American Camp Association New England

ACA Staffing Summit
2024-10-28 - 2024-10-30 | Online
The 2024 Staffing Summit will feature critical learning, speaker panels, roundtables, and engaging sessions spanning three days. The virtual delivery of the conference increases the benefits of convenience and value while preserving the great networking and timely information, which are hallmarks of ACA conferences. We will share practical solutions addressing the staffing shortage, innovative ways to recruit staff, and best practices for staff retention.
The 2024 Staffing Summit will offer 45 sessions on out-of-the-box ways to connect with staff, virtual job fairs and interviewing, recruiting specialized staff, and so much more. Session recordings will be available to attendees until December 1. Each day will have featured speakers, keynote presentations from industry thought leaders, and networking opportunities to share resources and ideas. Don’t miss one of the most important events of the season!

Navigating the New Overtime Rules: Ensuring Camp Compliance (RECORDING)
2024-11-04 13:00 - 2024-11-25 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Navigating the New Overtime Rules: Ensuring Camp Compliance
***While the live session has passed, you can register to receive the recording link to view the session after the fact. The recording will be available through December 4, 2024.***
The Department of Labor’s new overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act took effect on July 1, 2024, bringing significant changes for employers across industries. These updates include increases to the salary threshold for highly compensated employees, among other important adjustments. Some of these updates are slated to take effect January 1, 2025.
This session will review the key aspects of the new regulations and provide practical guidance on how camps can ensure ongoing compliance. Whether you’re still adjusting or looking to fine-tune your approach, we’ll help you navigate the post-July 1st requirements effectively.
When: Monday, November 4, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET.
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free for ACA members/$25 for non-members.
While ACA, New England is hosting this e-session, camp professionals from all regions are invited to register and attend.
This session will be recorded and the recording will be available for 30 days if you can’t join us live.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.
You will earn 1 CEC for participation in this e-session.

About the presenter:
Rachel Fendell Satinsky is a seasoned attorney concentrating in employment litigation and counseling. Rachel has successfully represented a range of clients, from Fortune 50 companies to start-ups, in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies. She has experience with all aspects of litigation including obtaining successful resolutions on summary judgment, at trial, and on appeal. Her litigation and counseling experience spans various industries, including retail, financial services, and healthcare. Rachel also has a focus on the camp industry and is recognized as a leading authority in that field.

Hot Topics w/EPIC - November 2024
2024-11-04 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.

Fall Seminar: Emotional/Behavioral Management: Behind-the-Scenes & Policy Deep Dive
2024-11-07 10:00 - 15:30 | Cedar Hill Day Camp, 265 Beaver St, Waltham, MA, 02452
***ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED.***
The success of your camp’s emotional/behavioral management program doesn’t start at staff training – it starts in the fall, when you review and re-evaluate your policies, procedures, and paperwork. If that sounds tedious, we promise it won’t be!
Join Emily Golinsky to take a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes pieces of work that form the foundation for successful summers. We’ll look at things such as:

questions you should be asking as part of your camper application/enrollment process,
website/marketing messaging that encourages applications from campers who meet your intended population, and
the fine print that explains your expectations and policies to parents/guardians.

We’ll also dig into examples of complicated behavioral situations that arose locally this past summer and how specific language and policy elements will assist with resolving those challenges. Bring your situational examples and your existing forms, policies, and procedures!
Francesca Korbas, Esq, is a former practicing special education attorney and civil rights investigator, with a deep understanding of inclusivity as it relates to youth with differing abilities. Francesca will also share information and recommendations for camps related to The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (the precursor of ADA), and more that will help you better understand what your camp can (and maybe can’t) do. Francesca will provide guidance on how to successfully connect school year supports and IEP planning to camp inclusivity planning.
You’ll leave feeling energized and ready to edit your emotional/behavioral fine-print (and not-so-fine-print) in preparation for the Summer of 2025!
This seminar will be beneficial for staff at both day and overnight camps who work on the administrative/policy aspects of your camp’s behavior management programs. Multiple staff per camp are welcome to attend.
Check-in will start at 9:30 am, with the program kicking off at 10:00 am.
Lunch will be provided and you will earn 5 CECs for your participation in the seminar.
About our Presenters:
Emily Golinsky, Bright Moose Training LLC

