American Camp Association New England

Learnings from the Field - What Does it Mean to Be Gender Inclusive at My Camp? (RECORDED e-session)
2025-11-14 17:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
This is a recording of a live event that took place on October 16, 2025. This session will be available to view until November 14, 2025.
Many of your camps are exploring ways to support campers and staff across the gender spectrum. Learnings from the Field sessions are designed for YOU to hear from camps doing this work in the field, so we are bringing some of your camp peers together to discuss the prompt “What does it mean to be gender inclusive at my camp?”
We will explore what their camps are doing (including name/pronouns, gender expansive housing, private changing areas, etc.), how and when they made those decisions, any pushback or challenges, and what’s next as it relates to gender at their camp.
You will hear from:
• Cara Bergantino, Director Camp Encore/Coda, an overnight camp in ME
• Sara Clarke, Executive Director, Episcopal Conference Center, an overnight camp also offering family camp in RI
• Hunter Hamlin, Assistant Director, Mansfield Holiday Hill Day Camp, a day camp in CT
• Keri Wood, Director of Camping Operations, West Suburban YMCA, an association with two day camps and one overnight camp in MA
We are not experts, but practitioners. So, come to hear and learn from others and pose questions you might have.
This is a recording of a live event that took place on October 16, 2025. This session will be available to view until November 14, 2025.
Cost: FREE for ACA Members; $25 for non-Members
Attendees will receive 1 CEC for their participation.
Registration fees are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another attendee from your camp/organization by emailing gillian@acanewengland.org before the start of the program.
Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Coordinator at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Accreditation Volunteer Course
2025-11-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Camp Sunshine, Casco, ME
ACA New England needs YOU to join an amazing team of volunteers! Join us for our next Accreditation Volunteer Course (formerly known as the Associate Visitors Course).
This course is an in-person training. Participants must attend all learning sessions over the timeframe to successfully become an accreditation volunteer. This course requires active participation and engagement.
ACA’s accreditation program is the only national peer review program of its kind for the camp industry. Being an ACA accreditation volunteer (visitor) provides you with the experience to build your network, polish your skills in observation and risk management, and develop mentoring opportunities for both you and the camps you work with. As much as you give to this experience, you’ll gain from new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to the mission-driven work of the camp industry.
To become an accreditation volunteer, please complete these steps:

Submit an Accreditation Volunteer Application (online)
Register for this Accreditation Volunteer Course (formerly known as the Associate Visitors Course)

Once you are registered for the course, you’ll be enrolled in the required online pre-course work. The online pre-course work includes the Accreditation Process Workshop so you are up to date. This online pre-work must be successfully completed in order to attend the Accreditation Volunteer Course. To become an accreditation volunteer, you must fully attend and participate in ALL parts of the training.
If this course date does not work for your schedule, when you complete the Accreditation Volunteer Application, you will have other live virtual and in-person course options to select from.
Additional steps:

Review the ACA Associate Visitor/Visitor Service Description.
Review and be ready to sign the Volunteer Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct.
Be a current ACA individual member (contact us if you have questions about this. We also offer a discounted membership rate for visitors).

The registration Deadline is November 13th, 2025. Pre-registration is required for this course.
There is an online portion that must be completed prior to the in-person portion of this course.
Click here to register
Cost: Free
When: Thursday, November 20, 2025; 9:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Camp Sunshine – 35 Acadia Road, Casco, ME 04015
Questions, reach out to Haillie Mousseau, Accreditation & Volunteer Coordinator, at haillie@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 100.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Coffee & Camp Chat
2025-11-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly space for informal, yet purposeful, discussion among summer camp people! Sip your favorite beverage as we share insights, swap stories, and discuss trends in camping. Cozy into your Friday with fellow camp folk while we brew ideas, forge new connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
For more information or to suggest a topic for a future Chat, email bud@acanewengland.org
Coffee & Camp Chat is free and open to everyone in camping!

What’s the Buzz On: What Does It Mean to be Gender Inclusive at a Single-Gender Camp?
2025-12-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
What’s the Buzz On: What Does It Mean to be Gender Inclusive at a Single-Gender Camp?
FREE for ACA members.
Please only register for this session if you work at/represent a single-gender camp.
Whether you attended ACA, New England’s Learnings from the Field – What Does it Mean to Be Gender Inclusive at My Camp? in October and want to dig into this conversation as a single-gender camp -OR- this is a question your single-gender camp is working through, we invite you to join us for a peer discussion session. During our time together, participants will have the opportunity to:

Discuss how you define gender at your single-gender camp;
Explore how you can prepare your camp to create a safe and welcoming environment for all; and
Share challenges and best-practices with others

