Coffee & Camp Chat
2026-05-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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!

ACA, New England Volunteer Information Session - Spring 2026
2026-05-28 12:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
For those interested in volunteering with ACA, New England or simply learning more about what those opportunities are and could be, register for this session. The first part will be recorded and shared, but join us live if you have questions or suggestions.
We know it’s lunchtime. Please feel free to meet and eat.
The session is scheduled in two parts for two goals:

The audience has an understanding of where, when, and how to volunteer with ACA, New England. (Recorded)
The audience helps us with ideas for future volunteer opportunities and improvements.

Once we stop recording, we’ll share some ideas we have in the office about potential volunteer opportunities. If you have suggestions and/or have engaged in volunteer work before that brought joy to you and a positive impact to the community, we’d love to hear about that. Bring those stories and suggestions.
There is a general outline of the time below. Should you have questions, information, requests, etc. regarding this time together, please reach out to haillie@acanewengland.org.
Rundown

Welcome and introductions
Current landscape of volunteer opportunities with ACA, New England
Events
Committees
Board
Standards and Accreditation Volunteers – Visitors
What we want to try.
What should we try?

Alliance for Camp Health MESH(+) Seal Recipient Recognition Ceremony
2026-08-20 14:00 - 15:00
Join our partners at the Alliance for Camp Health on Thursday, August 20, 2026 to recognize and celebrate the recipients of the MESH(+) Seal!

Click here for more information and to register!
New England camps are among the recipients.
For more information about ACH and the MESH(+) Seal, join our info session on 10/8/26 – more info coming soon!

2026 Overnight Camp Tours
2026-09-14 09:30 - 2026-09-15 15:00 | YMCA Camp Coniston, 24 Main Camp Road, Croydon, NH, 03773
Join ACA, New England for our 2026 Overnight Camp Tours in NH & VT on September 14 & 15!
We are excited to offer two full days to experience six different camp properties and hear more about how they run their programs and facilities. This is a great opportunity to re-energize by networking with peers, discuss lessons learned and hot topics from the summer, and to gain new insights and spark new ideas as you move into off-season planning.
Over two days, you will have the opportunity to tour the following overnight camps:
• YMCA Camp Coniston
• Camp Merriwood
• Camp Moosilauke
• Camp Pemigewassett
• Kingswood Camp
• Aloha Foundation Camps (will tour two of their properties)
While this event highlights overnight camp properties, folks from all types of camps are welcome to attend! This is a 100-level offering; no prior experience is required.

Registration includes two lunches and snacks. Travel, lodging, breakfast, and dinner are not included.
Program Overview:
Day One, September 14: Check-in will start at Camp Coniston at 9:30 with the tour beginning at 10:00 am. We’ll then head over to Camp Merriwood for lunch and a tour, followed by tours of Camp Moosilauke and Camp Pemigewassett, rounding out the day with a networking reception at Pemi until about 6:45 pm.
Day Two, September 15: We’ll begin our tour of Kingswood Camp at 9 am, followed by tours and lunch at two of Aloha Foundation’s camps. We will wrap up around 3:00 pm on the second day.
(Want to see even more camps? Check out our Day Camp Tours in Southeastern Massachusetts on September 29!)
Details:
Cost: $179 Members; $199 non-Members
When: Monday, September 14, 9:30am – Tuesday, September 15, 3:00pm
Where: Camp Coniston, 24 Main Camp Road, Croydon, NH 03773 (starting location)
Click here to register!
Financial aid is available. Please reach out to Kerry Salvo (kerry@acanewengland.org) to request assistance.
*All registration fees are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another individual from your camp/organization*
Accommodations
The nearest areas with many hotels are:
• Lebanon/Hanover, NH
Approximately 50 minutes from Pemigewassett & Kingswood and 30 minutes from Coniston (should you plan to arrive Sunday evening)
(e.g. Hilton Garden, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn, Quality Inn, Hanover Inn, and many more!)
• Plymouth, NH
Approximately 30 – 35 minutes from Pemigewassett & Kingswood and 70 minutes from Coniston (should you plan to arrive Sunday evening)
(e.g. Fairfield Inn, Common Man Inn & Spa, Econo Lodge, Best Western, and more)
There are many other local inns, hotels, and AirBnBs throughout the region that you may want to consider, including:
• The Lyme Inn (Lyme, NH)
Approximately 30 minutes from Pemigewassett & Kingswood and 45 minutes Camp Coniston
• The Norwich Inn (Norwich, VT)
Approximately 45 minutes from Pemigewassett & Kingswood and 35 minutes Camp Coniston
• Lake Morey Resort (Fairlee, VT)
Approximately 25 minutes from Pemigewassett & Kingswood and 50 minutes from Coniston
At this time, ACANE does not have a hotel block reserved for attendees. If that changes, we will post information here.
Thank you to our sponsors, Anchor Industries and MERGE Inclusion Consulting

