Accreditation Process Workshop 11/9/22
2022-11-09 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | ACA New England Office, 80 Westview St, Lexington, MA, 02421
Formerly the Standards Course, this workshop is designed for camp representatives who are preparing for accreditation visits.. The course is appropriate for those who are new to the accreditation process AND those who have been part of an accreditation visit or completed standards training in the past. Every camp being visited must have at least one person who completes the workshop on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be on site a significant amount of time during the camp season and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit. This course will be held in perosn at the ACA New England Office in Lexington, Ma.

Associate Visitor Course
2022-11-10 09:00 - 18:00 | Brookwoods / Deer Run, 34 Camp Brookwoods Rd, Alton, NH, 03809
ACA New England needs YOU as a visitor! Join us for our next Associate Visitor Course.
ACA’s Associate Visitor course helps participants identify the purpose and structure of ACA’s accreditation programs and understand the steps of the process at the camp, section, and national levels. Participants become familiar with the legal implications of visitor actions, as well as develop skills in gathering information, making compliance decisions, and consistently applying the standards in a variety of situations. This course stresses the awareness and acceptance of the intent of the standards to represent accepted practices of organized camping.
This course will be held In-Person with local COVID precautions in place.

Accreditation Courses
2022-11-15 | NH
Specific dates and location to be out soon!
ACA New England is working with our Instructors to plan out the Courses for the 2022 – 2023 year.
We know you want to start planning! The following is a general schedule, and specific dates will be posted soon!
Questions? Email Elizabeth
In person Accreditation Process Workshops
October, November 9, February and March 29
Virtual Accreditation Process Workshops
December and January
Associate Visitor Trainings (For those looking to become ACA, Visitors)
November, Alton New Hampshire
April, Chester Connecticut

HOT TOPICS w/EPIC New England - November 2022
2022-11-29 14:00 - 15:00 | 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.
Follow ACA, New England on Instagram @acanewengland for details as each Hot Topics approaches.

Emerging Professionals In Camping

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.

Accreditation Process Workshop 12/9/22
2022-12-09 09:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
Formerly the Standards Course, this workshop is designed for camp representatives who are preparing for accreditation visit. The course is appropriate for those who are new to the accreditation process AND those who have been part of an accreditation visit or completed standards training in the past. Every camp being visited must have at least one person who completes the workshop on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be on site a significant amount of time during the camp season and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit. This course will be held Virtually.

HOT TOPICS w/EPIC New England - December 2022
2022-12-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom

EPIC, New England's POST-2022 Holiday Hang
2023-01-13 13:00 - 15:30 | ACA New England Office, 80 Westview St, Lexington, MA, 02421
***Due to weather impacting most registrants’ travel, this event was postponed from the original December 16 date. Registration is open again, and we look forward to connecting with you and other EPICs in New England soon!***

2022 2023 EPIC, New England POST-Holiday Hang
Past Holiday Hangs have been online. However, the EPIC, New England Committee is meeting at the office in the morning. We figured this would be a great opportunity with a base of people together to see if any other EPICs were looking to connect. Folks are encouraged to arrive when they can and leave then they need to. Our main goal is making new and fostering current connections throughout the camp community.

We have refreshments.
We have networking conversation topics and games on the ready.
We have a space for you and a friend.
The goal of this is networking and camp chat. There’s no official program, but there are some agenda items (fun stuff. Bring a positive vibe and a smile).
We want to gather EPICs and help people make connections.

