Associate Visitor Course Fall 2023
2023-11-15 09:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Brookwoods / Deer Run, 34 Camp Brookwoods Rd, Alton, NH, 03809
ACA New England needs YOU to join an amazing team of volunteers! Join us for our next Associate Visitor 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 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.

Additional Information

Contact Elizabeth Snell, Director of Accreditation Services, with questions.
Course will be held in person.
Preregistration for this course is required.
Lunch is provided.
Registration Deadline is November 8, 2023.
There is an online portion that must be completed prior to the in person portion of this course.

Hot Topics with EPIC, New England - December 2023
2023-12-04 14:30 - 15:30
Topic for December: TBD. Email suggestions to bud@acanewengland.org
Throughout the “off season”, EPIC New England hosts monthly drop-ins for Emerging Professionals In Camping to connect and share thoughts, questions, information, etc. around the topics that currently affect them in camping.
While hosted by EPIC, these conversations are open to anyone (EPIC, full-time, seasonal, veteran, etc.) who has insights or questions around the Hot Topic of the day.
ACCESS: “Hot Topics” is open to everyone in camping. However, we host these gatherings through the New England Camp Community (ACA, New England’s members platform). If you are not currently an ACA, New England member and you’d like to join EPIC for Hot Topics, please reach out to bud@acanewengland.org. He’ll help you with your one-time setup, so you can join us for all future chats.
HOW TO JOIN:
How to Find and Access Events (Video with Narration)
How to Find and Access Events (Step by Step Guide)
FOR NEW ENGLAND MEMBERS: If it’s your first time logging into the New England Camp Community, and you need help, please refer to our NE Camp Community page or email bud@acanewengland.org.

EPIC, New England
Emerging Professionals In Camping (EPIC) is a kindred group within the American Camp Association for counselors, staff, and other camp professionals to connect and grow their careers in camping.
In January 2019, a group of emerging professionals in New England camping gathered at the ACA, New England office in Lexington, MA. Since then, EPIC, New England has continued to provide support, connections, and opportunities for anyone making that move into a camp career or taking another step towards their goals in the industry.
If you are someone passionate about a career in camping or a current camp pro looking for more growth and development, you are EPIC.

EPIC, New England Holiday Hangout 2023 - NH
2023-12-05 11:00 - 14:00
2023 EPIC, New England Holiday Hang – NH
What – Annual Holiday Hangout
Who – EPICs, friends of EPIC, people curious about EPIC
Where – Tuckerman Brewing Company, NH
When – Mid-day on Tuesday, December 5
Why – Engage EPICs, meet other camp people, connect with old acquaintances, participate in breakout discussion groups, and walk away with new ideas, new friends, and a positive spirit heading into the holidays.
Program:

Ice Breakers
Breakout Discussion Groups
Networking Time
Holiday Gear Contest
Raffle

ACA Members: $10
Non-members: $15
Not a member? Reach out to Bud@acanewengland.org to learn about ACA’s Free Membership

EPIC, New England
Emerging Professionals In Camping (EPIC) is a kindred group within the American Camp Association for counselors, staff, and other camp professionals to connect and grow their careers in camping.
In January 2019, a group of emerging professionals in New England camping gathered at the ACA, New England office in Lexington, MA. Since then, EPIC, New England has continued to provide support, connections, and opportunities for anyone making that move into a camp career or taking another step towards their goals in the industry.
If you are someone passionate about a career in camping or a current camp pro looking for more growth and development, you are EPIC.

Coffee & Camp Chat - 12/8
2023-12-08 10:00 - 11:00
Topic for 12/8: CIT/LIT Programs. Send any questions you’d like to address around this topic to bud@acanewengland.org and we’ll include them in the conversation.
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly 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 connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
ACCESS: C&CC is open to everyone in camping. However, we host these gatherings through the New England Camp Community (ACA, New England’s members platform). If you are not currently an ACA, New England member and you’d like to join us for Coffee & Camp Chat, please reach out to bud@acanewengland.org. He’ll help you with your one-time setup, so you can join us for all future chats.
HOW TO JOIN:
How to Find and Access Events (Video with Narration)
How to Find and Access Events (Step by Step Guide)
FOR NEW ENGLAND MEMBERS: If it’s your first time logging into the New England Camp Community, and you need help, please refer to our NE Camp Community page or email bud@acanewengland.org.