While ACA, New England staff will moderate the conversation, we are not experts in the topic and will aim to create a forum for open and respectful discussion, crowdsourcing, and resource-sharing.
Come prepared to have your videos on, ask questions, and engage in dialogue. This session WILL NOT be recorded so plan to join us live!
Please only register for this session if you work at/represent a single-gender camp.
When: Thursday, December 4, 1 – 2 pm ET
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Questions? Reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Coordinator at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Interviewing with Intention, Part 1: Winterviews that Matter - Turning Returning Staff Check-Ins into Real Leadership Conversations
2025-12-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Interviewing with Intention: A Two-Part Series for Camp Hiring Leaders
Hiring is one of the most important responsibilities a camp director has – but the interview process is often underused as a tool for growth, learning, and leadership development. In this two-part series, Donna Johns-Thomas, SHRM-CP, founder of Indigo Consulting, explores how to make every interview count.
Part One helps camp leaders turn returning-staff conversations into opportunities for leadership building, skill development, and shared ownership of camp culture.
Part Two focuses on interviewing new staff — asking better questions, reducing bias, and using what you learn to shape stronger, more intentional pre-camp training.
Whether you’re hiring your 100th counselor or your first, these sessions will help you turn interviews into meaningful conversations that strengthen your team and your summer.
Winterviews That Matter: Turning Returning Staff Check-Ins into Real Leadership Conversations
Every camp has them – those quick, casual “returner interviews” that happen over coffee, a phone call, or in between school and finals week. Too often, these meetings feel like a rubber-stamp ritual: “You coming back?” “Great, see you in June.” But what if those conversations could be one of the most powerful tools you have for shaping next summer’s staff team?
In this session, we’ll flip the script on the returning-staff interview. Participants will learn how to make these discussions both meaningful for the employee and useful for the camp. The goal isn’t just retention – it’s growth. We’ll explore how intentional questions can help identify who’s ready for a bigger role, who might shine as a unit lead or pre-camp trainer, and who needs additional coaching or redirection before stepping into new responsibility.
We’ll discuss strategies for:

Asking questions that go beyond “Are you coming back?” to uncover motivation, self-awareness, and hidden leadership potential.
Using the returning interview to co-create professional goals for the upcoming season.
Spotting patterns — both positive and concerning — from a returning staff member’s previous performance.
Giving constructive feedback during re-hire conversations without killing enthusiasm.
Inviting returning staff to play a role in pre-camp orientation or peer mentoring, turning “veterans” into teachers.

Directors will walk away with sample questions and frameworks to help evaluate staff not just for rehire, but for leadership readiness. These interviews can also serve as a form of recognition — a way to signal that staff are valued, heard, and growing. When returning staff feel seen and challenged, they don’t just come back – they come back better. And your leadership bandwidth expands before summer even begins.
Registration Info:
When: Tuesday December 9, 2025; 11:00am to 12:00pm (eastern)
Where: Zoom (link provided prior to the start of the session)
Cost: $25 for Members; $40 for non-Members
Click here to register
Registration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your organization. Registration in based on individual membership status.
About the Instructor

Donna Johns-Thomas, SHRM-CP, is the founder of Indigo Consulting, providing training, strategy, and HR-informed support for camps and youth-serving organizations. An HR-certified camp professional, Donna brings over 30 years of experience in camp, human resources, and professional development. She previously served as Director of Learning & Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and as Director of Professional Development for the American Camp Association, New England. Known for her humor, clarity, and real-world approach, Donna helps camp professionals turn everyday challenges into opportunities for connection, growth, and stronger workplace culture. Her sessions combine insight, practicality, and just enough edge to keep things real.
Learn more about Donna at IndigoConsultingJT.com

Coffee & Camp Chat: STAFFING
2025-12-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly space for informal, yet purposeful, discussion among summer camp people! Sip your favorite beverage as we share insights, swap stories, and discuss trends in camping. Cozy into your Friday with fellow camp folk while we brew ideas, forge new connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
This week, we’re going to lead with and lean into staffing conversations. What’s good? What’s great? What needs work? Who are you looking for? How are you finding them? What are you pitching them? What are you hearing from them? What did we miss? Don’t say it, just bring it on Friday 12/12.
Coffee & Camp Chat is free and open to everyone in camping!

Coffee & Camp Chat LIVE!
2025-12-15 11:00 - 14:30 | Queen’s Head Pub, 271 Main Street, Bridgton, ME, 04009, United States
It’s not a Friday, but it is Coffee & Camp Chat!
Join EPIC New England and friends from Maine Summer Camps as they host a LIVE! edition of C&CC. The floor will be open to questions and topics about everything happening in summer camp: staffing, enrollment, programming, inclusion, accessibility, food, fun, growth, etc.