What: An opportunity to meet other Emerging Professionals in Camping and have fun
Where: ACA, New England HQ – 80 Westview St. Lexington, MA 02421
When: 1/13 between 1pm – 3:30pm
Why: Camp people need one another, and the EPIC network provides an incredible resource for folks who are active.
How: register through the button above or the link in this sentence (for free)

Got questions, comments, requests, etc. contact bud@acanewengland.org

Child Mental Health
2023-01-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Zoom
*THIS COURSE HAS REACHED CAPACITY AND REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED! WE STILL HAVE SPACE IN THE 2/1 YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION SESSION. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THAT PROGRAM.*
Child Mental Health
Through activities, role-play, video, and demonstrations, participants will spend 90 mins gaining a baseline understanding of the difference between mental health and mental illness, exploring the stigma of mental health, learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a camper who may be developing a mental health challenge, and creating a plan to help.
Each e-session is limited to 25 camps/programs. Your camp’s registration will come with two seats.
We highly recommend you join us live for the most robust and engaging experience. If you are unable to do so, the recording will be made available to registered attendees for 15 days following the live e-session.
This course will be presented by trainers from the Center for School Behavioral Health at Mental Health America of Greater Houston (the Center) as part of its Emotional Backpack Project. For more information about the Emotional Backpack project, you can visit here. The Center serves as a “living laboratory” for incubating innovative, cost-effective and replicable best practices to improve the behavioral health of students by facilitating collective action; providing highly specialized professional development opportunities, technical assistance and community education; and conducting research, advocacy, and policy analysis.
We encourage you to join both this training and the Youth Suicide Prevention Training module on February 1, however you do not need to attend both. They are offered independently of one another.
About the trainers:
Keenisha Protho is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Texas with 10 plus years of experience in the field of social work. Originally from Northwest Indiana, Keenisha started her career as a contracted case manager working with families who lost their children to Child Protective Services to regain custody of their children in 2012. Keenisha received a Bachelor and Maters of Social Work from Indiana University. Over the years, Keenisha has gained a wealth of knowledge in her experience as a Family Support Specialist, CPS case worker, Advocacy Coordinator, Community Educator, PRN therapist and Behavior Specialist. As a Professional Development Specialist, Keenisha enjoys training school personnel and other youth interfacing staff and agencies on topics such as youth mental health and youth suicide prevention.
Sharifa J. Charles serves as a 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 18, 2023, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm ET
Where: Online, via Zoom
Cost: $60 for ACA, New England members/ $85 for non-members. *Each registration comes with two seats for your camp/program. You can select the two participants during the check-out process. Registration of the first person from the camp/organization is based off of individual membership status.
Register: THIS COURSE HAS REACHED CAPACITY AND REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED! WE STILL HAVE SPACE IN THE 2/1 YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION SESSION. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THAT PROGRAM. Please register first person at the FIRST PERSON rate and then the additional person as SECOND PERSON (no additional charge).
We encourage you to join both this training and the Youth Suicide Prevention Training module on February 1, however you do not need to attend both. They are offered independently of one another.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual from your camp/program prior to the start of the event.
Questions, reach out to Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.

CCA Presents - Staff Training
2023-01-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, 565 Ashford Center Rd, Ashford, CT, 06278
January CCA Program- Staffing
Join the Connecticut Camping Association in learning with Kim Aycock

Accreditation Process Workshop 1/23/23
2023-01-23 09:30 - 12:30 | Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME, 04074
This course is designed to provide an overview of the ACA Accreditation Process.
Every camp being visited in 2023 must have at least one person who completes this course on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be engaged in on-site operations during the camp season, and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
Participants feel excited, engaged, and ready to manage the accreditation process for their camp. They know where to find and how to use information, resources, and technology provided by ACA. They can navigate the Accreditation Process Guide v.2019 to understand compliance and applicability of standards, including how to maintain accreditation through the visit and non-visit years and the purpose and steps of preparing written documentation.
This course will be In Person
*Multiple people from a camp are encouraged to take this course.