NE Accreditation Process Workshop 12/13/23
2023-12-13 09:30 - 12:30 | ACA New England Office, 80 Westview St, Lexington, MA, 02421
This course is designed to provide an overview of the ACA Accreditation Process.
Every camp being visited in 2024 must have at least one person who completes this course on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be engaged in on-site operations during the camp season, and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
Participants feel excited, engaged, and ready to manage the accreditation process for their camp. They know where to find and how to use information, resources, and technology provided by ACA. They can navigate the Accreditation Process Guide v.2019 to understand compliance and applicability of standards, including how to maintain accreditation through the visit and non-visit years and the purpose and steps of preparing written documentation.
*Multiple people from a camp are encouraged to take this course.
Additional Information

This course will be held In Person
**As of 11/1/23 there is waitlist for this course. Please email Elizabeth@acanewengland.org to get added to the waitlist.**

Contact Us

Questions?
Contact Elizabeth Snell
elizabeth@acanewengland.org
781-541-6080

EPIC, New England Holiday Hangout 2023 - MA
2023-12-13 13:00 - 16:00 | ACA New England Office, 80 Westview St, Lexington, MA, 02421
2023 EPIC, New England Holiday Hang – MA
What – Annual Holiday Hangout
Who – EPICs, friends of EPIC, people curious about EPIC
Where – ACA, New England’s Lexington Office
When – 1pm – 4pm on Wednesday, December 13
Why – Engage EPICs, meet other camp people, connect with old acquaintances, participate in breakout discussion groups, and walk away with new ideas, new friends, and a positive spirit heading into the holidays.

Program:

Ice Breakers
Breakout Discussion Groups
Networking Time
Holiday Gear Contest
Raffle

ACA Members: $10
Non-members: $15
Not a member? Reach out to Bud@acanewengland.org to learn about ACA’s Free Membership

EPIC, New England
Emerging Professionals In Camping (EPIC) is a kindred group within the American Camp Association for counselors, staff, and other camp professionals to connect and grow their careers in camping.
In January 2019, a group of emerging professionals in New England camping gathered at the ACA, New England office in Lexington, MA. Since then, EPIC, New England has continued to provide support, connections, and opportunities for anyone making that move into a camp career or taking another step towards their goals in the industry.
If you are someone passionate about a career in camping or a current camp pro looking for more growth and development, you are EPIC.

Coffee & Camp Chat - 12/22
2023-12-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Tradewing
Topic for 12/22: Summer staff management. How do we onboard, train, empower, support, and engage summer staff while also holding them accountable?
Send any questions you’d like to address around this topic to bud@acanewengland.org and we’ll include them in the conversation.
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly 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 connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
ACCESS: C&CC is open to everyone in camping. However, we host these gatherings through the New England Camp Community (ACA, New England’s members platform). If you are not currently an ACA, New England member and you’d like to join us for Coffee & Camp Chat, please reach out to bud@acanewengland.org. He’ll help you with your one-time setup, so you can join us for all future chats.
HOW TO JOIN:
How to Find and Access Events (Video with Narration)
How to Find and Access Events (Step by Step Guide)
FOR NEW ENGLAND MEMBERS: If it’s your first time logging into the New England Camp Community, and you need help, please refer to our NE Camp Community page or email bud@acanewengland.org.

Coffee & Camp Chat - 1/5/24
2024-01-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Tradewing
Topic for 1/5/24:Now that it’s 2024, what’s next?
Send any questions you’d like to address around this topic to bud@acanewengland.org and we’ll include them in the conversation.
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly 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 connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
ACCESS: C&CC is open to everyone in camping. However, we host these gatherings through the New England Camp Community (ACA, New England’s members platform). If you are not currently an ACA, New England member and you’d like to join us for Coffee & Camp Chat, please reach out to bud@acanewengland.org. He’ll help you with your one-time setup, so you can join us for all future chats.
HOW TO JOIN:
How to Find and Access Events (Video with Narration)
How to Find and Access Events (Step by Step Guide)
FOR NEW ENGLAND MEMBERS: If it’s your first time logging into the New England Camp Community, and you need help, please refer to our NE Camp Community page or email bud@acanewengland.org.

