vice President, here.
You can learn more about Michele Goodrich, Senior Consultant, here.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: July 30, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Website
Registration Information
Register here.
If you register and cannot attend live, the webinar will be recorded and shared following the presentation.

Accreditation Process Workshop (In Person)
2020-10-09 09:30 - 12:30
We will be offering an In-Person Accreditation Process Workshop.
The workshop will be held in an outdoor pavilion with social distancing measures in place.
This workshop is designed for camp representatives who are preparing for accreditation visits and is required for all camps in the months prior to their site visit. The course is appropriate for those who are new to the accreditation process AND those who have been part of an accreditation visit or completed standards training in the past.
TO REGISTER: email Elizabeth Snell, Director of Accreditation Services.
Thank you to Camp Hazen for hosting this Workshop!

Power of Play Conference - Virtual/OnDemand
2020-10-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Online
The National Inclusion Project is bringing the play to YOU, virtually and on-demand!
More convenient, more accessible, more…2020.
Registrants will have access to ALL sessions on-demand. No more missing one valuable session to attend an even better one. You can have them ALL!
In 2020, we have all been forced to adapt personally, professionally, and socially. But two facts remain: 1) Social inclusion for children with disabilities remains a vital priority and function that we must work to make happen; and 2) those that have been doing inclusion have been adapting successfully for years and they aren’t stopping now!
Power of Play is looking a bit different this year, but we’ve got the information, fun and games ready for you! So make some great snacks, get comfy on the couch and join experts from across the country to learn best practices in inclusion, adaptation and play.

Need more info? The Power of Play website has all the sessions listed with detailed information about the speaker, content level and description.
Have a group of 5 or more interested in attending? Email Aron Hall at aronhall@inclusionproject.org for rates.

Newer Camp Director Round Table Series (October 2020 – May 2021)
2020-10-20 10:00 - 2020-11-01 13:00 | Zoom
For camp professionals with 1-4 or more years of camp director experience
(Both day and resident camp directors are welcome! As space is limited, we can only accommodate one director per camp at this time.)
Having a network of colleagues to share ideas with, to get feedback from, and to lean on for resources and supports can be so important in the camping industry. It helps us stay connected, broaden our perspectives, think innovatively, and strengthen our community. Last year’s attendees shared: “as a participant, I most valued:

Building connections and relationships with other camp professionals
Expanding my network, as I work alone
Support – especially through the pandemic
Lively conversations, open discussion, and time to share practices and ideas.”

This year, we are taking our round table series virtual! Join a group of your peers for monthly facilitated discussions in a safe and professional place where you can discuss issues of common concern and a way to build your professional network. Topics will include:

Building Your Team: How do we hire strategically? What about dismissals? Who is invited back or promoted? How do we mentor, engage, support and grow our staff team?
Tough Realities of the Role: Are our risk management plans safe and effective? What is the balance of tradition and change? How do we make hard decisions and have difficult conversations? How do we manage money and budgets?
People to People: Who should be recognized as part of our camp orbit? How do we work successfully with campers, parents/guardians, agencies, donors, neighbors, and interested parties?

Topics are subject to change based upon the needs/interests of participants.
Each month, there will be time for large group discussion, presentations/guest topic experts, and small group discussion.
Emily Golinsky, Founder of Bright Moose Training, Consulting & Advocacy, former Executive Director at Camp Starfish and a member of ACA, New England’s New Camp Director Workshop faculty, will facilitate the sessions. Her role will be to provide resources to participants prior to and following discussions, guide the discussion, and provide observations and insights, all while keeping the conversation and flow of information going!
Who: Camp directors with between 1-4 years of camp administrator experience (both day and resident camp directors are welcome!) or current assistant directors who will be stepping into the director role next summer. (As space is limited, only one representative per camp can be accommodated at this time.)

When & Where: Via Zoom on the following Tuesdays:

Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, November 10, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Cost: $225/ACA, New England Members – $275/Non-members.
This is an incredible value for members at under $35 per three-hour facilitated session and under $11 per CEC!
Registration is for the duration of the series – seven sessions in total. (Please note: There is no session in March because we hope you’ll join us for our annual conference!)
Registration Link
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the series. Once the series begins, no transfers or substitutions will be permitted.
Participants will receive 21 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for their full participation.
If you have five or more summers of experience, please consider joining our Experienced Director Round Table Series.
Please note: We do not want cost to prohibit a camp professional from joining our event. Should the price of this e-seminar be a barrier, please reach out to Kerry Salvo, kerry@acanewengland.org to discuss financial assistance options.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
About the Facilitator
Emily Golinsky is the Founder of Bright Moose, LLC, which provides training, coaching, consultation and professional development to camps, organizations and individuals guided by the motto “Help Others Shine Bright!” Her professional background includes over two decades of year-round and summer camp operations in both day and residential environments for children in crisis, special needs youth, and traditional campers, most recently for 14 years as the Executive Director at Camp Starfish. Emily is a regular presenter at conferences and is active in ACA, New England, where she is a Lead Visitor, sits on the Fund Development and Conference Planning Committees, and is a member of the Faculty for the New Camp Directors Workshop. Emily is a Board Member for the Hawkeye Campership Fund and for the NHCamps Association, where she is chair of the annual conference. She holds a BS in Health Psychology from Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and a Master of Science in Camp Administration and Leadership from Touro University Nevada. She is also an education advocate for youth with special needs and a certified Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Emily’s sense of humor and genuine warm connection to individuals comes through in her facilitation style. Fair warning: she is an avid collector of terribly awesome puns.