What's the Buzz On Covid at Camp in 2023
2023-01-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
What’s the Buzz on COVID Preparations for Summer 2023? Peer Discussion Session
As you all prepare for summer 2023, we know many of you continue to think about how you’ll handle COVID protocols and communicate that to your staff and families. Will you require vaccinations? Testing? What other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are you considering?
We have heard it can be helpful to hear what other friends and colleagues are thinking about, discuss timelines for decision-making, and even problem-solve challenges as a group.
So, come join us for an open forum discussion around how you and your camp are approaching COVID protocols for the upcoming camp season. ACA, New England staff will be there to guide/facilitate the conversation, but this will be a participant-led discussion.
Come prepared to have your videos on, ask questions, and engage in dialogue with your peers.
When: Monday, January 30, 11 am – 12 pm ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: FREE for ACA members; $25 for non-members
Registration Link
Because this session is based on real-time dialogue, it will not be recorded. Please plan to join us live.
Questions? Contact Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at ACA, New England, kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.

HOT TOPICS w/EPIC New England - January 2023
2023-01-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom

Youth Suicide Prevention Training
2023-02-01 10:30 - 12:00 | Zoom
Youth Suicide Prevention Training
*This session is now FULL and registration is CLOSED.*
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.
Each e-session is limited to 25 camps/programs. Your camp’s registration will come with two seats.
We highly recommend you join us live for the most robust and engaging experience. If you are unable to do so, the recording will be made available to registered attendees for 15 days following the live e-session.
This course will be presented by trainers from the Center for School Behavioral Health at Mental Health America of Greater Houston (the Center) as part of its Emotional Backpack Project. For more information about the Emotional Backpack project, you can visit here. The Center serves as a “living laboratory” for incubating innovative, cost-effective and replicable best practices to improve the behavioral health of students by facilitating collective action; providing highly specialized professional development opportunities, technical assistance and community education; and conducting research, advocacy, and policy analysis.
We encourage you to join both this training and the Child Mental Health module on January 18, however you do not need to attend both. They are offered independently of one another.
About the trainers:
Keenisha Protho is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Texas with 10 plus years of experience in the field of social work. Originally from Northwest Indiana, Keenisha started her career as a contracted case manager working with families who lost their children to Child Protective Services to regain custody of their children in 2012. Keenisha received a Bachelor and Maters of Social Work from Indiana University. Over the years, Keenisha has gained a wealth of knowledge in her experience as a Family Support Specialist, CPS case worker, Advocacy Coordinator, Community Educator, PRN therapist and Behavior Specialist. As a Professional Development Specialist, Keenisha enjoys training school personnel and other youth interfacing staff and agencies on topics such as youth mental health and youth suicide prevention.
Sharifa J. Charles serves as a 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, February 1, 2023, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm ET
Where: Online, via Zoom.
Cost: $60 for ACA, New England members/ $85 for non-members. *Each registration comes with two seats for your camp/program. You can select the two participants during the check-out process. Registration of the first person from the camp/organization is based off of individual membership status.
Register: *This session is now FULL and registration is CLOSED.*
We encourage you to join both this training and the Child Mental Health module on January 18, however you do not need to attend both. They are offered independently of one another.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual from your camp/program prior to the start of the event.
Questions, reach out to Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.

Camp Wildfire Discussion Group
2023-02-01 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Please join the conversation on the wildfire threat to camps. We will discuss mitigation grants, legislative issues and discuss preparedness topics from the recent ACA, Wildfire Symposium.
This event is provided at no cost to participants with the support of our Business Affiliates. Learn more about them in the ACA Buyers Guide.

Google Ad Grants 101: From Application to Launch
2023-02-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Google Ad Grants 101: From Application to Launch
Qualifying nonprofits can access up to $10,000 per month in search ads shown on Google.com. In this session, Holly and Jennifer will walk you through the application process, explain some of the fine print and share tips on Ad Grant best practices.
What to bring with you to the session:

Your nonprofit EIN
Your camp’s business address associated with your EIN
Your TechSoup account information. If you don’t have one already, create an account before the session
Access to the main email address associated with your camp (This is to receive communication from Google about the Ad Grant request. Info@ or admin@ emails are usually good. We advise against using a personal email because it can lead to access issues in the future if there are staff changes.)