Part I – Challenges we’re facing and talking through solutions
Part II – Innovation at camp. What’s new at your camp and what’s coming next?
Part III – What did we miss? Circling back to “parking lot” items or continuing previous unfinished business.

When: Monday, December 15, 2025; 11am – 2:30pm EDT
Where: Queens Head Pub, 271 Main Street; Bridgton, ME 04009
Cost: $15 for members of ACA or Maine Summer Camps; $20 for non-Members
(fees go directly to providing food/refreshments)

Got questions? Feel free to contact bud@acanewengland.org
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

PechaKucha Office Hours
2025-12-18 11:00 - 12:00 | MA
Programs drive camp — and new experiences make it unforgettable. Is your camp doing something awesome you want to share with fellow camp professionals?
Welcome to Program Innovation Powered by PechaKucha!
Camp is a shared experience, join us in continuing that tradition!
ACA, New England invites you to submit your program innovations to be included in our Saturday plenary. For full details and to submit your idea, visit our submission form. From counselors to directors, all levels of staff are encouraged to submit. Submissions are due by January 6, 2026.
Have some questions? Have an idea and want to get some feedback? Pop into our “office hours” on Thursday, December 18 from 11:00am to 12:00pm (eastern) to chat with members of our Conference Committee and learn more about how you can help shape innovation at summer camp!
Learn more about PechaKucha here.
Ready to submit? Click here!
Click here to register for the 2026 New England Camp Conference.
*Note: all related expenses for conference registration and session preparation and delivery will be the responsibility of the presenter unless otherwise requested by the presenter and agreed upon with ACA, New England. We do not want cost to be a barrier for first-time speakers or camp professionals looking to share a program innovation, so please reach out if you have any questions about this.
Want to chat with someone on the ACANE team? E-mail Gillian at gillian@acanewengland.org or call our office at 781-541-6080.

Introduction to MESH(+) Seal: Virtual Info Session
2026-01-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
An Introduction to the MESH(+) Seal:
At a time when young people and adults are all longing to be seen, feel heard, and sense authentic connection, ACH is exploring the best ways to elevate care for healthier communities. Your desire to obtain the MESH(+) Seal helps us reach that goal by creating an opportunity to examine your program through a comprehensive well-being lens.
The MESH(+) Seal program recognizes camps and programs that intentionally evaluate and integrate Mental, Emotional, and Social Health(+) throughout their operations. MESH(+) Seal programs consciously incorporate practices and strategies that enhance mental health, emotional resilience, social development, and overall well-being in meaningful ways.
MESH(+) is a framework that strives to create intentional communities by integrating mental, emotional and social health into the personal and collective camp experiences. MESH(+) does this through providing resources and evidence-based models to camps for evaluation of activities (or ‘values’) in four key pillars (program, training, screening and medical).
The MESH(+) Seal application process serves as a valuable analysis and reflection framework as you develop your program’s comprehensive approach to camper and staff well-being. Join us so you can identify opportunities to become a part of the #MovementOfCare and to create and #EcosytemOfWellBeing in a meaningful way through current best practice.
This is a free virtual info session for camps who are interested in learning more about the MESH(+) Seal before applying. The submission window for applications is October 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026.
Join ACA, New England and the Alliance for Camp Health on January 9, 2026 at 12:00pm ET to explore how the MESH(+) Seal is helping leaders elevate care by weaving mental, emotional, and social health into every part of camp life.
Click Here to Register
For questions about the info session, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Coordinator at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
For questions about the MESH(+) Seal, reach out to Nikki Alvarado-Hobbs, Program Director at Alliance for Camp Health, at nikki@allianceforcamphealth.org
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Emergency Preparedness at Camp: A Panel Discussion with Chalmers Camp Insurance
2026-01-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Emergency action planning has become a critical focus across the camp community following the devastating flooding in Texas this past summer. This timely webinar brings camp professionals together to learn from peers who have navigated real-life emergencies and discover why a strong camp culture is just as essential as well-crafted policies.
Our panel will share their experiences and highlight key emergency management resources to support programs before, during, and after a crisis. Whether you’re refining an existing plan or building one from the ground up, this session will provide actionable insights to help you prepare with confidence.
Panelists:

Jolly Corley, Co-Director, Camp Robindel
Tony Oyenarte, Camp Director, Camp Emerson
Tonya Roy, Director of Quality Controls, YMCA of the USA
Katie Johnson, Senior Risk Consultant, Chalmers Camp Insurance

When: January 12, 2026 at 1:00pm EDT
Where: Zoom (link will be provided prior to the start of the session)
Cost: FREE
Click Here to Register
*This program is offered by Chalmers Camp Insurance as part of their partnership with ACA, New England.*
Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Coordinator at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (blended course)
2026-01-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
This is an 8-hour education program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity, role-playing, and simulations to demonstrate:

How to assess a mental health crisis
How to select interventions and provide initial help
How to connect young people to professional, peer, and social support, as well as self-help care.