Hot Topics w/EPIC, New England - January 2024
2024-01-08 14:30 - 15:30 | Tradewing
Got Hot Topics you want to address? Questions you want to ask? Stories you want to share? email bud@acanewengland.org and we’ll get them on the agenda.
Throughout the “off season”, EPIC New England hosts monthly drop-ins for Emerging Professionals In Camping to connect and share thoughts, questions, information, etc. around the topics that currently affect them in camping.
While hosted by EPIC, these conversations are open to anyone (EPIC, full-time, seasonal, veteran, etc.) who has insights or questions around the Hot Topic of the day.
ACCESS: “Hot Topics” is open to everyone in camping. However, we host these gatherings through the New England Camp Community (ACA, New England’s members platform). If you are not currently an ACA, New England member and you’d like to join EPIC for Hot Topics, please reach out to bud@acanewengland.org. He’ll help you with your one-time setup, so you can join us for all future chats.
HOW TO JOIN:
How to Find and Access Events (Video with Narration)
How to Find and Access Events (Step by Step Guide)
FOR NEW ENGLAND MEMBERS: If it’s your first time logging into the New England Camp Community, and you need help, please refer to our NE Camp Community page or email bud@acanewengland.org.

EPIC, New England
Emerging Professionals In Camping (EPIC) is a kindred group within the American Camp Association for counselors, staff, and other camp professionals to connect and grow their careers in camping.
In January 2019, a group of emerging professionals in New England camping gathered at the ACA, New England office in Lexington, MA. Since then, EPIC, New England has continued to provide support, connections, and opportunities for anyone making that move into a camp career or taking another step towards their goals in the industry.
If you are someone passionate about a career in camping or a current camp pro looking for more growth and development, you are EPIC.

NE Accreditation Process Workshop 1/10/24
2024-01-10 09:30 - 12:30 | Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME, 04074
This course is designed to provide an overview of the ACA Accreditation Process.
Every camp being visited in 2024 must have at least one person who completes this course on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be engaged in on-site operations during the camp season, and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
Participants feel excited, engaged, and ready to manage the accreditation process for their camp. They know where to find and how to use information, resources, and technology provided by ACA. They can navigate the Accreditation Process Guide v.2019 to understand compliance and applicability of standards, including how to maintain accreditation through the visit and non-visit years and the purpose and steps of preparing written documentation.
This course will be In Person
*Multiple people from a camp are encouraged to take this course.

Leverage Holidays into Promotional Opportunities for Your Camp (Recording)
2024-01-11 13:00 - 2024-02-12 13:30 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and camp marketing guru Joanna Warren Smith for this special virtual presentation:
Leverage Holidays into Promotional Opportunities for Your Camp!
While the live session has passed, register to receive the recording, which will be available for viewing through February 12, 2024.
It’s to your advantage to punctuate the routine marketing calendar with exciting unique events that reconnect campers with the rituals and traditions of summer and also remind parents why the camp experience is so meaningful. These holidays also serve as convenient registration deadlines that help convey urgency and build momentum toward capacity and the ultimate goal, wait lists.
The session will run about 30 minutes (1:00 – 1:30 pm ET) with an 15 additional minutes reserved for discussion and Q&A.
If you can’t join us live, the e-session will be recorded and available for viewing up to 30 days after the event.
FREE for ACA members, $10 for non-members (based on individual membership status).
About our presenter:

Joanna Warren Smith, President, Camp Consulting Services
213.256.6434 | campconsulting@charter.net | camp-consulting.com
Joanna has assessed hundreds of camps throughout the country and has acquired a unique industry perspective of best business practices. Through individualized strategies, she has enabled new camps to develop, helped troubled businesses to survive and has been instrumental in the continuing success of premier shops. Since 2010, Joanna has facilitated Parent Focus Groups even during the pandemic and now has clear indicators from parents of all demographics about their expectations of camp, what motivates families to inquire, purchase and return.
Joanna and Travis Allison recently published The Camper Marketing & Retention Playbook which is now available on Amazon.