When: Monday, February 6, 11 am – 12 pm ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: $20 for members; $30 for non-members
Register for more than one of the Online Tools series (Google Ads on 2/6, Indeed on 2/13, and TikTok and Reels on 2/27) and receive 25% off using code NE23ONLINE at check-out.
Registration Link
The session will be recorded and available for 30 days if you are unable to join us live.
About the Presenters:
Holly Hearn is an Account Manager who joined the Social Summer Camp (SSC) team in 2019. Her educational background is in digital media, and she has found an interest in ad strategy development since joining SSC. She is skilled in ppc marketing, social media marketing, conversion tracking, creative development and copywriting. Holly’s home base is Austin, Texas but you will often find her working remotely around the country. She enjoys climbing, skiing, meeting new friends, and spending time with her dog, Charlie.
Jennifer Raimondo joined Social Summer Camp as a Social Media Associate in February 2022. Now as an Account Manager, she looks forward to creating ad campaigns and helping clients achieve their enrollment and engagement goals. Jennifer graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a B.A. in English Education. Prior to Social Summer Camp, Jennifer taught English in the United States and Costa Rica. She discovered her passion for digital marketing while managing and creating content for her school’s social media accounts. Due to her background in education, Jennifer has a keen awareness of what parents want for their children and uses that knowledge to produce engaging content and effective ads.
Questions? Contact Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at ACA, New England, kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.

Online Tools to Boost Your Camp (series of three e-sessions)
Join ACA, New England for a series of three fast-paced e-sessions on Online Tools to Boost Your Camp in February 2023!

Google Ad Grants 101: From Application to Launch (2/6)
Indeed & How to Hire Online in 2023 (2/13)
TikTok & Instagram Reels: How to Boost Your Social Media Presence (2/27)

Each 45-60-minute session will take folks through a trend or tool that we think can be useful for our camps! The Google Ad session is specifically for non-profits and the other sessions are for anyone. If you can’t join us live, session recordings will be available for 30 days.
Register for one session or multiple sessions. If you register at least one person from your camp/organization for more than one session, use code NE23ONLINE during check-out to get 25% off your registration fees for each session you sign up for.
That means if you’re an ACA member, you can sign up for all three sessions for just $45!
Session presenters Holly Hearn, Jennifer Raimondo, Angela Bersani, and Breanna Roiz are all with Social Summer Camp, a company focused on providing the tools and expertise that summer camps and schools need to build, manage, and monetize social media campaigns.

Accreditation Process Workshop - 2/8/2023
2023-02-08 09:30 - 12:30 | Winding Trails, 50 Winding Trails, Farmington, CT, 06032
ACA, Accreditation Process Workshop
This course is designed to provide an overview of the ACA Accreditation Process.
Every camp being visited in 2023 must have at least one person who completes this course on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be engaged in on-site operations during the camp season, and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
*Multiple people from a camp are encouraged to take this course.
Participants feel excited, engaged, and ready to manage the accreditation process for their camp. They know where to find and how to use information, resources, and technology provided by ACA. They can navigate the Accreditation Process Guide v.2019 to understand compliance and applicability of standards, including how to maintain accreditation through the visit and non-visit years and the purpose and steps of preparing written documentation.
REGISTRATION OPEN

ACH Spring Events
2023-02-09 | NH
Our friends at the Alliance for Camp Health (Previously the Association of Camp Nursing) offer many free and paid opportunities to prepare for your upcoming summer. As you are thinking of things in the camp/health space, keep an eye on our friends at ACH and where/when/how they can help you succeed this summer.
ACH Spring Events 2023