The course covers:

Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use challenges in this age group.
How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
How to connect the youth with help.
Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.

This course is offered in a two-part format and both components must be completed to earn your certification:

2.5 hours of pre-work, which must be completed by Thursday, January 15, 2026
Live, virtual course from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Thursday, January 22, 2026

What will participants learn?
Participants learn the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder.
Participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness, or who are in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-aged youth, ages 8-18.
Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling.
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents, and who are either ACA, New England members or who work at camps located in Western Massachusetts.
We are able to provide this course free of charge to ACA, New England members thanks to a SAMHSA grant
Who created this course?
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the United States. Mental Health First Aid USA worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program.

Dates & Rates
When: Thursday, January 22, 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Thursday, January 15 to qualify for the in-person portion of this course).
Where: Online. Participants will receive a Zoom link no later than 24 hours prior to the program.
Cost: This course is FREE for ACA, New England members and folks who work at camps in Western Massachusetts (parameters of the grant funding to support this course).
*Because this course results in a certification, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*
Click here to register!
Registration Information:
This course is nearing capacity. If the course is full, please email gillian@acanewengland.org with your interest. We will offer another course in the spring.
This workshop has a maximum capacity of 15 participants.
Once you register through ACA, New England, additional communication about the course will come from the course instructors/the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. You will then receive an email with additional details on how to access the pre-work through the Mental Health First Aid Portal. Please allow time to receive that email. Pre-work should be completed by Thursday, January 15 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program (some flexibility exists if you need a few extra days, just let us know).
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event, provided there is enough time for that individual to complete the mandatory pre-work.
Questions: Reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.

Coffee & Camp Chat
2026-01-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly space for informal, yet purposeful, discussion among summer camp people! Sip your favorite beverage as we share insights, swap stories, and discuss trends in camping. Cozy into your Friday with fellow camp folk while we brew ideas, forge new connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
For more information or to suggest a topic for a future Chat, email bud@acanewengland.org
Coffee & Camp Chat is free and open to everyone in camping!

This Coffee & Camp Chat is sponsored by our partners at Chalmers Camp Insurance.

AI Essentials for Camp Professionals: From First Prompt to Custom Assistant
2026-01-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Summer camps are often technology-free for campers, but camp professionals are discovering that AI tools can help them work smarter. This hands-on 60-minute workshop takes you from complete beginner to building your own custom AI assistant – no technical experience required
This is a workshop, not a lecture. You’ll need access to an AI platform during the session (free accounts work fine), and we’ll build together. Perfect for anyone who’s curious but hasn’t really dove in yet, or for folks who’ve been experimenting but want to understand the fundamentals better.
By the end, you’ll have practical skills, working examples, and a custom tool you build yourself.
Dates & Rates
When: Tuesday, January 27, 2026; 11:00am to 12:00pm EDT
Where: Zoom (meeting links will be sent prior to the start of the session). This session will be recorded.
Cost: Members $25; non-Members $40
Click here to register!
About the Instructor
Joseph Rosenbaum | CEO | Synaptic Labs

Joseph has an MSW from Boston College and over 10 years of experience in nonprofits and adult education. Joseph co-founded Synaptic Labs, an AI Agency dedicated to providing equitable access to AI for nonprofits and small businesses through education and integration services.
Learn more about Synaptic Labs

Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Interviewing with Intention, Part 2: Reading Between the Lines - Interviewing New Staff with Intention, Insight, and Integrity
2026-01-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Interviewing with Intention: A Two-Part Series for Camp Hiring Leaders
Hiring is one of the most important responsibilities a camp director has – but the interview process is often underused as a tool for growth, learning, and leadership development. In this two-part series, Donna Johns-Thomas, SHRM-CP, founder of Indigo Consulting, explores how to make every interview count.
Part One helps camp leaders turn returning-staff conversations into opportunities for leadership building, skill development, and shared ownership of camp culture.
Part Two focuses on interviewing new staff — asking better questions, reducing bias, and using what you learn to shape stronger, more intentional pre-camp training.
Whether you’re hiring your 100th counselor or your first, these sessions will help you turn interviews into meaningful conversations that strengthen your team and your summer.
Reading Between the Lines: Interviewing New Staff with Intention, Insight, and Integrity
Anyone who’s hired for camp long enough has said it – “I can tell within five minutes if they’ll be good.” But while instinct plays a role, great hiring isn’t about hunches; it’s about information. Every interview is a chance to learn who this person might be in your camp community – how they’ll handle conflict, feedback, exhaustion, and a bunk full of campers. The key is asking questions that reveal more than rehearsed answers.
This session focuses on how to design and conduct interviews that are engaging, legally sound, and deeply informative. Participants will learn to move beyond stock questions (“What’s your favorite part about working with kids?”) to ones that uncover mindset, emotional intelligence, and real readiness for camp life. We’ll discuss how to:

Structure interviews that feel conversational yet consistent and purposeful.
Ask questions that draw out authentic responses from Gen Z candidates.
Avoid bias traps and recognize how personal assumptions can cloud judgment.
Navigate interviews for “must-fill” roles when ideal candidates aren’t available — assessing risk, readiness, and potential while meeting supervision ratios.

We’ll also explore how to use what’s learned in interviews to shape pre-camp training. If multiple staff express anxiety about parent communication or camper behavior management, that’s not just an individual concern — it’s a training theme. When interview insights directly inform staff development, teams feel heard, supported, and better prepared for the summer ahead.
Registration Info:
When: Thursday January 29. 2026; 11:00am to 12:00pm (eastern)
Where: Zoom (link provided prior to the start of the session). This session will be recorded.
Cost: $25 for Members; $40 for non-Members
Click here to register
Registration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your organization. Registration in based on individual membership status.
About the Instructor

Donna Johns-Thomas, SHRM-CP, is the founder of Indigo Consulting, providing training, strategy, and HR-informed support for camps and youth-serving organizations. An HR-certified camp professional, Donna brings over 30 years of experience in camp, human resources, and professional development. She previously served as Director of Learning & Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and as Director of Professional Development for the American Camp Association, New England. Known for her humor, clarity, and real-world approach, Donna helps camp professionals turn everyday challenges into opportunities for connection, growth, and stronger workplace culture. Her sessions combine insight, practicality, and just enough edge to keep things real.
Learn more about Donna at IndigoConsultingJT.com

Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

So, You Think You're Ready, But Are You? Proactive and Reactive Strategies in Emergency Response
2026-02-27 11:30 - 13:00 | Zoom
Emergencies don’t wait for the right moment — and neither should your readiness. This dynamic online session is designed specifically for summer camp directors and leadership teams who want to take their emergency preparedness to the next level. Participants will explore how to move beyond checklists and drills to build a culture of readiness. Our focus will be on assessing your camp’s current level of preparedness and identifying critical gaps. Develop proactive prevention and mitigation strategies tailored to your camp’s environment. Strengthen reactive response plans for medical, environmental, and behavioral crises. You’ll learn how to identify risks before they escalate, strengthen your camp’s crisis communication plan, and effectively lead staff and campers through unexpected events — from medical emergencies and severe weather to behavioral crises and community-wide incidents. Whether you’re a seasoned director or new to the role, this course will help you balance proactive planning with reactive leadership, ensuring your camp is prepared not just to respond—but to recover and thrive.

About the Instructor:

Jonathan Bundt is the founder and owner of Masa Consulting Inc. and has worked in mental health, public safety, healthcare, and emergency management for over 35
years, specializing in first responder care, disaster behavioral health, workplace violence prevention, crisis mitigation, incident response, and recovery. He regularly provides consultation and training services to EMS, police, fire departments, the private sector, hospitals, and state/federal agencies. Jonathan has provided incident and post-incident consultations for more than 3,000 local, regional, and national crisis, disaster, and violence events. He balances his background as a licensed mental health professional with 28 years of experience, and he is a certified emergency manager and security professional. He also has a lifetime of experience as a camper and staff leader in the 70s and 80s. Then, he transitioned to his professional career, providing on-site and off-site support and consultative services for YMCA and Jewish Camps throughout the Midwest.
When: Friday, February 27, 2026; 11:30am – 1:00pm (eastern)
Where: Zoom (meeting links will be sent prior to the start of the session)
Cost: 1st Person: Member $40; Non-member $55, 2nd and Additional: Member: $30; Non-member $45
Click here to register!
This e-session will be recorded.
Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

From Plan to Practice: An Emergency Response Tabletop E-Session that Actually Works
2026-03-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
Now more than ever, camps are investing more resources into making sure their staffs are adequately prepared for any emergencies that may arise. But a comprehensive action plan isn’t enough. The real test of preparedness comes when the plan is put into action. Join Patrick Dollason, founder and CEO of The Base Camp Initiative, for a hands-on session to practice translating your emergency plans into practical tools that build confidence and empower your staff to act.
Base Camp’s services are designed specifically for the camp environment and are grounded in FEMA and DHS principles. Through guided discussion and facilitated tabletop exercises, participants will learn the actionable steps for creating their own tabletop exercises that they can in turn facilitate with their own staff teams.
About the Instructor

Patrick Dollason is a certified Emergency Management Specialist with the Charleston County Emergency Management Department and
founder of The Base Camp Initiative, LLC, a consulting practice helping camps build a culture of preparedness and resilience. He holds degrees in Disaster and Emergency Management and Organizational Leadership, blending field expertise with academic insight into team development and organizational culture. As a Training and Exercise Coordinator, Patrick designs and facilitates emergency exercises that identify gaps, strengthen leadership, and build resilience. He brings both professional experience and a passion for youth development to help camps protect what matters most.