Emily’s sessions get called “tremendously helpful,” “definitely not the same-old-same-old,” and “not to be missed–a reason to come to the conference!” Emily retired from a 15-year role as Executive Director at the therapeutically-based Camp Starfish (NH) to found Bright Moose, LLC (www.brightmoosetraining.com), which provides training, consultation, and PD for camps, schools and youth organizations nationwide. Emily is the VP for NHCamps and is a visitor, NCDW faculty, and facilitator for ACANE. She is a Special Education Advocate and MHFA Instructor, has a BS in Health Psych and MS in Camp Admin/Leadership, and is pursuing her Higher Ed Teaching Certificate through Harvard. Fair warning: she is an avid collector of terribly awesome puns.

Francesca Korbas, Francesca Korbas Esq. Consulting
Francesca is an attorney, a child advocate, a disability and civil rights compliance specialist, a ​mediator, and a relationship-builder.
She educates individuals and entities on how to ​comfortably and productively ensure access to individuals with differing needs through ​workshops, speaking engagements, and private consulting sessions. Francesca specializes in providing a visible path to equity and inclusivity ​by providing digestible, interactive guidance and long term skill-building supports that make ​entities and individuals unintimidated by disability, civil rights and educational compliance.
A former special education attorney and civil rights investigator, Francesca brings a deep ​understanding of the systems individuals and entities are up against and the overwhelm of ​information they are confronted with in ensuring compliance. Trained in mediation, Francesca brings an unbiased, curious and facilitating approach to her ​educational guidance and consulting services.
Francesca is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Suffolk University ​School of Law. A licensed attorney, Francesca no longer formally represents clients and instead ​uses her background to empower and educate.
Thank you to our event sponsor, Brio Custom, for their support!

Coffee & Camp Chat - 11/8
2024-11-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
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!
Send any questions you’d like to address to bud@acanewengland.org and we’ll include them in the conversation.
ACCESS: C&CC is open to everyone in camping!

CCA November Program: Teen Staff Panel
2024-11-11 19:00 - 21:00 | The Hartford Stage Rehearsal Studio, 942 Main St, Hartford, CT, 06103
The Connecticut Camping Association is inviting folks to a thought-provoking discussion where young staff share their perspectives on what they need in today’s work environment. This panel will focus on their insights, challenges, and suggestions for creating a supportive and fulfilling workplace.
CCA has decided to offer a virtual option as well. There is a check box in the jot form to let them know if you will be joining online.

Resource Community Series: Non-Profit Camp Leaders
2024-11-18 12:00 - 2024-12-01 13:30 | ACA, New England/Zoom (depending on session)
Our first session has passed, but we can still accept new participants for our November date. If you’re interested in joining the series, email kerry@acanewengland.org.
Are you the CEO/director of a non-profit overnight camp? This group is for those who are looking to continue to grow in their knowledge, take their camps/organizations to the next level, and gain support.
Many of the best camps thrive when they run as a business (non-profit doesn’t mean no profit) while also staying focused on their mission. Join this group to intentionally explore and discuss topics specific to non-profit overnight camps with colleagues who are asking the same questions as you.
Discussions will be facilitated by John Tilley around topics identified by the group. Current hot topics include:

What are your camp’s “it factors” and “secret sauce”?,
Navigating the tightropes you balance on,
Fundraising and friendraising,
Working with your board,
Understanding what drives your budget,
Marketing and camper recruitment,
Mitigating risk and insurance,
Camp culture,
Other urgent needs identified by participants

Through a series of monthly facilitated discussions (October to May), you’ll share and get feedback from others, troubleshoot challenges, and explore new ideas and tactics in a safe and professional space. John Tilley, CEO of YMCA Camp Coniston, will moderate the group. (More of John’s bio is here.) His role will be to encourage participant-led discussions, provide resources, and offer observations and insights from 40+ years of experience in non-profit camping, while keeping the conversation and session flow going!
This series is not designed to be a how-to, but an interactive, live, discussion-based opportunity for non-profit overnight camp leaders looking to ask and share answers to their questions, build their network, and grow their skills. Sessions will not be recorded. There will be two sessions in-person (one with hybrid option), an additional informal meet-up at the New England Camp Conference in Manchester, NH, and six Zoom sessions. The schedule is as follows:

Monday, October 21, in-person –10:30 am – 2 pm, YMCA Camp Coniston (24 Coniston Rd, Grantham, NH 03753)
Monday, November 18, Zoom – 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm [PLEASE NOTE SPECIAL TIME FOR THIS SESSION]
Monday, December 16, Zoom – 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Monday, January 13, Zoom – 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Monday, February 10, Zoom – 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Monday, March 10, Zoom – 10:00 am – 11:30 am
March 27/28/29 – In-person informal meet-up during New England Camp Conference in Manchester, NH, exact day/time TBD closer to the program
Monday, April 14, hybrid (in-person and Zoom opportunity during same time) – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm time-frame, ACA, New England office OR YMCA Camp Coniston (TBD by group)
Monday, May 5, Zoom – 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Trying to decide if this is a good fit for you? We’d say yes if your job responsibilities include overseeing several of the bullet points listed above and you can prioritize and commit to attending the full series of sessions.
Not sure and want to chat with us? Fill out this interest form and we’ll be in touch to answer your questions and help you decide.
As space is limited to around 20 participants to ensure meaningful interactions, we can only accommodate one staff member per camp at this time. Participants will receive 15 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for their full participation.
Cost: $269/ACA members; $319/non-members (membership is based on individual ACA membership status)
ACA, New England never wants cost to be a barrier to participating in our programs, so please reach out to kerry@acanewengland.org if you need to request financial assistance.
Registration is non-refundable and for the entire series. Transfers are only possible BEFORE the series begins.
If you are looking for more skill-based sessions or other resource communities, please look at ACA, New England’s event calendar or reach out to ACA, New England for help identifying other opportunities to meet these needs.

About the Facilitator
John Tilley is CEO and Executive Director of YMCA Camp Coniston in Grantham, NH and came to Coniston in November of 1999. John started camp work as a summer counselor in 1982 and has worked at camps in North Carolina, Kentucky, Utah, California and Pennsylvania. John’s wife, Tricia was raised in Concord, NH and they both love calling the Granite State home. When not focusing on Camp he loves to share the inner workings of Coniston’s success, in hopes of making camping programs across the nation more successful and impactful for youth. John has become integrated in the local community through participation as a Ballot Clerk and a member of the Planning Board– but is particularly known for his passion of chatting at the local coffee shop during the winter mornings.

Resource Community Series: Day Camp Leaders
2024-11-19 10:00 - 2024-12-01 11:30 | ACA, New England/Zoom (depending on session)
Our first session has passed, but we can still accept new participants for our November date. If you’re interested in joining the series, email kerry@acanewengland.org.
For day camp professionals having completed at least 1 summer or more of camp director/leadership experience and looking to build their network.
This is specifically focused on day camps. As space is limited to around 20 participants, we can only accommodate one director/leader per camp at this time.
We know that building community with colleagues from a variety of camps throughout New England will help you feel supported as you move forward in your camping career. 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.
Discussions will be flexible based on the group’s needs/interests, but potential topics include:

Building & supporting your team: recruiting, hiring, scheduling, training, evaluation, retention
Business considerations: risk management, budgeting, marketing
Parent engagement: handbooks, communication, recruitment
Transportation: busing, pick-up/drop-off, field trips
Enrollment management
Behavior management

Emily Parker, recently retired from Nobles Day Camp, a camp professional for over 30 years, and a member of the ACA, New England community, will facilitate the sessions. Her role will be to encourage participant-led discussions, provide resources, offer observations and insights, all while keeping the conversation and session flow going!
This series is not designed to be a how-to, but an interactive discussion-based opportunity for day camp leaders looking to build their professional network and resource sharing. Sessions will not be recorded. There will be an two in-person sessions (one with hybrid option), an informal meet-up at the New England Camp Conference in Manchester, NH, and six Zoom sessions. The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, October 15: In-person kick-off at ACANE office in Lexington, MA, 10 am – 1 pm
Tuesday, November 19: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
Tuesday, December 17: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
Tuesday, January 21: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
Tuesday, February 11: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
Tuesday, March 18: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
March 27 – 29, day/time TBD: Informal 60-minute group meet-up at New England Camp Conference for those who are there
Tuesday, April 15: In-person session at ACANE office in Lexington, MA (or hybrid option via Zoom), 10 am – 1 pm
Tuesday, May 6: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am