Indeed & How to Hire Online in 2023
2023-02-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Indeed & How to Hire Online in 2023
Hiring for summer camps has become one of the biggest challenges for camp owners and directors in recent years. In this session, Angela will share methods for creating engaging job postings and best practices for finding and communicating with candidates online. Plus, she’ll show how to use sponsored postings to get the best bang for your buck and give other tips to craft a staff recruitment strategy that works for your camp.
When: Monday, February 13, 11 am – 12 pm ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: $20 for members; $30 for non-members
Register for more than one of the Online Tools series (Google Ads on 2/6, Indeed on 2/13, and TikTok and Reels on 2/27) and receive 25% off using code NE23ONLINE at check-out.
Registration Link
The session will be recorded and available for 30 days if you are unable to join us live.
About the Presenter:
Angela Bersani joined Social Summer Camp in November of 2020 as a Social Media Associate. Now as an Account Manager, she enjoys creating successful social content, ad campaigns, and job postings to help clients reach their goals.
Angela graduated from Northeastern University with a B.A. in Communication Studies and Media and Screen Studies in May of 2020. Angela worked at Wayfair and Boston Consulting Group, focusing on campaign management, content creation, and design system development.
Angela is based in her home state of New Jersey, where she was a camper of nine years and camp counselor of eight years. She is always available to discuss bagels, dogs in Halloween costumes, and color war.
Questions? Contact Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at ACA, New England, kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.

Online Tools to Boost Your Camp (series of three e-sessions)
Join ACA, New England for a series of three fast-paced e-sessions on Online Tools to Boost Your Camp in February 2023!

Google Ad Grants 101: From Application to Launch (2/6)
Indeed & How to Hire Online in 2023 (2/13)
TikTok & Instagram Reels: How to Boost Your Social Media Presence (2/27)

Each 45-60-minute session will take folks through a trend or tool that we think can be useful for our camps! The Google Ad session is specifically for non-profits and the other sessions are for anyone. If you can’t join us live, session recordings will be available for 30 days.
Register for one session or multiple sessions. If you register at least one person from your camp/organization for more than one session, use code NE23ONLINE during check-out to get 25% off your registration fees for each session you sign up for.
That means if you’re an ACA member, you can sign up for all three sessions for just $45!
Session presenters Holly Hearn, Jennifer Raimondo, Angela Bersani, and Breanna Roiz are all with Social Summer Camp, a company focused on providing the tools and expertise that summer camps and schools need to build, manage, and monetize social media campaigns.

2023 Camp Health Symposium
2023-02-21 - 2023-02-22 | Orlando, FL
2023 Camp Health Symposium!
The Symposium is a stand out educational event for all individuals invested in camp health operations. This year will provide unique opportunities for networking, discussions, and engagement with one another. This will be an IN PERSON event in Orlando, Florida!
Tuesday, February 21st, we will host “Connecting Conversations” talks followed by small group discussions that are guided by content experts. Wednesday is a shared Alliance for Camp Health and American Camp Association day. ACH registrants may attend the healthcare sessions or any of the ACA sessions.
See registration details and hotel information HERE!

TikTok & Instagram Reels: How to Boost Your Social Media Presence
2023-02-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
TikTok & Instagram Reels: How to Boost Your Social Media Presence
So, you created an Instagram and TikTok account for your camp… now what? It can feel like a daunting task to keep up with the ever-changing features and trends on social media, but building an online presence is essential for growing your business. In this session, Breanna will share best practices for boosting your camp’s social media presence using TikTok and Instagram Reels. Plus, she’ll share content pillars that will help kick off a social media marketing strategy for your camp.
When: Monday, February 27, 11 am – 12 pm ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: $20 for members; $30 for non-members
Register for more than one of the Online Tools series (Google Ads on 2/6, Indeed on 2/13, and TikTok and Reels on 2/27) and receive 25% off using code NE23ONLINE at check-out.
Registration link
The session will be recorded and available for 30 days if you are unable to join us live.
About the Presenter:
Breanna Roiz is a digital marketer with expertise in creating, executing, and managing online marketing campaigns. Breanna joined Social Summer Camp in the summer of 2017 as a Social Media Associate while working on her graduate degree.
After graduating from Texas State University with an M.A. in digital media, Breanna moved to El Paso, Texas where she worked in brand management, social media, and influencer marketing for a global consumer goods company.
After returning to Central Texas, Breanna rejoined Social Summer Camp as an Account Manager. She recently took on the Director of Client Success role and looks forward to building creative marketing strategies and effective digital ads for clients. When she’s not sitting behind a computer, she’s adventuring with her pups, Theodore and Enzo.
Questions? Contact Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at ACA, New England, kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.