When: Thursday, March 5, 2026; 10:00 – 11:30am (eastern)
Where: Zoom (meeting links will be sent prior to the start of the session)
Cost: 1st Person: Member $40; Non-member $55, 2nd and Additional: Member: $30; Non-member $45
Click here to register!
This e-session will not be recorded.
Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

New Camp Director Workshop 3/25/26
2026-03-25 08:00 - 18:00 | DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH, 03101
ACA, New England: New Camp Director Workshop
(a 101-level offering)
Online registration has closed, but we will accept walk-in registrations on Wednesday, March 25. Please complete and bring this form with you to expedite your registration.
ACA, New England’s New Camp Director Workshop is a fast-paced, one-day program designed to give new and aspiring camp directors greater understanding of the scope and key functions of the professional role of the camp director, including the following:

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

Participants will also be assigned a “Resource Group” with other attendees and an instructor and can expect the opportunity to connect with them at least three times within a year of taking the course.
Ideal participants are full-time and part-time camp directors in their first three years of the role, and aspiring camp directors.
The course is taught by instructors from a variety of different camp backgrounds who have at least 7 years of experience as a camp director.
Participants will come away from the day with:

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

ACA Core Competencies covered in this workshop:

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

*Please note: this course does not cover basic youth development, curriculum, or program design principles.
When: Wednesday, March 25, 2026; 8:00am to 6:00pm
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, Manchester NH
Member Price: $110
Non-Member Price: $140
The New Camp Director Workshop is a full-day program. Attendance for the entirety of the program is required to receive education credits and a certificate of completion.

Have questions? Reach out to Gillian, Events & Logistics Manager, at gillian@acanewengland.org, or call our office at 781-541-6080
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Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Accreditation Volunteer Course 3/25/26
2026-03-25 09:00 - 17:00 | Goffstown YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, NH, 03045, United States
ACA New England needs YOU to join an amazing team of volunteers! Join us for our next Accreditation Volunteer Course (formerly known as the Associate Visitors Course).
This course is an in-person training. Participants must attend all learning sessions over the timeframe to successfully become an accreditation volunteer. This course requires active participation and engagement.
ACA’s accreditation program is the only national peer review program of its kind for the camp industry. Being an ACA accreditation volunteer (visitor) provides you with the experience to build your network, polish your skills in observation and risk management, and develop mentoring opportunities for both you and the camps you work with. As much as you give to this experience, you’ll gain from new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to the mission-driven work of the camp industry.
To become an accreditation volunteer, please complete these steps:

Submit an Accreditation Volunteer Application (online)
Register for this Accreditation Volunteer Course (formerly known as the Associate Visitors Course)

Once you are registered for the course, you’ll be enrolled in the required online pre-course work. The online pre-course work includes the Accreditation Process Workshop so you are up to date. This online pre-work must be successfully completed in order to attend the Accreditation Volunteer Course. To become an accreditation volunteer, you must fully attend and participate in ALL parts of the training.
If this course date does not work for your schedule, when you complete the Accreditation Volunteer Application, you will have other live virtual and in-person course options to select from.
Additional steps:

Review the ACA Associate Visitor/Visitor Service Description.
Review and be ready to sign the Volunteer Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct.
Be a current ACA individual member (contact us if you have questions about this. We also offer a discounted membership rate for visitors).

The registration Deadline is March 16, 2026. Pre-registration is required for this course.
There is an online portion that must be completed prior to the in-person portion of this course.
Click here to register
Cost: Free
Where & When: Goffstown YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, NH 03045; March 25, 2026 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
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In conjunction with the New England Camp Conference, this course will be held in person as part of our pre-conference programming. To register for the NE Camp Conference, click here.
Questions, reach out Haillie Mousseau, Accreditation & Volunteer Manager at haillie@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 100.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

2026 New England Camp Conference
2026-03-26 08:00 - 2026-03-28 15:00 | DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH, 03101
Registration for the 2026 New England Camp Conference is OPEN!
Join us in Manchester, NH for 3 days (March 26-28) of education, connection, and FUN!
Click here for registration details