Accreditation Process Workshop 1/15/24 Virtual
2024-01-15 08:30 - 11:30 | Zoom
This course is designed to provide an overview of the ACA Accreditation Process.
Every camp being visited in 2024 must have at least one person who completes this course on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be engaged in on-site operations during the camp season, and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
*Multiple people from a camp are encouraged to take this course.
Participants feel excited, engaged, and ready to manage the accreditation process for their camp. They know where to find and how to use information, resources, and technology provided by ACA. They can navigate the Accreditation Process Guide v.2019 to understand compliance and applicability of standards, including how to maintain accreditation through the visit and non-visit years and the purpose and steps of preparing written documentation.

Additional Information

This course will be held VIRTUALLY on Zoom
Preregistration required

Coffee & Camp Chat 1/19 @ 1pm SPECIAL TIME
2024-01-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Tradewing
THIS CHAT WILL BE A SPECIAL AFTERNOON CHAT DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS.
SAME PLACE, SAME VIBES, SPECIAL TIME FOR THIS DAY
Topic for 1/19: Program Innovation: What’s new at your camp or what programs are you looking to start?
Send any questions you’d like to address around this topic to bud@acanewengland.org and we’ll include them in the conversation.
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly 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 connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
ACCESS: C&CC is open to everyone in camping. However, we host these gatherings through the New England Camp Community (ACA, New England’s members platform). If you are not currently an ACA, New England member and you’d like to join us for Coffee & Camp Chat, please reach out to bud@acanewengland.org. He’ll help you with your one-time setup, so you can join us for all future chats.
HOW TO JOIN:
How to Find and Access Events (Video with Narration)
How to Find and Access Events (Step by Step Guide)
FOR NEW ENGLAND MEMBERS: If it’s your first time logging into the New England Camp Community, and you need help, please refer to our NE Camp Community page or email bud@acanewengland.org.

Mental Health First Aid (virtual with pre-work due by 1/23)
2024-01-29 08:30 - 15:30 | Zoom
Mental Health First Aid
(VIRTUAL COURSE: Self-paced pre-work and live virtual course)
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that is designed to give you key skills to help an adult who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Whether you’re looking to support a colleague, your camp counselors, family and friends, or other members of your community…this virtual course is for you.
This course is offered in a two-part format and both components must be completed to earn your certification:

2 hours of virtual self-paced pre-work must be completed by Tuesday, January 23 (the instructor must verify completion for you to be eligible to join the live portion of the course)
Live, instructor-led virtual course from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm on Monday, January 29 (You must be fully present with the ability to have a camera and microphone on throughout the course. There will be a lunch break built in to the schedule.)

What will participants learn? MHFA Certification teaches participants to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges among adults. You will learn: common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges; how to interact with a person in crisis how to connect a person with help and resources; ways to support a person thinking about suicide.
Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support an individual developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan.
Who should take this course? The course is designed for anyone 18-years of age or older who would like to add to their toolbox for supporting folks with mental health concerns. This would be great for camp leaders to provide support to their adult staff members. This is a standalone certification, but if you’re already certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, this complements that as well.
About the instructor:
Emily Golinksy, 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 leadership in both day and residential environments for children in crisis, special needs youth, and traditional campers, including 15 years as Executive Director at Camp Starfish (NH). Emily is a regular presenter at conferences and is active in ACA, New England, where she is a Lead Visitor, conference committee member, and member of the Faculty for the New Camp Directors Workshop. Emily is on the Board of Directors for NHCamps and is a contributor to Camping Magazine, ParentingNH, the Project Real Job Blog, and the Day Camp Pod. She holds a BS in Health Psychology and an MS in Camp Administration and Leadership. 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.
*Because this course results in a certification, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*
Space is limited to 15 participants, so register early!
When: Monday, January 29, 2023, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm via Zoom (Self-paced online pre-work must be completed by Tuesday, January 23 for participants to qualify to join the live virtual portion of the course. The instructor will be speaking at another conference and unable to verify pre-work completion after January 23.).
Where: Via Zoom. A link will be sent prior to the start of the course. Please note: participants must be able to participate with cameras and mics (as needed) turned on in order to receive a completion certificate.
Cost: $75 for ACA, New England members/ $100 for non-members.
Register: Click here. You will register through ACA, New England, but additional communication about the course and how to complete the pre-work will come from the course instructor/ the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
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).
A minimum of 6 participants is required for the program to run.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104. If the course is full or you are interested, but not available on this date, please contact Kerry. If there is interest, we may offer additional courses.