Online Tools to Boost Your Camp (series of three e-sessions)
Join ACA, New England for a series of three fast-paced e-sessions on Online Tools to Boost Your Camp in February 2023!

Google Ad Grants 101: From Application to Launch (2/6)
Indeed & How to Hire Online in 2023 (2/13)
TikTok & Instagram Reels: How to Boost Your Social Media Presence (2/27)

Each 45-60-minute session will take folks through a trend or tool that we think can be useful for our camps! The Google Ad session is specifically for non-profits and the other sessions are for anyone. If you can’t join us live, session recordings will be available for 30 days.
Register for one session or multiple sessions. If you register at least one person from your camp/organization for more than one session, use code NE23ONLINE during check-out to get 25% off your registration fees for each session you sign up for.
That means if you’re an ACA member, you can sign up for all three sessions for just $45!
Session presenters Holly Hearn, Jennifer Raimondo, Angela Bersani, and Breanna Roiz are all with Social Summer Camp, a company focused on providing the tools and expertise that summer camps and schools need to build, manage, and monetize social media campaigns.

Mental Health First Aid
2023-02-28 09:00 - 15:00 | 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 Thursday, February 23
6-hour live, instructor-led virtual course from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Tuesday, February 28 (you must be fully present with the ability to have a camera and microphone on throughout the course)

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: Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (self-paced online pre-work must be completed by Thursday, February 23 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: $65 for ACA, New England members/ $90 for non-members.
Register: Click here. You will register through ACA, New England, but additional communication about the course and how to complete the pre-work will come from the course instructor/ the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event (provided there is enough time for that individual to complete the mandatory pre-work).
A minimum of 6 participants is required for the program to run.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104. If the course is full or you are interested, but not available on this date, please contact Kerry. If there is interest, we may offer additional courses.

HOT TOPICS w/EPIC New England - February 2023
2023-02-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom

Funding Camp Sustainability
2023-03-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
A recent research study from Green Camps, The Motivators and Barriers to Camp Sustainability, highlighted several of the biggest barriers camps reported when it comes to “going green.” By far the most consistent is the financial restraints to fund sustainable initiatives. Thus, we’ve decided to host a webinar on “Funding Camp Sustainability.”
In conjunction with this webinar, we will create a resource guide with sample grant templates, a list of foundations that fund this type of work, along with other fundraising tools to help advance your sustainability goals.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is at the forefront of conversation in our society, and we see this webinar as an opportunity to better understand its correlation and causation to the topic of sustainability.
To help build the case to fund camp sustainability you’ll also have the option to complete a free green needs assessment. We will highlight the collected data during the webinar to reinforce the specific needs and opportunities to fund meaningful and long-lasting action to model sustainability for campers and staff.

Accreditation Process Workshop (Virtual) 3/11
2023-03-11 08:30 - 11:30 | Zoom
This course is designed to provide an overview of the ACA Accreditation Process.
Every camp being visited in 2023 must have at least one person who completes this course on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be engaged in on-site operations during the camp season, and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
Participants feel excited, engaged, and ready to manage the accreditation process for their camp. They know where to find and how to use information, resources, and technology provided by ACA. They can navigate the Accreditation Process Guide v.2019 to understand compliance and applicability of standards, including how to maintain accreditation through the visit and non-visit years and the purpose and steps of preparing written documentation.
This course will be held ONLINE

HOT TOPICS w/EPIC New England - March 2023
2023-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom

New Camp Director Workshop 3/29/23
2023-03-29 08:00 - 18:00 | DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH, 03101
Are you a new camp director or planning a career in camp ?
Join us for a FAST PACED day focused on the many topics of running camp. Staff training, supervision, hiring, firing, and so many more!
Come prepared to fill your brain and notebook with lots of useful information.
A team of experienced directors and consultants will lead workshops and provide invaluable materials and hands-on training scenarios.
A boxed lunch is included with this registration. Please select your meal choice on the last page of the registration process.