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Questions: Please contact Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager (gillian@acanewengland.org) via email or call our office at 781-541-6080.
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 9/17/26 (blended course)
2026-09-17 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 Tuesday, September 9, 2026
Live, virtual course from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Thursday, September 17, 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. This is a skills-based course; no prior experience is required.
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, September 17, 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Tuesday, September 9 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 Tuesday, September 9 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 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.

2026 Day Camp Tours
2026-09-29 09:30 - 15:30 | Camp Ramsbottom, 205 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth, MA, 02769
Join us on Tuesday, September 29 to explore the properties and facilities at Camp Ramsbottom (Rehoboth, MA) and Wheeler Summer Camp (Seekonk, MA).
Network with your peers while learning about the camps’ programming and operational strategies (e.g. transportation, pick-up & drop-off, etc.) as you tour each of these day camp properties.
The anticipated schedule for the day is as follows:
• 9:30 am – 10:00 am: Arrival and Check-In
• 10:00 am – 10:15 am: Welcome
• 10:15 am – 12:00 pm: Tour of Camp Ramsbottom
• 12:00 pm – 12:15 pm: Travel to Wheeler
• 12:15 pm – 2:45 pm: Lunch and Tour of Wheeler
• 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm: Networking Conversations
While this event highlights day camp properties, folks from all types of camps are welcome to attend! This is a 100-level offering; no prior experience is required.
Travel is not included (camps are approximately 15 minutes from each other). Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Details:
Cost: $69 Members; $95 non-Members
When: Tuesday, September 29, 2026; 9:30am – 3:30pm
Where: Camp Ramsbottom, 205 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769
Click here to register!
Additional Information:
2026 host camps are located approximately 2 hours (85 miles) from Hartford, CT, 2 hours (100 miles) from Springfield, MA, 1.25 hours (50 miles) from Boston, MA, 2 hours from Manchester, NH (110 miles), and 3 hours from Portland, ME (150 miles).
Financial aid is available. Please reach out to Kerry Salvo (kerry@acanewengland.org) to request assistance.
*All registration fees are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another individual from your camp/organization*
Thank you to our sponsor Thrive Point Studio

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Questions: Please contact Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager (gillian@acanewengland.org) via email or call our office at 781-541-6080.
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.