Trauma Informed Environments for Youth Serving Professionals (Trauma 101)
2024-01-31 13:30 - 15:00 | Zoom
Trauma Informed Environments for Youth Serving Professionals (Trauma 101)
Communities experience trauma that shows up in a myriad of ways which can lead to many negative social and health related outcomes. The Trauma 101 & 102 trainings help youth serving professionals understand adverse childhood experiences, signs and symptoms of trauma, related mental health issues in youth, and offers trauma-informed practices for helping them achieve mental well-being and overall success.
In this specific training, participants will learn how:

to recognize signs and symptoms in youth displaying behavioral health concerns,
trauma affects learning and how to address these effects; and
to appropriately respond to young people experiencing mental health issues.

This course will be presented by trainers from the Center for School Behavioral Health at Mental Health America of Greater Houston.
For more information about the Emotional Backpack project, you can visit here.
We highly recommend you join us live for the most robust and engaging experience. If you are unable to do so, the recording will be made available to registered attendees for 15 days following the live e-session.
This course will be presented by trainers from the Center for School Behavioral Health at Mental Health America of Greater Houston (the Center) as part of its Emotional Backpack Project. For more information about the Emotional Backpack project, you can visit here. The Center serves as a “living laboratory” for incubating innovative, cost-effective and replicable best practices to improve the behavioral health of students by facilitating collective action; providing highly specialized professional development opportunities, technical assistance and community education; and conducting research, advocacy, and policy analysis.
We encourage you to join both this training and Advanced Trauma Informed Strategies on 2/21.however you do not need to attend both. They are offered independently of one another.
When: Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm ET
Where: Online, via Zoom
Cost: $65 for ACA, New England members/ $90 for non-members. *Each registration comes with two seats for your camp/program. You can select the two participants during the check-out process. Registration of the first person from the camp/organization is based off of individual membership status. Please register first person at the FIRST PERSON rate and then the additional person as SECOND PERSON (no additional charge).
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual from your camp/program prior to the start of the event.
Questions, reach out to Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
About the trainers
Keenisha Protho is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Texas with 10 plus years of experience in the field of social work. Originally from Northwest Indiana, Keenisha started her career as a contracted case manager working with families who lost their children to Child Protective Services to regain custody of their children in 2012. Keenisha received a Bachelor and Maters of Social Work from Indiana University. Over the years, Keenisha has gained a wealth of knowledge in her experience as a Family Support Specialist, CPS case worker, Advocacy Coordinator, Community Educator, PRN therapist and Behavior Specialist. As a Professional Development Specialist, Keenisha enjoys training school personnel and other youth interfacing staff and agencies on topics such as youth mental health and youth suicide prevention.

Sharifa J. Charles serves as a Senior Professional Development Specialist for the Center for School Behavioral Health at Mental Health America – Greater Houston. She is charged with creating and providing high impact, enriching and culturally sensitive mental and behavioral health professional development opportunities to school districts and community organizations throughout the city of Houston. To date, she has provided mental and behavioral health trainings in over 25 districts, countless youth serving organizations across the Greater Houston Area. Ms. Charles has also been deployed to Hurricane ravaged communities like Bay County Florida and the United States Virgin Islands to provide professional development trainings to counselors and first responders. Throughout her professional career, Sharifa has proudly worked for or collaborated with countless CBOS, government agencies and NGOs. She brings an extensive background in program implementation, capacity building, training and facilitation within diverse vulnerable populations throughout the City of Houston and beyond.