NE Accreditation Process Workshop 3/29/23
2023-03-29 09:30 - 12:30 | DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH, 03101

Utilizing Fundraising Volunteers in a New World
2023-04-12 10:00 - 11:15 | Zoom
Utilizing Fundraising Volunteers in a New World
When: Wednesday, April 12, 10 am – 11:15 am ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: $25 for individual ACA members; $40 for non-members
This panel discussion will provide real time examples of the challenges and opportunities facing volunteer-driven, major, capital, and comprehensive campaigns. Speakers will discuss the varying landscape of personal outreach and engagement, effective use of solicitation tools including in today’s more technology-driven world and share candid perspectives on how the capital campaign process has changed over the past decade. The formal session will end after one hour, but anyone with additional questions for the panel may stay for an additional 15 minutes.
Session Moderator:

John Lanham, VP/Campaign Director, Demont Associates

Session Panelists:

Craig MacDonnell, Board Chair at the Timanous Foundation (ME)
Heather Plati, Executive Director at Camp O-AT-KA (ME)
Peter Gregory, Campaign Executive Committee Member at Hale Education (MA)
Tori Robertson, Not-for-profit Volunteer, Leader, and Fundraiser at Keewaydin Foundation (VT) and others

Questions? Contact Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at ACA, New England, kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080.
If you can’t join live, this session will be recorded and available for viewing for 30 days.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.
About the speakers:
John Lanham, VP/Campaign Director, Demont Associates: After working with the international nonprofit organization, Up with People, John Lanham joined Demont Associates in the fall of 2016. At Up with People, he managed partner relations with community sponsors including the International Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, The University of Arizona, and numerous public schools and local governments. Since joining Demont, in and through a pandemic John has provided campaign services to Camp O-AT-KA, The Timanous Foundation, Keewaydin Foundation, Hale Education as well as to other youth, education and conservation not-for-profit organizations. John manages fundraising campaigns ranging from $3,000,000 to $40,000,000, while overseeing daily operations of the company. John resides in Saco, ME. He enjoys running, reading, live concerts, a good movie and volunteers as a Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine.
Peter Gregory: Peter Gregory grew up in Westwood, MA. He discovered Hale’s Education’s 1,150 acres of nature and trails as a college student (Connecticut College) who was using them for runs in preparation for Crew season. In the late 80’s his cousin, Elisha, asked that he get involved with Hale. He is motivated to support Hale with time, talent and treasure because he likes helping inner city children and thinks the staff has done a great job with measured, thoughtful growth. Peter currently serves on Hale’s Corporate Board and continues to lend his time, talent and treasure on Hale’s $46M campaign as a volunteer, member of the Campaign Cabinet, and critical leader on the Campaign Executive Committee.
Craig MacDonnell: Craig MacDonnell has been the Timanous Foundation Board Chair since 2016. He is an experienced environmental and conservation leader, realty steward, lawyer, and consultant across non-profit, private, and government sectors. He is recognized for his ability to develop consensus and establish strategic partnerships. Craig also has a demonstrated track record of fund raising and building productive boards of advisors. He has been a steady force in the Timanous Foundation’s transition from a privately owned camp through to the preparation and completion of its first campaign, raising $8M in its first 6 years as a not-for-profit organization.

