American Camp Association New England

EPIC, New England - Friendly Forum (with state-specific breakouts)
2020-04-16 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | 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

Programming-Specific Summer 2020 - Learnings from the Field
2020-11-02 11:00 - 12:30 | 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!

Programming-Specific Summer 2020, November 2, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Holiday Hill, Connecticut
Mystic Aquarium, Connecticut
Pompositticut Farm Day Camp, Massachusetts
Summer at GUS, Massachusetts

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.

Accreditation Process Workshop
2020-11-05 09:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
This workshop is designed for camp representatives who are preparing for accreditation visits in upcoming summer and beyond. 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. Every camp being visited must have at least one person who completes the workshop on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be on site a significant amount of time during the camp season and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
Date: November 5, 2020
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Online
Cost: No charge, but pre-registration is required.

Day Camps that Operated In-Person Programming Summer 2020 - Learnings from the Field
2020-11-09 13:00 - 14:30 | 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!

Day Camps that Operated In-Person Programming Summer 2020, November 9, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Thank you to our generous sponsor: First Student Charter Bus Rental

Mother of Hope Day Camp, Rhode Island
Camp Ketcha, Maine
West Suburban YMCA, Massachusetts
Winding Trails, Connecticut

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.

Creative Property Usage Summer 2020 - Learnings from the Field
2020-11-12 10:00 - 11:30 | 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!

Creative Property Usage Summer 2020, November 12, 10:00 am – 11:30 am.

New England Base Camp, Massachusetts
Pine Tree Camp, Maine
Wildwood, 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.

Coffee and Camp Chats
2020-11-13 10:00 - 10:45 | Zoom
Friday’s can be tough. What better way to kickoff the weekend than to grab a cup of coffee (or you beverage of choice) and talk shop with friends in the camp community.
Coffee and Camp Chat is intended to be an drop-in/office hours type of opportunity. On the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, from 10AM-11AM, ACA, New England staff will host a Zoom “meeting” for folks to join, ask questions, connect with peers, troubleshoot problems, or simply talk with fellow camp professionals.
Each meeting, we’ll have a friend, guest or updated information to share at the top of the gathering. But after that, we’re more interested in hearing from you and helping you connect, hearing feedback, or answering questions.
There’s no pre-registration necessary for these informal conversations. Whether you need to clear your head, solve a problem or just want to connect with fellow camp folk for a few, pencil in the following dates and bookmark the zoom link to join (you can also join through the button above):
Camp and Coffee Chat Fridays:

11/13/2020 – Join us to meet Michele Rowcliffe, new Executive Director of ACA, New England
11/27/2020 (NO CAMP AND COFFEE, ACA OFFICES CLOSED)
12/11/2020 – Looking back at 2020 and into 2021
12/25/2020 (NO CAMP AND COFFEE, ACA OFFICES CLOSED)
1/15/2021 – Conference chat with Kerry Salvo, Greg Jutkiewicz, and Joanna Lenahan
1/29/2021 – What’s going on lately? Checking in. Catching up. What’s next?
2/12/2021 –Accreditation? Yes, we’ve heard of it – Elizabeth’s stopping by to chat.
2/26/2021
3/12/2021
3/26/2021 – ACA, New England Annual Meeting begins at this time. Join us there.
4/16/2021
4/30/2021