Coffee & Camp Chat 2/2
2024-02-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Tradewing
Topic for 2/2: Highs and lows. What are the biggest challenges facing camp(s) right now and what are the biggest opportunities staring us in the face?
Send any questions you’d like to address around this topic to bud@acanewengland.org and we’ll include them in the conversation.
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly 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 connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
ACCESS: C&CC is open to everyone in camping. However, we host these gatherings through the New England Camp Community (ACA, New England’s members platform). If you are not currently an ACA, New England member and you’d like to join us for Coffee & Camp Chat, please reach out to bud@acanewengland.org. He’ll help you with your one-time setup, so you can join us for all future chats.
HOW TO JOIN:
How to Find and Access Events (Video with Narration)
How to Find and Access Events (Step by Step Guide)
FOR NEW ENGLAND MEMBERS: If it’s your first time logging into the New England Camp Community, and you need help, please refer to our NE Camp Community page or email bud@acanewengland.org.

Hot Topics w/EPIC, New England - February 2024
2024-02-05 14:30 - 15:30 | Tradewing

Coffee & Camp Chat 2/16
2024-02-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Tradewing
Send any questions you’d like to address to bud@acanewengland.org and we’ll include them in the conversation.
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly 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 connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
ACCESS: C&CC is open to everyone in camping. However, we host these gatherings through the New England Camp Community (ACA, New England’s members platform). If you are not currently an ACA, New England member and you’d like to join us for Coffee & Camp Chat, please reach out to bud@acanewengland.org. He’ll help you with your one-time setup, so you can join us for all future chats.
HOW TO JOIN:
How to Find and Access Events (Video with Narration)
How to Find and Access Events (Step by Step Guide)
FOR NEW ENGLAND MEMBERS: If it’s your first time logging into the New England Camp Community, and you need help, please refer to our NE Camp Community page or email bud@acanewengland.org.

Advanced Trauma Informed Strategies for Youth Serving Professionals (Trauma 102)
2024-02-21 13:30 - 15:00 | Zoom
Advanced Trauma Informed Strategies for Youth Serving Professionals (Trauma 102)
Communities experience trauma that shows up in a myriad of ways which can lead to many negative social and health related outcomes. The Trauma 101 & 102 trainings help youth serving professionals understand adverse childhood experiences, signs and symptoms of trauma, related mental health issues in youth, and offers trauma-informed practices for helping them achieve mental well-being and overall success.
In this specific training, participants will learn the key characteristics of a trauma informed practitioner and evidence based strategies to cultivate a trauma sensitive environment.
Participants will also discuss how cultural awareness, equity, and racial/historical trauma impact the classroom.
This course will be presented by trainers from the Center for School Behavioral Health at Mental Health America of Greater Houston.
For more information about the Emotional Backpack project, you can visit here.
We highly recommend you join us live for the most robust and engaging experience. If you are unable to do so, the recording will be made available to registered attendees for 15 days following the live e-session.
This course will be presented by trainers from the Center for School Behavioral Health at Mental Health America of Greater Houston (the Center) as part of its Emotional Backpack Project. For more information about the Emotional Backpack project, you can visit here. The Center serves as a “living laboratory” for incubating innovative, cost-effective and replicable best practices to improve the behavioral health of students by facilitating collective action; providing highly specialized professional development opportunities, technical assistance and community education; and conducting research, advocacy, and policy analysis.
We encourage you to join both this training and Trauma Informed Environments 101 on 1/31. However you do not need to attend both. They are offered independently of one another.
When: Wednesday, February 21 2024, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm ET
Where: Online, via Zoom
Cost: $65 for ACA, New England members/ $90for non-members. *Each registration comes with two seats for your camp/program. You can select the two participants during the check-out process. Registration of the first person from the camp/organization is based off of individual membership status. Please register first person at the FIRST PERSON rate and then the additional person as SECOND PERSON (no additional charge).
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual from your camp/program prior to the start of the event.
Questions, reach out to Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
About the trainers
Keenisha Protho is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Texas with 10 plus years of experience in the field of social work. Originally from Northwest Indiana, Keenisha started her career as a contracted case manager working with families who lost their children to Child Protective Services to regain custody of their children in 2012. Keenisha received a Bachelor and Maters of Social Work from Indiana University. Over the years, Keenisha has gained a wealth of knowledge in her experience as a Family Support Specialist, CPS case worker, Advocacy Coordinator, Community Educator, PRN therapist and Behavior Specialist. As a Professional Development Specialist, Keenisha enjoys training school personnel and other youth interfacing staff and agencies on topics such as youth mental health and youth suicide prevention.