The Camp Reset: A Three-Part E-Series
2026-10-01 10:00 - 11:30
The goal isn’t to reinvent your camp. It’s to make sure every summer leaves you better prepared for the next one.
This three-part series will explore how to capture lessons while they’re fresh, identify the systems behind recurring challenges, and make intentional changes that strengthen hiring, training, supervision, and leadership practices. Along the way, you’ll discover opportunities to reduce recurring frustrations, build leadership capacity, and create a camp that is easier to lead – not because camp gets easier, but because you’re no longer solving the same problems year after year.
Whether you’re a seasoned director or stepping into a new leadership role, The Camp Reset series will help you turn summer experiences into practical improvements that support both your camp’s success and your own sustainability as a leader.
Part 1 – Don’t Lose Summer 2026: Capturing the Right Lessons Before They’re Gone
Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30am ET
Every summer leaves clues. Some point to systems that worked better than expected. Others reveal recurring frustrations, unmet needs, or opportunities you don’t want to miss. This session creates space to step back from the day-to-day demands of camp life and take a thoughtful look at the season you’ve just completed – while the lessons are still close enough to be useful.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
• Identify operational, staffing, leadership, and organizational lessons that should be captured before the season ends.
• Use a structured debrief process to distinguish isolated incidents from recurring patterns.
• Document successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in a way that supports future decision-making.
• Assess their own leadership experience by identifying bottlenecks, delegation opportunities, and factors that contributed to burnout or fatigue.
Part 2 – Make It Mean Something: Finding the Systems Behind the Stress
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00am ET
Once you’ve identified the clues, the next step is making sense of them. This session focuses on the recurring challenges, frustrations, and successes that shape a camp season and asks a simple question: What might they be trying to tell us? By looking for patterns rather than isolated events, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the systems and practices that influence your staff experience, operational effectiveness, and leadership workload.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
• Analyze recurring staffing and operational challenges to identify potential root causes.
• Differentiate between individual performance issues and system-level challenges.
• Evaluate how hiring, onboarding, training, supervision, communication, and policies contribute to recurring problems.
• Prioritize improvement opportunities using a structured framework for impact and feasibility.
Part 3 – From Insight to Action: Building a Better Next Summer
Tuesday, January 12, 2027 from 10:00 to 11:30am ET
Insight alone doesn’t create change. The real value of reflection comes when it shapes the way we hire, train, communicate, supervise, and lead. In this final session, we’ll focus on translating what you’ve learned into practical action – identifying a handful of meaningful changes that can strengthen your camp, support your staff, and make next summer a little easier to lead than the last.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
• Identify decisions, responsibilities, and processes that can be delegated to supervisors and leadership staff.
• Apply lessons learned from the previous season to improve hiring, training, supervision, and staff support systems.
• Develop strategies to build leadership capacity and reduce organizational dependence on a single leader.
• Create a practical action plan for implementing improvements before the next camp season.
Registration
Participants can register for one individual session, or for the full three-part series bundle. If you’d like to attend two of the three sessions, please reach out to Gillian (gillian@acanewengland.org). Participation in all three parts is not required but it is recommended. This is a 200-level offering best suited for those with hands-on experience.
Part 1 Only: Member $30/non-Member $45
Part 2 Only: Member $30/non-Member $45
Part 3 Only: Member $40/non-Member $55
Series Bundle: Member $80/non-Member $125
A recording of each session will be available to registered participants for 30 days.
If you register after Parts 1 or 2 have taken place, recaps will be available to catch you up.
Registration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your team prior to the start of the session. To transfer a registration please email gillian@acanewengland.org
Click here to register
Financial assistance is available. To request assistance, please fill out this form.
Please reach out to Kerry Salvo at kerry@acanewengland.org with questions.

About the Instructor
Donna Johns-Thomas
Donna Johns-Thomas, SHRM-CP, is the Owner and Chief Consultant of Indigo Consulting LLC, where she helps camps, youth-serving organizations, and nonprofit leaders strengthen their people practices through practical HR support, leadership development, and organizational training. With more than 30 years of experience in camps and youth development, Donna has served as a camp director, accreditation leader, trainer, and senior organizational leader, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges camp professionals face both during and between seasons.
Prior to launching Indigo Consulting, Donna spent 13 years with the American Camp Association, New England, where she led accreditation and professional development initiatives, and 7 years as Director of Learning & Development, Human Resources for Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston.
She is a frequent conference presenter known for her engaging, practical approach and her ability to translate real-world camp experiences into actionable strategies. Donna is passionate about helping leaders build stronger systems, develop confident staff, and create organizations that are both effective and sustainable to lead.
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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.

Communicating with Courage: Navigating Challenging Dialogue® for Leaders
2026-10-06 10:00 - 15:30 | The Barton Center, 30 Ennis Road, North Oxford, MA, 01537, United States
Every day you witness the emotional struggles of your peers, staff, young people, and families you serve.
There are so many conversations you need to have and want to have that you may dread, avoid, or can’t quit see your way through to positive resolution,
Join Beth Wonson and Lisa Faulkingham Hunt for the Navigating Challenging Dialogue Essentials workshop, where you’ll learn Navigating Challenging Dialogue® (NCD), the NCD Process, and the NCD Principles. These are proven tools for effective, fact-based dialogue, even when communication feels risky. Learn to create connections and achieve results through clear, empathetic communication.
You’ll bring your own real-world challenges to our time together, and using the 4-Stage NCD Process, you’ll learn to:
• Navigate difficult conversations with fact-based dialogue
• Improve trust, build connection
• Establish a healthier relationship with the other party
• Come to healthy resolution on the trickiest of topics
You’ll discover how to create connections and achieve results through clear, empathetic communication. Please bring your own real-world challenges and conversations that you anticipate may be challenging or which you’ve been dreading to the workshop. Regardless of your work or positions – this course will transform how you engage with others and handle conflicts. The NCD Process is a framework for fact-based dialogue, even when communication feels risky. This is a 100-level offering; no prior experience is required.
Dates & Rates
When: Tuesday, October 6, 2026; 10:00am to 3:30pm
Where: The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Fuller Hall – 30 Ennis Road, North Oxford, MA 01537
Member Cost – Early Bird/Regular: 1st Person, $119/$139; 2nd & Additional Person, $99/$114
Non-Member Cost – Early Bird/Regular: 1st Person, $139/$159; 2nd & Additional Person $119/$134
*Early Bird rates are available until 9/11/26
Click here to register!
*this is an in-person session and will not be recorded*
Registration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your team
Financial assistance is available. Please use this form to request assistance.
For questions regarding financial assistance, please reach out to Kerry Salvo (kerry@acanewengland.org).