Trying to decide if this is a good fit for you? We’d say yes if you can prioritize and commit to attending the full series of sessions, have been in a leadership/director role for at least 1 summer, and your job responsibilities include at least a few of the following: overseeing staff teams, including HR functions and training; establishing policies for your camp/organization; setting and managing a budget; creating parent handbooks; overseeing registration; and marketing and camper recruitment.
Not sure and want to chat with us? Fill out this interest form and we’ll be in touch to answer your questions and help you decide.
As space is limited to around 20 participants to ensure meaningful interactions, we can only accommodate one staff member per camp at this time. Participants will receive 15 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for their full participation.
Cost: $269/ACA members; $319/non-members (membership is based on individual ACA membership status)
ACA, New England never wants cost to be a barrier to participating in our programs, so please reach out to kerry@acanewengland.org if you need to request financial assistance.
Registration is non-refundable and for the entire series. Transfers are only possible BEFORE the series begins.
If you are looking for more skill-based sessions or other resource communities, please look at ACA, New England’s event calendar or reach out to ACA, New England for help identifying other opportunities to meet these needs.

About the Facilitator
Emily Parker recently retired from her role as Nobles Day Camp (NDC) Director, which she held for 19 years (2003 – 2023). During her tenure at NDC Emily mentored hundreds of staff and saw thousands of children through the program while also deeply understanding the business of camp. Prior to her time at Nobles, Emily also served as the Camp Director and Branch Executive at the MetroWest YMCA and worked for YMCA Camp Huckins. She is a longtime ACA, New England volunteer and supporter and looks forward to supporting other day camp leaders and directors as they grow professionally.

Resource Community Series: Independent Overnight Camp Leaders
2024-11-21 10:00 - 2024-12-01 11:30 | ACA, New England/Zoom (depending on session)
Our first session has passed, but we can still accept new participants for our November date. If you’re interested in joining the series, email kerry@acanewengland.org.
Are you the owner/director/leader of an independent, for-profit overnight camp? This group is for those who have been leading camps and are looking to continue to grow in their knowledge, take their camps to the next level, and gain support. Join this group to intentionally explore and discuss topics specific to independent overnight camps with colleagues who are asking the same questions as you.
While discussions will be led/guided by group needs, possible topics include:

Budgeting and finances,
Maintenance planning,
Risk management,
Marketing and camper recruitment,
Human resources (policies, staffing, benefits),
Increasing non-tuition revenue,
Culture and traditions,
Other topics at the discretion of group members

Through a series of monthly facilitated discussions (October to May), you’ll share and get feedback from others, troubleshoot challenges, and explore new ideas and tactics in a safe and professional space. Nick Teich, PhD, LCSW, overnight camp founder and former director, and owner of Fairwinds Camp Consulting, will moderate the group. (More of Nick’s bio is here.) His role will be to encourage participant-led discussions, provide resources, and offer observations and insights from his work with many independent camps and as a former camp director, while keeping the conversation and session flow going!
This series is not designed to be a how-to, but an interactive, live, discussion-based opportunity for independent overnight camp leaders looking to build their network and grow their skills. Sessions will not be recorded. There will be two sessions in-person (one with a hybrid option), an informal meet-up at the New England Camp Conference in Manchester, NH), and six Zoom sessions. The schedule is as follows:

Thursday, October 17: In-person kick-off at ACANE offices, 10 am – 1 pm [if in-person is a barrier to your participation, reach out and let’s chat. We can likely offer a Zoom option.]
Thursday, November 21: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
Thursday, December 12: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
Thursday, January 16: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
Thursday, February 13: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
Thursday, March 20: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am
March 27 – 28, day/time TBD: Informal 60-minute group meet-up at New England Camp Conference for those who are there
Thursday, April 17: Hybrid with option to come to ACANE or join via Zoom (moderator to be in-person), 10 am – 1 pm
Thursday, May 8: Zoom, 10 – 11:30 am