Sharifa J. Charles serves as a Senior Professional Development Specialist for the Center for School Behavioral Health at Mental Health America – Greater Houston. She is charged with creating and providing high impact, enriching and culturally sensitive mental and behavioral health professional development opportunities to school districts and community organizations throughout the city of Houston. To date, she has provided mental and behavioral health trainings in over 25 districts, countless youth serving organizations across the Greater Houston Area. Ms. Charles has also been deployed to Hurricane ravaged communities like Bay County Florida and the United States Virgin Islands to provide professional development trainings to counselors and first responders. Throughout her professional career, Sharifa has proudly worked for or collaborated with countless CBOS, government agencies and NGOs. She brings an extensive background in program implementation, capacity building, training and facilitation within diverse vulnerable populations throughout the City of Houston and beyond.

Coffee & Camp Chat 3/1
2024-03-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Tradewing

Hot Topics w/EPIC - March 2024
2024-03-04 14:30 - 15:30 | Zoom
Got Hot Topics you want to address? Questions you want to ask? Stories you want to share? email bud@acanewengland.org and we’ll get them on the agenda.
Throughout the “off season”, EPIC New England hosts monthly drop-ins for Emerging Professionals In Camping to connect and share thoughts, questions, information, etc. around the topics that currently affect them in camping.
While hosted by EPIC, these conversations are open to anyone (EPIC, full-time, seasonal, veteran, etc.) who has insights or questions around the Hot Topic of the day.

EPIC, New England
Emerging Professionals In Camping (EPIC) is a kindred group within the American Camp Association for counselors, staff, and other camp professionals to connect and grow their careers in camping.
In January 2019, a group of emerging professionals in New England camping gathered at the ACA, New England office in Lexington, MA. Since then, EPIC, New England has continued to provide support, connections, and opportunities for anyone making that move into a camp career or taking another step towards their goals in the industry.
If you are someone passionate about a career in camping or a current camp pro looking for more growth and development, you are EPIC.

Coffee & Camp Chat 3/15
2024-03-15 10:00 - 11:00

New Camp Director Workshop 3/20/24
2024-03-20 08:00 - 18:00 | DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH, 03101
Are you a new camp director or planning a career in camp ?
Join us for a FAST PACED day focused on the many topics of running camp. Staff training, supervision, hiring, firing, and so many more!
Come prepared to fill your brain and notebook with lots of useful information.
A team of experienced directors and consultants will lead workshops and provide invaluable materials and hands-on training scenarios.
Lunch is included is included with this registration. More details on lunch will be announced closer to the session.

MASSACHUSETTS PEOPLE PLEASE NOTE: If you are taking this training to fulfill the Massachusetts Camp Licensing requirements for directors, please note you ALSO need to attend a training with the Department of Public Health. The DPH trainings are normally coordinated with the Massachusetts Camping Association and this year are taking place on April 24 & 25. ACA, New England’s New Camp Director Workshop satisfies the requirement for Director training discussed at the Massachusetts Camping Association’s DPH meeting.

NE Accreditation Process Workshop 3/20/24
2024-03-20 09:30 - 12:30 | DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH, 03101
This course is designed to provide an overview of the ACA Accreditation Process.
Every camp being visited in 2024 must have at least one person who completes this course on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be engaged in on-site operations during the camp season, and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
*Multiple people from a camp are encouraged to take this course.
Participants feel excited, engaged, and ready to manage the accreditation process for their camp. They know where to find and how to use information, resources, and technology provided by ACA. They can navigate the Accreditation Process Guide v.2019 to understand compliance and applicability of standards, including how to maintain accreditation through the visit and non-visit years and the purpose and steps of preparing written documentation.