About the Instructors

Beth Wonson is a communication expert and the creator of Navigating Challenging Dialogue®. Beth’s career and passion for youth development and the strengthening the skills of professionals working the field when she worked for Project Adventure, Inc for 13 years. Now Beth works across the US with corporations and nonprofits who seek to build positive cultures, strengthen trust and connection, and fulfill their mission in most effective ways. Beth serves on the board of High 5 Adventure Learning in Brattleboro VT.

Lisa Faulkingham Hunt is the Director of Training and Team Development at High 5 Adventure Learning. She has worked in the outdoor education, camp, and training world for over 30 years. Lisa’s approach is grounded in the understanding that an activity, when well facilitated – such as her hike up Mt. Mansfield – can create life changing experiences for people. “What’s so exciting about the work that High 5 does is that we don’t need to take people on expeditions or thrilling rock climbs in order to experience the benefits of real adventure. It can happen anywhere!”. Lisa is a Certified Navigating Challenging Dialogue® Facilitator.

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.

MESH(+) Seal Info Session with ACH
2026-10-08 14:00 - 15:00
Join our partners at the Alliance for Camp Health to learn more about the MESH(+) Seal. Hear from camp leaders who have gone through the application process to learn firsthand what the Seal can do for your camp.
More info & registration details coming soon!

Resource Community Series: Newer Overnight Camp Directors
2026-10-16 10:00 - 2027-05-07 11:30
This group is designed for overnight camp directors with one to six summers in their director role looking to deepen and further develop their experiences, skills, and networks with other overnight camp directors.
What do we mean by director? You have director in your title AND you are the decision-maker at your camp. This includes having responsibility for: budgeting and fiscal oversight, strategic planning, health, safety, and risk management protocols, policy creation and enforcement, and overall staff leadership and management. If you’re not sure if this is a fit for your role, reach out and let’s chat!
Building community with colleagues from other overnight camps throughout New England is an important part of staying connected in our industry. As you develop your leadership skills and grow in your role as director, we invite you to be a part of this cohort of like-minded colleagues. Join us for a series of monthly facilitated discussions (October to May) where you’ll have the opportunity to share ideas and resources, get feedback, troubleshoot challenges, and explore opportunities in a safe and professional space.
Topics for each session will be determined based on the group’s needs/interests, which will be discussed during the first session, but may include:
• Leadership v. management
• Human resources and staff development
• Budgeting and financial planning
• Strategic decision-making
• Facilities management
• Marketing and enrollment
• Camper and staff retention
• Industry trends
This series is not designed to be a how-to, but is an interactive discussion-based opportunity for directors looking to build their professional network and resource sharing as leaders.
Mark Lipof, Director/Co-Owner of Camp Micah with over 40 years of camping experience, will facilitate the sessions. His role will be to encourage participant-led discussions, provide resources, offer observations and insights, all while keeping the conversation and session flowing!
Dates & Rates:
• Friday, October 16 – Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
• Friday, November 6 – In-person at ACANE, 10 am – 1 pm
• Friday, December 11 – Hybrid option (we encourage you to be in-person at ACANE, but have a Zoom option too), 10 am – 1 pm
• Friday, January 8 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• Friday, February 5 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• Friday, March 5 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• March 18 or 19 – In-Person during New England Camp Conference (date and time TBD)
• Friday, April 9 – In-person at ACANE, 10 am – 1 pm
• Friday, May 7 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
Member Price: $279
Non-Member Price: $329
This cohort has a minimum of 10 participants to run and a maximum of 24 participants. Registration is for one individual for the entire series and is non-refundable. Sessions WILL NOT be recorded to encourage engagement, open sharing, and confidentiality.
Financial assistance is available. To request assistance, please fill out this form.
Please reach out to Kerry Salvo at kerry@acanewengland.org with questions.