People Are Your Biggest Line Item: Making Staffing Work Financially
2026-04-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Staffing is your biggest investment, and your biggest challenge.
In this session, camp consultant Hunter Gold blends finance and people strategy to help camps design sustainable staffing models that balance mission, morale, and money. Participants will explore compensation planning, seasonal structures, and creative ways to fund wellness and retention. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll experiment with staffing budgets that don’t just cut costs, they build culture.
Learning outcomes:
1. Align staffing design with financial realities and organizational priorities
2. Develop compensation strategies that enhance retention
3. Model the financial impact of staffing changes or benefits adjustments
Dates & Rates
When: Tuesday, April 7, 2026; 11:00am – 12:00pm ET
Where: Virtual on Zoom (meeting link will be sent prior to the start of the session)
Cost: Members $15 ; non-Members $25
Register a second person from your team at no additional cost by selecting “2nd Person Complimentary Registration” in the drop-down menu on STEP 2 of the registration process.
Click here to register!
This meeting will be recorded.
About the Instructor
Hunter Gold | Senior Consultant | Immersive1st
Hunter Gold, MBA is a Senior Consultant with Immersive1st, specializing in strengthening the financial and operational foundations of camps, retreat centers, and mission-driven organizations. With over 25 years of leadership experience in both nonprofit and for-profit camps, Hunter has led day and overnight camps as a CFO, Executive Director, and consultant. Known for making finance approachable and engaging, Hunter helps camp professionals and boards turn data into strategy and build long-term sustainability.

Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another member of your team, prior to the start of the session.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Spring Overnight Camp Staff Training Workshop: Reviewing, Revising, and Reimagining Your Staff Training Schedule
2026-04-15 10:00 - 15:00 | ACA New England Office, 80 Westview St, Lexington, MA, 02421
Do you wish you had one whole day to dive into your staff training schedule and curriculum?
Dust off that very important binder and join your fellow residential camping professionals for a one-day workshop dedicated to reviewing, revising, and maybe even reimagining your staff training schedule! We all know that our big plans for staff training often get pushed to the back burner when faced with the multitude of other responsibilities that come with a new camp year. The morning will be spent evaluating with a wide lens, focusing on setting intentional progression, weaving in camp culture and values, and identifying areas for improvement. The afternoon will dive into the details of the three S’s—speakers, spaces, and seat time—and finally, content areas. Are your important content-area trainings on programming, behavior, policies, and procedures checking boxes or actually preparing your staff? This workshop will be structured around small-group work, engaging activities, and exercises to guide evaluation and spark creativity.
Note: This workshop is designed specifically for overnight camps and may not be relevant for day camp professionals. Please reach out with any questions.
Dates & Rates
When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026; 10:00am to 3:00pm ET
Where: ACA, New England Office – 80 Westview Street, Lexington, MA 02421
Cost: Members $75; non-Members $100
Registrations are NON-refundable
Click here to register!
*This is an in-person workshop and will not be recorded*

About the Instructor

Becky Alford is the Camp Experience Director at Kingsley Pines, where her primary role is to support the social-emotional well-being and behavioral needs of campers and staff throughout the summer. As a member of the full-time leadership team at KP, she spends much of the winter organizing, evaluating, and streamlining pre-season training for over 75 seasonal staff. Becky is a licensed social worker who has spent ten years in residential and community-based programs in the Carolinas, working with children and families. She recognizes that supporting campers starts with equipping counselors to handle the challenges of camp and solve problems critically and confidently. Becky is an active member of the Maine Summer Camps and the Education Committee. She believes there is a special kind of magic at camp because it is one of those rare places where campers, staff, and the whole community can grow and become their best selves.

Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Your Camp Leadership Team: Whom and What Create the Strongest On & Off-Season Management?
2026-04-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Running a camp is becoming more complicated each year, as trends change quickly.
Between business operations, program, facilities, campers, staff, parents, and more, it can be difficult for even the most seasoned directors to know what and whom they need in order to keep their camp on top. In this session, Dr. Nick Teich will dive into which year-round and summer leadership positions are becoming more (and less) common, and how to think about streamlining your team so that your camp is covering all the bases. We’ll discuss summer positions, year-round full-time positions, leveraging seasonal staff for off-season part-time positions, as well as when (and what) to outsource.
Learning outcomes:

Participants will have an exercise in thinking critically about their camps’ needs in terms of year-round operations, summer operations, and the “in-between” (e.g. how summer employees can help year-round on an hourly basis).
Participants will learn which leadership positions are most common, and which are trending to be more common or less common.
Participants will get ideas on how to bolster or change their leadership teams – and implement these changes – based on their camp’s specific needs relative to industry trends.