Additional Information

This class will be held in person

Contact Us

Questions:
Contact Elizabeth Snell, Director of Accreditation Services
elizabeth@acanewengland.org
781-541-6080

Coffee & Camp Chat 3/29
2024-03-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Tradewing

Youth Mental Health First Aid (Blended Course) (FULL)
2024-04-01 09:00 - 14:30
As of 3/8/24 this course is FULL and cannot accept any additional registrations.
ACA, New England is not offering additional courses this spring focused solely on camp professionals, but additional spring dates are available through this link: https://www.collaborative.org/event/youth-mental-health-blended/
Youth Mental Health First Aid
(BLENDED COURSE: Online pre-work and live in-person course)
This is an 8-hour education program that teaches partcipants 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; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and 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 must be completed by Thursday, March 28
5.5 hour live, virtual course from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm on Monday, April 1

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

Kayla Crowe
Joanne Dreher

This course is FREE for ACA, New England members and folks who work at camps in Western Massachusetts. You MUST register by March 6 and complete your pre-work completion by March 28 receive access to the live virtual course on April.
*Because this course results in a certification, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*
Space is limited to 30 participants!
Register: As of 3/8/24 this course is FULL and cannot accept any additional registrations. If you are already registered, additional communication about the course will come from the course instructor/ the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. You will receive a Zoom link for the live portion of the course 24 hours prior to the session.
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).
Once you register through ACA, New England, you will 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. All pre-work must be completed by Thursday, March 28 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program.
A minimum of 10 and maximum of 30 registered participants is required for the program to run.
Questions, reach out to Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.

Hot Topics w/EPIC - April 2024
2024-04-01 14:30 - 15:30 | Zoom

2024 ACA, New England Annual Meeting
2024-04-05 09:00 - 10:00 | Zoom
This is your Association. We hope you can join us, participate, and hear about what’s happening around New England and how we’re working on the wants, needs, and questions most relevant to shaping a better path ahead for all camps.

State of the Association
Introduce New Board Members
Hear from Board Leadership
Celebrate and Recognize Members
Survey First Takes
What’s Next for New England?

April 5, 9am-10am
Should you have questions regarding the Annual Meeting, please reach out to Michele@acanewengland.org or ianmoorhouse@wheelerschool.org

SOLO Wilderness First Aid (THREE OFFERINGS)
2024-04-06 08:00 - 2024-04-07 17:00 | Function Hall @ Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH, United States
Do you like to spend time outdoors? Accidents happen; if you or someone in your group got hurt, would you know what to do? People get hurt, sick, or lost. Many back country emergencies are preventable and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse.
Wilderness First Aid is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants more than basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. The 16 hour long (two-day) program focuses on the skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies.
Those who complete the course and pass the written and practical skills will receive a Wilderness First Aid certification from SOLO which is valid for 2 years.
Optional CPR Training
An optional Adult CPR Certification Course will be offered on Saturday evening for an additional fee of $50.00 for those who would like to get certified. While certification is recommended; it is not required.
Certification Received: Participants successfully completing the course will receive
This 2-day course is being offered three times: 4/6-7, 4/27-28, 5/25-26

Accreditation Process Workshop (Hybrid)
2024-04-09 09:30 - 12:30 | ACA New England Office, 80 Westview St, Lexington, MA, 02421
This course is designed to provide an overview of the ACA Accreditation Process.
Every camp being visited in 2024 must have at least one person who completes this course on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be engaged in on-site operations during the camp season, and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
The April 9th Accreditation Process Workshop will be offered in a Hybrid format, You may attend the session in person or virtually via Zoom. Multiple people from a camp are encouraged to take this course.
Participants feel excited, engaged, and ready to manage the accreditation process for their camp. They know where to find and how to use information, resources, and technology provided by ACA. They can navigate the Accreditation Process Guide v.2019 to understand compliance and applicability of standards, including how to maintain accreditation through the visit and non-visit years and the purpose and steps of preparing written documentation.

Additional Information

It will be offered in a Hybrid format, You may attend in person or virtually via Zoom.
Please indicate how you will attend in the registration.