Navigating your Financial Path Forward
2020-10-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
2020 has been a year like no other. Kids and families need the unique and transformative experiences that camps provide more than ever.
By carefully plotting your financial path forward, you can help ensure that your camp will continue to provide those experiences now and far into the future. Join Brian Keel, Senior Consultant in Financial Management with DBD Group (and a CPA), for an E-Seminar as we discuss these key components of your journey:
• Getting Your Bearings
• Orienting for the Winter
• Navigating Next Season
• Thriving to the Edge of the Map
Topics we will explore together include:
• Determining your financial position today
• Confidently forecasting for the future
• Identifying potential funding sources for your camp, including a discussion of Impact Investors
• How well-crafted/well communicated policies can positively impact your bottom line
• Making financial decisions with long term sustainability in mind
Wondering, is this session right for me?
Are you a CEO, Owner, Director, on the Business, Finance, or Operations team or are you a camp pro who wants to learn more about navigating camp finances? Is your camp working through some challenging financial scenarios due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other reasons? If so, we encourage you to join us! Brian Keel not only has a breadth of experience in a variety of finance roles with YMCAs, The Redwoods Group, and Communities In Schools of North Carolina, but he also understands camp and is skilled at making numbers and budgets accessible to non-CPAs.
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Program will run approximately 10:00 am – 12:30 pm with optional networking/Zoom lunch from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Online, via Zoom
How Much: $40/members; $60/non-members
ACA, New England is offering another e-seminar on leadership and diversity on Wednesday, November 18. Join us for both e-seminars and save 20% off of your registration fee for our November event!
Registration link
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event.
Participants will receive 3 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for their full participation.
Please note: We do not want cost to prohibit a camp professional from joining our event. Should the price of this e-seminar be a barrier, please reach out to Kerry Salvo, kerry@acanewengland.org to discuss financial assistance options.
About the Presenter
As Senior Consultant with DBD Group, Brian Keel brings nearly 25 years of leadership experience gained both in for-profit and non-profit organizations. This background gives him a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in financial management.
Before joining DBD, Brian served as Senior Resource Specialist – Finance for YMCA of the USA. Brian was the primary Finance resource for thirty-two Resource Directors, four Senior Resource Directors and provided oversight for the development and delivery of Financial Management resources to local Ys across the United States.
Brian also served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Operations for the YMCA of Greater Toledo, Senior Vice President and CFO for The Redwoods Group and CFO for Communities In Schools of North Carolina.
Brian has additional experience in the for-profit sector including founding a consulting practice that provided fractional CFO services to clients throughout the Midwest and Northeast US. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Akron. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in both Ohio and North Carolina and is a Chartered Global Management Accountant.
Brian and his family reside in Wake Forest, North Carolina and his daughter works as a camp counselor at a local resident camp. For more information on Brian, click here.
About DBD Group
DBD Group is a team of dedicated non-profit professionals, joined together to help you realize your goals and support your unique vision. With deep experience and creative vision, we help you with new and better approaches to fund raising and related development needs. Together, we will help you drive greater achievements, building a stronger foundation for a successful mission for the years to come.

Resident Camps that Operated In-Person Programming Summer 2020 - Learnings from the Field
2020-10-27 14:30 - 16:00 | Zoom
We have been listening and know that you are eager to hear from your camp colleagues about how summer 2020 went. So, ACA, New England is putting together a series of Learnings from the Field panel discussions on the following dates and topics. We hope you’ll join us for one or more of the sessions to hear from a variety of camps from all over New England!

Resident Camps that Operated In-Person Programming Summer 2020, October 27, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm. Thank you to our generous sponsor Maplewoodshop.

Camp Centerstage, Maine
Hosmer Point, Vermont
Camp Wawenock, Maine
Windsor Mountain, New Hampshire

Cost: FREE for ACA members; $20/panel non-members
Registration is required for each session. Zoom links will be sent a few days prior to each panel.
Please plan to join us live for these sessions! Recordings will not be widely shared.
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization prior to the start of the session.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.

Joe Kruger Youth Development Conference
2020-10-28 11:00 - 15:15 | Zoom
What did we learn from the COVID 19 pandemic and how can we apply this knowledge to summer 2021, with a focus on the social and emotional needs of our campers? More info coming soon!
For more information, please contact: Jenna Dunlay • 212-391-5208 • jenna@acanynj.org