Trying to decide if this is a good fit for you? We’d say yes if your job responsibilities include overseeing several of the bullet points listed above and you can prioritize and commit to attending the full series of sessions.
Not sure and want to chat with us? Fill out this interest form and we’ll be in touch to answer your questions and help you decide.
As space is limited to around 20 participants to ensure meaningful interactions, we can only accommodate one staff member per camp at this time. Participants will receive 15 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for their full participation.
Cost: $269/members; $319/non-members
ACA, New England never wants cost to be a barrier to participating in our programs, so please reach out to kerry@acanewengland.org if you need to request financial assistance.
Registration is non-refundable and for the entire series. Transfers are only possible BEFORE the series begins.
If you are looking for more skill-based sessions or other resource communities, please look at ACA, New England’s event calendar or reach out to ACA, New England for help identifying other opportunities to meet these needs.

About the Facilitator

Dr. Nick Teich is the founder and was the longtime director of an overnight camp in New Hampshire. He is now an executive coach for camp directors, helping them with their camp’s unique needs and goals, through his business, Fairwinds Camp Consulting. Nick is on the ACA, New England Board of Directors and is a 2024 recipient of ACA, New England’s Peter Kerns Award for the Advancement of Professional. He is a trained social worker and holds a doctorate in social policy. Nick lives in the Boston area.

Coffee & Camp Chat - 11/22
2024-11-22 10:00 - 11:00 | MA

Hot Topics WEEK w/EPIC New England
2024-12-02 - 2024-12-06 | Multiple Options
This year, we decided to spread the holiday spirit and host three Hot Topics throughout the week. We invite folks to join when and where they are able. The agenda will include HOT TOPICS from the 2024 camp season and any emerging HOT TOPICS heading into 2025.
Holiday attire encouraged.
**$15 registration fee for the LIVE options goes towards food and refreshments. Hot Topics is open to all. If registration or financial considerations are a barrier to participation, please reach out to bud@acanewengland.org**

REGISTRATION & LINKS 👇
12/2 – Online from 2:30pm – 3:30pm (Free)
12/4 – 10am – 2pm, LIVE in Lexington, MA (ACA, New England Offices)
12/6 – 11am – 3pm, LIVE in Maine (Queen’s Head Pub in Bridgton, ME) co-hosting with our friends at Maine Summer Camps

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 - 12/6
2024-12-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom

Coffee & Camp Chat - 12/20
2024-12-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom

Coffee & Camp Chat - 1/3
2025-01-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom

Hot Topics w/ EPIC New England
2025-01-06 14:30 - 15:30, 2025-02-03 14:30 - 15:30 | Zoom
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.
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.

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.

Mental Health First Aid (virtual with pre-work due by 1/6)
2025-01-09 08:30 - 16:00 | 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 Monday, January 6 (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 – 4:00 pm on Thursday, January 9 (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: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm via Zoom (Self-paced online pre-work must be completed by Monday, January 6 for participants to qualify to join the live virtual portion of the course.)
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: $85 for ACA, New England members/ $110 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 no later than January 2 (to ensure enough time to complete the 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.

Coffee & Camp Chat - 1/17
2025-01-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom

Child Mental Health
2025-01-22 13:30 - 15:00 | Zoom
This introductory level offering defines mental health, discusses signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge or disorder, and how to support a youth state of wellbeing.
During this 90-minute e-session, participants will use activities, role-play, and demonstrations to:

Gain a baseline understanding of the difference between mental health and mental illness
Explore the stigma of mental health
Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a camper who may be developing a mental health challenge
Create a plan to help

Who created this course?
This course is 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, click 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
Conducting research, advocacy, and policy analysis.