About the Facilitator:
Mark Lipof, LICSW
Mark Lipof, Newer Overnight Camp Directors Resource Community Facilitator
With over 40 years of camping experience as a camper, counselor, head counselor, and camp administrator, Mark Lipof is the Co-Owner and Founding Director of Camp Micah, which is currently moving into its twenty-seventh season. Mark graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and earned a High School teacher certification. He then graduated from the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work with an MSW and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.
Mark’s experience with youth is extensive, including evaluating and counseling at-risk youth and residential camp experience at most administrative levels. From 1990 – 2005, Mark held many positions at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, MA, including Synagogue Administrator, Counselor, and Youth Director. In 1995, he became the founding Director of the Ansin Religious School of Ohabei Shalom. Mark currently serves on the Board of Directors of Maine Summer Camps and is a member of Maine Camp Experience and ACA, New England. He takes pride in Camp Micah’s culture of acceptance and the importance of building resilience in campers.
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Not a newer overnight camp director? We have a Newer Day Camp Director Resource Community happening this year too. Click HERE for more info!
We will also have an Overnight Assistant Camp Director Resource Community launching this fall, if that feels like a better fit for your role. Check back for more information soon!
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.

Resource Community Series: Newer Day Camp Directors
2026-10-22 10:00 - 2027-05-06 11:30
This group is designed for day camp directors with one to five summers in their director role looking to deepen and further develop their experiences, skills, and networks with other day camp directors.
What do we mean by director? You have director in your title AND you oversee key leadership functions at your camp such as budgeting and finances, developing policies and procedures, risk management, the staffing cycle, and program evaluation and strategic planning. We know Camp Director roles can vary, so if you’re not sure if this is a fit for you, reach out and let’s chat!
Building community with colleagues from other day camps throughout New England is an important part of staying connected in our industry. As you develop your leadership skills and grow in your role as director, we invite you to be a part of this cohort of like-minded colleagues. Join us for a series of monthly facilitated discussions (October to May) where you’ll have the opportunity to share ideas and resources, get feedback, troubleshoot challenges, and explore opportunities in a safe and professional space.
Topics will be flexible based on the group’s needs/interests, but may include:

Lessons learned from summer 2026
Staffing (hiring, building the right mix of talent and people, and retention)
Leadership styles and your decision-making process
Balancing work and life
The business of camp (budgeting, risk management, buildings and grounds)
Hot topics and sticky situations
Making summer 2027 your best summer yet

This series is not designed to be a how-to, but an interactive discussion-based opportunity for directors looking to build their professional network and resource sharing as leaders
Ian Moorhouse, a strategic day camp leader with more than 30 years of industry experience in roles ranging from Director to Executive Director to Chief Operating Officer and a long-time instructor of ACA, New England’s New Camp Director Workshop, will facilitate the sessions. His role will be to encourage participant-led discussions, provide resources, offer observations and insights, all while keeping the conversation and session flowing!
Dates & Rates:
• Thursday, October 22 – Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
• Thursday, November 19 – In-person at ACANE, 10 am – 1 pm
• Thursday, December 10 – Hybrid option (ACANE office/Zoom), 10 am – 1 pm
• Thursday, January 7 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• Thursday, February 4 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• Thursday, March 4 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
• March 18 or 19 – In-Person during New England Camp Conference (date and time TBD)
• Thursday, April 8 – In-person at ACANE, 10 am – 1 pm
• Thursday, May 6 – Zoom, 10 am – 11:30 am
Member Price: $279
Non-Member Price: $329
This cohort has a minimum of 10 participants to run and a maximum of 24 participants. Registration is for one individual for the entire series and is non-refundable. Sessions WILL NOT be recorded to encourage engagement, open sharing, and confidentiality.
Financial assistance is available. To request assistance, please fill out this form.
Please reach out to Kerry Salvo at kerry@acanewengland.org with questions.

About the Facilitator:
Ian Moorhouse, Newer Day Camp Director Resource Community Facilitator
Originally from England, Ian began his career in the United States as a young summer camp staffer—a foundational experience that ignited his lifelong passion for youth development, staff mentorship, and community building. Over the past 30 years, he has built a diverse leadership portfolio, progressing through roles as a camp counselor, senior boys director, director of campus programs, executive director, and chief operating officer.
A dedicated advocate and leader for the education and camping industries, Ian recently served as the Board President for the American Camp Association (ACA), New England. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s future by helping to develop its strategic “North Star,” a guiding initiative designed to better support and connect camp professionals across the region.
Known for his commitment to operational excellence and volunteerism, Ian continues to be a driving force in creating opportunities for educators, camp professionals, and youth to thrive. Above all, he strives to bring joy, happiness, and a sense of fun to his work and his daily life.
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Not a newer day camp director? We have a Newer Overnight Camp Director Resource Community happening this year too. Click HERE for more info!
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.

