American Camp Association New England

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

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

About the Facilitator:
Mark Lipof, LICSW
Mark Lipof, Newer Overnight Camp Directors Resource Community Facilitator
With over 40 years of camping experience as a camper, counselor, head counselor, and camp administrator, Mark Lipof is the Co-Owner and Founding Director of Camp Micah, which is currently moving into its twenty-seventh season. Mark graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and earned a High School teacher certification. He then graduated from the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work with an MSW and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.
Mark’s experience with youth is extensive, including evaluating and counseling at-risk youth and residential camp experience at most administrative levels. From 1990 – 2005, Mark held many positions at Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline, MA, including Synagogue Administrator, Counselor, and Youth Director. In 1995, he became the founding Director of the Ansin Religious School of Ohabei Shalom. Mark currently serves on the Board of Directors of Maine Summer Camps and is a member of Maine Camp Experience and ACA, New England. He takes pride in Camp Micah’s culture of acceptance and the importance of building resilience in campers.
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Not a newer overnight camp director? We have a Newer Day Camp Director Resource Community happening this year too. Click HERE for more info!
We will also have an Overnight Assistant Camp Director Resource Community launching this fall, if that feels like a better fit for your role. Check back for more information soon!
Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

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

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

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

About the Facilitator:
Ian Moorhouse, Newer Day Camp Director Resource Community Facilitator
Originally from England, Ian began his career in the United States as a young summer camp staffer—a foundational experience that ignited his lifelong passion for youth development, staff mentorship, and community building. Over the past 30 years, he has built a diverse leadership portfolio, progressing through roles as a camp counselor, senior boys director, director of campus programs, executive director, and chief operating officer.
A dedicated advocate and leader for the education and camping industries, Ian recently served as the Board President for the American Camp Association (ACA), New England. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s future by helping to develop its strategic “North Star,” a guiding initiative designed to better support and connect camp professionals across the region.
Known for his commitment to operational excellence and volunteerism, Ian continues to be a driving force in creating opportunities for educators, camp professionals, and youth to thrive. Above all, he strives to bring joy, happiness, and a sense of fun to his work and his daily life.
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Not a newer day camp director? We have a Newer Overnight Camp Director Resource Community happening this year too. Click HERE for more info!
Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Instructor
Donna Johns-Thomas
Donna Johns-Thomas, SHRM-CP, is the Owner and Chief Consultant of Indigo Consulting LLC, where she helps camps, youth-serving organizations, and nonprofit leaders strengthen their people practices through practical HR support, leadership development, and organizational training. With more than 30 years of experience in camps and youth development, Donna has served as a camp director, accreditation leader, trainer, and senior organizational leader, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges camp professionals face both during and between seasons.
Prior to launching Indigo Consulting, Donna spent 13 years with the American Camp Association, New England, where she led accreditation and professional development initiatives, and 7 years as Director of Learning & Development, Human Resources for Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston.
She is a frequent conference presenter known for her engaging, practical approach and her ability to translate real-world camp experiences into actionable strategies. Donna is passionate about helping leaders build stronger systems, develop confident staff, and create organizations that are both effective and sustainable to lead.
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Questions, reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

Accreditation Volunteer Course 11/18/26
2026-11-18 09:00 - 17:00 | The Farm – Wheeler School Seekonk Campus, 357 Walker St, Seekonk, MA, 02771
ACA, New England needs YOU to join an amazing team of volunteers! Join us for our next Accreditation Volunteer Course (formerly known as the Associate Visitors Course).
This course is an in-person training. Participants must attend all learning sessions over the timeframe to successfully become an accreditation volunteer. This course requires active participation and engagement.
ACA’s accreditation program is the only national peer review program of its kind for the camp industry. Being an ACA accreditation volunteer (visitor) provides you with the experience to build your network, polish your skills in observation and risk management, and develop mentoring opportunities for both you and the camps you work with. As much as you give to this experience, you’ll gain from new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to the mission-driven work of the camp industry.
To become an accreditation volunteer, please complete these steps:

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

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

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

The registration deadline is November 11th, 2026. Pre-registration is required for this course.
There is an online portion that must be completed prior to the in-person portion of this course. Pre-work must be completed by November 13, 2026.
Click here to register
Cost: Free
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026; 9:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Wheeler Farm – 350 Walker Street, Seekonk, MA 02771
Questions, reach out to Haillie Mousseau, Accreditation & Volunteer Manager, at haillie@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 100.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.

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

Accreditation Volunteer Course 3/17/27
2027-03-17 09:00 - 17:00 | Goffstown YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, NH, 03045, United States
ACA, New England needs YOU to join an amazing team of volunteers! Join us for our next Accreditation Volunteer Course (formerly known as the Associate Visitors Course).
This course is an in-person training. Participants must attend all learning sessions over the timeframe to successfully become an accreditation volunteer. This course requires active participation and engagement.
ACA’s accreditation program is the only national peer review program of its kind for the camp industry. Being an ACA accreditation volunteer (visitor) provides you with the experience to build your network, polish your skills in observation and risk management, and develop mentoring opportunities for both you and the camps you work with. As much as you give to this experience, you’ll gain from new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to the mission-driven work of the camp industry.
To become an accreditation volunteer, please complete these steps:

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

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

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

The registration deadline is March 10, 2027. Pre-registration is required for this course.
There is an online portion that must be completed prior to the in-person portion of this course. Pre-work must be completed by March 12, 2027.
Click here to register
Cost: Free
When: Wednesday, March 17, 2027; 9:00am to 5:00pm
Where & When: Goffstown YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, NH 03045
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In conjunction with the New England Camp Conference, this course will be held in person as part of our pre-conference programming. To register for the NE Camp Conference, click here.
Questions, reach out to Haillie Mousseau, Accreditation & Volunteer Manager, at haillie@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 100.
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.