*ACA, New England offered this program in January 2023. If you attended that session, please note that the content is the same. *

About the trainer:

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.
When: Wednesday, January 22, 2025. 1:30 – 3:00pm ET
Where: Online via Zoom
Registration Information:
Cost: $70 for ACANE members, $95 for non-members
Each registration comes with two seats for your organization. You can select both participants during checkout process. Registration of the first person from your organization is based on individual membership status. This e-session is limited to 30 organizations.
Click here to register. Please register your first attendee as FIRST PERSON and your second attendee as SECOND PERSON (there is no additional charge for your second attendee).
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another eligible individual from your camp/program prior to the start of the event.
Additional Information
For the most robust and engaging experience, we highly recommend you join us live. If you are unable to do so, a recording of this e-session will be available to registered participants for 15 days following the live e-session.
We encourage you to join both this training and the Youth Suicide Prevention module on February 26, but attendance at both is not required as they are offered independently.
Questions, reach out to Kerry Salvo, Director of Programs & Strategic Partnerships at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
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.

Self-Harm at Camp: Navigating Decision-Making Around Campers and Staff Who Threaten or Engage in Self-Harm (e-session)
2025-01-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Nearly all camps have experienced campers and/or staff who threaten to, or actually, engage in self-harm during camp.
This e-session, co-hosted by ACA, New England & ACA, New York and New Jersey, will be led by three experts in the summer camp space: social worker and camp consultant Nick Teich, and attorneys Isaac Mamaysky and Rachel Fendell Satinsky.
During the web session, we will dive into the topic of self-harm and how to prepare directors and camp leadership to make decisions such as:

When do we need to send campers or staff home?
How can we consider what mechanisms we should put in place if they should stay?
How can we know what individuals truly mean when they threaten self-harm or make suicidal statements?
Are we asking enough questions about mental health before camp?
Most importantly, how can we keep our campers and staff safe, get them the care they need, and ensure that we are abiding by the law?

The presenters will leave time for questions and answers from participants.
About the presenters:

Dr. Nick Teich is the founder and was the longtime director of an overnight camp in New Hampshire. He is now an executive coach for camp directors, helping them with their camp’s unique needs and goals, through his business, Fairwinds Camp Consulting. Nick is on the ACA, New England Board of Directors and is a 2024 recipient of ACA, New England’s Peter Kerns Award for the Advancement of Professional. He is a trained social worker and holds a doctorate in social policy. Nick lives in the Boston area.

Isaac Mamaysky is a Partner at Potomac Law Group, where he started the firm’s Camps and Youth Programs practice. He also writes the Camp Law Blog. In addition to his practice, Isaac has over a decade of experience as the founder and director of a large ACA-accredited overnight camp in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. As an active camp operator, Isaac has firsthand experience with the same types of challenges faced by his clients, which gives him a unique perspective when addressing their legal needs. Isaac is a frequent speaker on legal matters at American Camp Association conferences and events. He earned a juris doctor cum laude from the Boston University School of Law. He earned a bachelors degree summa cum laude from the University of Rhode Island.

Rachel Fendell Satinsky is a seasoned attorney concentrating in employment litigation and counseling. Rachel has successfully represented a range of clients, from Fortune 50 companies to start-ups, in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies. She has experience with all aspects of litigation including obtaining successful resolutions on summary judgment, at trial, and on appeal. Her litigation and counseling experience spans various industries, including retail, financial services, and healthcare. Rachel also has a focus on the camp industry and is recognized as a leading authority in that field.

Registration Information
While ACA, New England & ACA, NY and NJ are hosting this e-session, camp professionals from all regions are invited to register and attend.
Cost: Free for individual ACA members/$25 for non-members. (Registration is based on individual membership status.)
Click here to register.
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.
This session will be recorded. If you can’t join us live, the recording will be available for 30 days after the event.
You will earn 1 CEC for participation in this e-session.