Heather Plati: Heat her Plati joined the O-AT-KA staff in 2015 as the first full-time Director of Advancement and became the Executive Director in June of 2017. From the time she joined the O-AT-KA family, her focus on fundraising (including planning and executing an $8M campaign), as well as bringing alumni and parents together for events, communications, and volunteer opportunities translated seamlessly in the area of increasing enrollment, staff development, and executing a long-term strategic vision for O-AT-KA. Before joining O-AT-KA, Heather was in various fundraising and public relations positions at Simmons College, Bentley University and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. She sits on the American Camp Association (ACA), New England Board of Directors as a Vice President and leads the Fund Development committee. Heather holds a BS in Marketing from Bentley University.
Tori Robertson: Tori Robertson grew up in Toronto, Canada, has lived in New York and Paris and currently resides in London, England. She was educated at the University of Toronto, Trinity College and York University. Tori has a strong volunteer background having been involved with various not-for profit boards and organizations associated with education and childhood through young adult development. She has extensive experience in non-profit development, strategic planning and board governance; she knows the satisfaction that successful fundraising brings and how critical it is in supporting an organisation’s mission. Tori was a member of the Board of Trustees of the American School in London (ASL) for 11years. Most recently Tori was a member of the Keewaydin Foundation’s Board of Trustees for 7 years, Today she continues to enjoy being a source of counsel and mentorship for not-for-profits in Canada, the US and the UK.

NE Associate Visitor Course Spring 2023
2023-04-21 09:00 - 18:00 | Camp Hazen YMCA, 204 W Main St, Chester, CT, 06412
Join an amazing team of volunteers!
This course is an in-person training. Participants must attend all learning sessions over the timeframe to successfully become an accreditation volunteer. This course requires active participation and engagement.
ACA’s accreditation program is the only national peer review program of its kind for the camp industry. Being an ACA visitor provides you with the experience to build your network, polish your skills in observation and risk management, and develop mentoring opportunities for both you and the camps you work with. As much as you give to this experience, you’ll gain from new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to the mission-driven work of the camp industry.

Additional Information

There is a pre-course as part of this course.
The pre-course will need to be completed no later then April 14, 2023

Enhancing Social Emotional Supports with Campers
2023-04-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Enhancing Social Emotional Supports with Campers
When: Tuesday, April 25, 11 am – 12 pm ET
Where: Zoom
Cost: $25 for individual ACA members; $40 for non-members
After COVID, we have all seen the impact on the children in our care. Students that never showed anxiety or dysregulation are now showing impact. Further, children that were already on our radar seemed harder than ever to support. Chris and Ali will lead participants through steps that the Boston YMCA have taken (and continue to take) to train staff, add tools to support campers and add emotional support staff into the programming.
In this session, you will learn:

How to build your own social emotional kits
How to organize support staff
Other ways/tools to support SEL

Questions? Contact Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at ACA, New England, kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080.
If you can’t join live, this session will be recorded and available for viewing for 30 days.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.

Thank you to Dear Scout for sponsoring this e-session.
Dear Scout provides support and resources for your summer staff.

About the speakers:
Aline Ricketson, Senior Association Director, YMCA of Greater Boston
Ali has worked for the YMCA of Greater Boston for 13+ years. She has served in many roles first starting as a Multi-Site Program Administrator, Day Camp Operations, Achievement Gap/Summer Learning Operations and Program Executive. Ali now serves as the Senior Association Director of Child Development supporting all school age and summer camp programs taking place in the city of Boston. She also oversees all Opportunity Gap and Summer Learning work for the Association. Ali has a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education from Salve Regina University and a Masters’ in Child Development and Urban Policy and Planning from Tufts University. She lives in Westwood, MA with her husband and two children, Ford (4) and Ava (2).
Chris Kelley, Education Specialist, YMCA of Greater Boston
Chris has joined the YMCA after a career spanning over 30 years in public education as a teacher, principal and district leader serving students and staff at all levels. She has a graduate degree in Early Childhood and is currently a fellow at UMass Boston post-graduate program. She joined the YMCA last year and supports Child Development leaders with coaching, mentoring, and curriculum development. She and her husband, Tim, have three adult children.