Building an Outstanding CIT Program!
2026-10-23 10:00 - 15:00 | ACA New England Office, 80 Westview St, Lexington, MA, 02421
Come spend the day evaluating your CIT program!
Fall is the perfect time to give this invaluable program the attention it needs each year and this workshop will include guidance on how to evaluate and reimagine your program.
We all know how important our leadership training is and how it plays a major role in hiring in the future, but too often we put our CIT curriculum aside because it works – CITs are your future leadership and will be moving your camp culture forward! It is essential that camps do not overlook the importance of building and maintaining a strong CIT Program, as our best staff are already there, in camp, in the making. Most importantly, the CIT participants need to feel that their summer experience is one of professional and personal growth and that being a camp counselor is an important step into their future endeavors.
Bring your curriculum, program and experiences to share and let’s get to work together. You will walk away with a clearer direction and solid program for summer 2027. A follow up zoom meeting will take place in January for further brainstorming and sharing.
Workshop Objectives:

Participants will develop specific tools to evaluate effectiveness of existing CIT program.
Participants will gain a greater understanding of the key elements in a competitive CIT program.
Participants will develop their toolbox of ideas and activities to help CITs grow into effective leaders.
Participants will expand their professional network with colleagues in similar roles and experience.

This is a 200-level workshop best suited for participants with existing CIT programs.
Day and overnight camps welcome!

Dates & Rates
When: Friday, October 23, 2026 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Where: ACA, New England Office in Lexington, MA
Cost: Member $85, non-Member $115
Click here to register!
*Registration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another eligible member of your team prior to the start of the program.
Financial assistance is available. To request assistance, please fill out this form.
Please reach out to Kerry Salvo at kerry@acanewengland.org with questions.

About the Instructor:
Whit Ryan, Camp Professional; Founder/Owner, Clearview Life Coaching
Whit Ryan has more than 35 years of experience in camping. She has served as Director of Staff Recruitment and Leadership Training at Wyonegonic Camps in Maine. Previously, Whit was a senior staff member at Alford Lake Camp, ME and director of Waukeela Camp, NH. As a career educator and founder and owner of Clearview Life Coaching, Whit focuses on working with schools and individuals to build stronger citizens and communities. She has extensive experience in building leadership training programs that will produce lasting benefits for camps. Whit has presented at both ACA National and New England conferences and the ACA Staffing Summit.

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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.

The Camp Reset: Part 2
2026-11-17 10:00 - 11:00

Accreditation Volunteer Course 11/18/26
2026-11-18 09:00 - 17:00 | The Farm – Wheeler School Seekonk Campus, 357 Walker St, Seekonk, MA, 02771
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 11th, 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. Pre-work must be completed by November 13, 2026.
This is a skills-based course; prior experience as an accreditation volunteer is not required.
Click here to register
Cost: Free
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026; 9:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Wheeler Farm – 350 Walker Street, Seekonk, MA 02771
Questions, reach out to 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.

The Camp Reset: Part 3
2027-01-12 10:00 - 11:30

The Director's School (Hosted by ACA Illinois)
2027-01-18 15:30 - 2027-01-22 16:00
The Director’s School (TDS) is committed to developing the current and next generation of camp professionals.
For over 140 years, the camping movement has grown in complexity yet still serves the basic purpose to engage campers in supportive settings with caring adults. The Director’s School addresses a gap in professional preparation for those individuals developing and leading camp programs. The curricular focus will be administrative operations that are grounded in the understanding, connection, and application to the principles of positive youth development, which are at the heart of camp program design. The Director’s School will become a three-level learning experience so that students will continue to level up their skills as their knowledge and practical skills grow.
We invite you to explore the website for more information.
When: January 18 – 22, 2027
Where: St. Charles, Illinois

Questions? Send a message to our colleagues at ACA, Illinois at registration@acail.org

Accreditation Volunteer Course 3/17/27
2027-03-17 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 10, 2027. 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. Pre-work must be completed by March 12, 2027.
This is a skills-based course; prior experience as an accreditation volunteer is not required.
Click here to register
Cost: Free
When: Wednesday, March 17, 2027; 9:00am to 5:00pm
Where & When: Goffstown YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, NH 03045
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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 to 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.