Dates & Rates
When: Thursday, April 16, 2026; 10:00 – 11:00am ET
Where: Virtual on Zoom (meeting link will be sent prior to the start of the session)
Cost: Members $15 ; non-Members $25
Register a second person from your team at no additional cost by selecting “2nd Person Complimentary Registration” in the drop-down menu on STEP 2 of the registration process.
Click here to register!
This meeting will be recorded.
About the Instructor
Nick Teich | Owner | Fairwinds Camp Consulting

Dr. Nick Teich is an executive coach and consultant for camp directors and owners, helping them with their camp’s unique needs and goals. He has been working with camps for over 25 years and was a former longtime residential camp director. Nick is a recent recipient of ACA New England’s Peter Kerns Award for the Advancement of Professional Development at camps. He is also a member of the ACA New England Board of Directors. He is a trained social worker and holds a doctorate in social policy. Nick lives in the Boston area with his wife and two kids.

Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another member of your team, prior to the start of the session.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Coffee & Camp Chat LIVE! Hosted by EPIC (Freeport, ME)
2026-04-22 11:00 - 14:30 | Maine Beer Co., 525 US-1, Freeport, ME, 04032
Join EPIC New England and friends from Maine Summer Camps as they host a LIVE! edition of C&CC. The floor will be open to questions and topics about everything happening in summer camp: staffing, enrollment, programming, inclusion, accessibility, food, fun, growth, etc.

Part I – Challenges we’re facing and talking through solutions
Part II – Innovation at camp. What’s new at your camp and what’s coming next?
Part III – What did we miss? Circling back to “parking lot” items or continuing previous unfinished business.

Cost: $15 for members of ACA or Maine Summer Camps; $20 for non-Members
Use the drop-down menu to select your registration type. Fees go directly to providing food/refreshments!
When: Wednesday, April 22 from 11:00am to 2:30pm
Where: Maine Beer Co. 525 US-1, Freeport, ME 04032
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Got questions? Feel free to contact bud@acanewengland.org
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your organization.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (blended course)
2026-04-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
This is an 8-hour education program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity, role-playing, and simulations to demonstrate:

How to assess a mental health crisis
How to select interventions and provide initial help
How to connect young people to professional, peer, and social support, as well as self-help care.

The course covers:

Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use challenges in this age group.
How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
How to connect the youth with help.
Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.

This course is offered in a two-part format and both components must be completed to earn your certification:

2.5 hours of pre-work, which must be completed by Thursday, April 16, 2026
Live, virtual course from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Thursday, April 23, 2026

What will participants learn?
Participants learn the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder.
Participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness, or who are in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-aged youth, ages 8-18.
Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling.
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents, and who are either ACA, New England members or who work at camps located in Western Massachusetts.
We are able to provide this course free of charge to ACA, New England members thanks to a SAMHSA grant
Who created this course?
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the United States. Mental Health First Aid USA worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program.

Dates & Rates
When: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Thursday, April 16 to qualify for the in-person portion of this course).
Where: Online. Participants will receive a Zoom link no later than 24 hours prior to the program.
Cost: This course is FREE for ACA, New England members and folks who work at camps in Western Massachusetts (parameters of the grant funding to support this course).
*Because this course results in a certification, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*
Click here to register!
Registration Information:
This workshop has a maximum capacity of 15 participants.
Once you register through ACA, New England, additional communication about the course will come from the course instructors/the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. You will then receive an email with additional details on how to access the pre-work through the Mental Health First Aid Portal. Please allow time to receive that email. Pre-work should be completed by Thursday, April 16 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program (some flexibility exists if you need a few extra days, just let us know).
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event, provided there is enough time for that individual to complete the mandatory pre-work.
Please note that this is a vacation week for Massachusetts schools.
Questions: Reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.

Coffee & Camp Chat
2026-04-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly space for informal, yet purposeful, discussion among summer camp people! Sip your favorite beverage as we share insights, swap stories, and discuss trends in camping. Cozy into your Friday with fellow camp folk while we brew ideas, forge new connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
This week, we’re talking about inclusion. In a matter of weeks, thousands of campers and staff are coming to our camps.
What are we doing, have we been doing, should we be doing, and could we be doing to ensure everyone feels a sense of welcome and joy at camp this summer?
JOINING US THIS WEEK, friend of the show, New England Board member, and recent Peter Kerns Award recipient, Lisa Drennan. We’re talking her game, so she’s been kind enough to stop by and lend insight and possibly answers to plus-up the conversation.

Coffee & Camp Chat is free and open to everyone in camping!
As always, questions, information, requests, etc. regarding anything Coffee & Camp Chat, please don’t hesitate to contact bud@acanewengland.org.