Coffee & Camp Chat - 1/31
2025-01-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom

Coffee & Camp Chat Special Edition - 2/14
2025-02-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
We have been hearing from several camps whose families are being affected by the recent presidential executive orders. Join us for a special edition of Coffee & Camp Chat where we will come together and discuss important issues affecting our camp families and what camps can do to support them.
Though there aren’t many answers right now, we want to provide a platform for initial conversations among camp professionals. ACA, New England will have a moderator(s) to help guide this discussion, including Nick Teich, founder of Fairwinds Camp Consulting, ACA, New England Board Member, and founder and longtime director of Harbor Camps.
This session is FREE and open to ACA members. We are asking attendees to pre-register so we know who to expect and can follow-up with folks, if needed. Sign up here. (As is always the case with Coffee & Camp Chat, the session will not be recorded as it is designed to encourage open dialogue among peers.)
A zoom link will be emailed to registered participants prior to the session.
Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Coordinator at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Youth Suicide Prevention Training
2025-02-26 13:30 - 15:00 | Zoom
This introductory level offering explores the myths and facts of suicide and how to intervene with youth struggling with suicidal ideation.
Based on three SAMHSA Nationally Recognized Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) youth suicide prevention programs, this training uses, video, discussion, and role-play to enable participants to feel comfortable identifying signs and symptoms of youth suicide and how to assist a camper who may be suicidal.
Who created this course?
This course is 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, click 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
Conducting research, advocacy, and policy analysis.

*ACA, New England offered this program in February 2023. If you attended that session, please note that the content is the same. *

About the trainer:

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.
When: Wednesday, January 22, 2025. 1:30 – 3:00pm ET
Where: Online via Zoom
Registration Information
Cost: $70 for ACANE members, $95 for non-members
Each registration comes with two seats for your organization. You can select both participants during checkout process. Registration of the first person from your organization is based on individual membership status. This e-session is limited to 30 organizations.
Click here to register. Please register your first attendee as FIRST PERSON and your second attendee as SECOND PERSON (there is no additional charge for your second attendee).
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another eligible individual from your camp/program prior to the start of the event.
Additional Information
For the most robust and engaging experience, we highly recommend you join us live. If you are unable to do so, a recording of this e-session will be available to registered participants for 15 days following the live e-session.
We encourage you to join both this training and the Child Mental Health module on January 22, but attendance at both is not required as they are offered independently.
Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Coordinator at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Coffee & Camp Chat 2/28
2025-02-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom

Hot Topics w/ EPIC 3/3
2025-03-03 14:30 - 15:30 | Zoom

Coffee & Camp Chat 3/14
2025-03-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom

New Camp Director Workshop 3/26/25
2025-03-26 08:30 - 18:00 | DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH, 03101
Online Registration is now closed and the course has reached capacity. However, we do want to try and accommodate you if possible. If you would like to join us, email kerry@acanewengland.org and she will confirm if we can add you as a walk-in attendee.
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!
A team of experienced directors and consultants will lead workshops and provide invaluable materials and hands-on training scenarios.
Come prepared to fill your brain and notebook with lots of useful information.

Cost: $105 for members, $125 for non-members.
Where & When: DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown; March 26, 2025 from 8:30am to 6:00pm. [Check-in starts at 8 am and the course will begin promptly at 8:30 am.]
Lunch is included with registration (more details to come).
Click here to register
This is a pre-conference offering in conjunction with the 2025 New England Camp Conference
If you are taking this training to fulfill the Massachusetts Camp Licensing requirements for directors, please note you ALSO need to attend the training with the Department of Public Health. This training will be held in conjunction with Massachusetts Camping Association in the Spring.

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

Accreditation Volunteer Course 3/26/25
2025-03-26 09:00 - 18:00 | Goffstown YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, NH, 03045, United States
*Due to pre-work requirements, registration for this course is closed, but we encourage you to sign up for our Accreditation Volunteer Course in CT on April 23.*
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 12, 2025. Pre-registration is required for this course.
There is an online portion that must be completed prior to the in-person portion of this course.
Click here to register
Cost: Free
Where & When: Goffstown YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, NH 03045; March 26, 2025 from 9:00am to 6:00pm

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

2025 New England Camp Conference
2025-03-27 09:00 - 2025-03-29 15:30 | DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH, 03101
The New England Camp Conference brings over 800 attendees from 250+ camps around New England together for three days of learning and networking with dynamic speakers, established industry experts, and each other! Click here for more details and registration information.

Hot Topics w/ EPIC 4/7
2025-04-07 14:30 - 15:30 | Zoom
