BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//American Camp Association New England - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:American Camp Association New England
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.acanewengland.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for American Camp Association New England
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260410T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260410T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20250903T140604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T201001Z
UID:14409-1775815200-1775818800@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Coffee & Camp Chat
DESCRIPTION:Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly space for informal\, yet purposeful\, discussion among summer camp people! Sip your favorite beverage as we share insights\, swap stories\, and discuss trends in camping. Cozy into your Friday with fellow camp folk while we brew ideas\, forge new connections\, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp! \nFor more information or to suggest a topic for a future Chat\, email bud@acanewengland.org  \nCoffee & Camp Chat is free and open to everyone in camping!
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/coffee-camp-chat-2026-04-10/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education,Coffee & Camp Chat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/coffee-and-camp-chat-multi-mug-2025-e1735919622879.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260209T182144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T133304Z
UID:15448-1776247200-1776265200@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Spring Overnight Camp Staff Training Workshop: Reviewing\, Revising\, and Reimagining Your Staff Training Schedule
DESCRIPTION:Do you wish you had one whole day to dive into your staff training schedule and curriculum?\nDust off that very important binder and join your fellow residential camping professionals for a one-day workshop dedicated to reviewing\, revising\, and maybe even reimagining your staff training schedule! We all know that our big plans for staff training often get pushed to the back burner when faced with the multitude of other responsibilities that come with a new camp year. The morning will be spent evaluating with a wide lens\, focusing on setting intentional progression\, weaving in camp culture and values\, and identifying areas for improvement. The afternoon will dive into the details of the three S’s—speakers\, spaces\, and seat time—and finally\, content areas. Are your important content-area trainings on programming\, behavior\, policies\, and procedures checking boxes or actually preparing your staff? This workshop will be structured around small-group work\, engaging activities\, and exercises to guide evaluation and spark creativity. \nNote: This workshop is designed specifically for overnight camps and may not be relevant for day camp professionals. Please reach out with any questions. \nDates & Rates\nWhen: Wednesday\, April 15\, 2026; 10:00am to 3:00pm ET \nWhere: ACA\, New England Office – 80 Westview Street\, Lexington\, MA 02421 \nCost: Members $75; non-Members $100 \nRegistrations are NON-refundable \nClick here to register! \n*This is an in-person workshop and will not be recorded* \n  \nAbout the Instructor\n \nBecky Alford is the Camp Experience Director at Kingsley Pines\, where her primary role is to support the social-emotional well-being and behavioral needs of campers and staff throughout the summer. As a member of the full-time leadership team at KP\, she spends much of the winter organizing\, evaluating\, and streamlining pre-season training for over 75 seasonal staff. Becky is a licensed social worker who has spent ten years in residential and community-based programs in the Carolinas\, working with children and families. She recognizes that supporting campers starts with equipping counselors to handle the challenges of camp and solve problems critically and confidently. Becky is an active member of the Maine Summer Camps and the Education Committee. She believes there is a special kind of magic at camp because it is one of those rare places where campers\, staff\, and the whole community can grow and become their best selves. \n  \nQuestions\, reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106. \nUse 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.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/ne-spring-staff-training-workshop-reviewing-revising-and-reimagining-your-staff-training-schedule/
LOCATION:ACA New England Office\, 80 Westview St\, Lexington\, MA\, 02421
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Spring-Staff-Training-Workshop-graphic-450x450-1-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260130T201023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T154523Z
UID:15376-1776333600-1776337200@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Your Camp Leadership Team: Whom and What Create the Strongest On & Off-Season Management?
DESCRIPTION:Running a camp is becoming more complicated each year\, as trends change quickly.\nBetween business operations\, program\, facilities\, campers\, staff\, parents\, and more\, it can be difficult for even the most seasoned directors to know what and whom they need in order to keep their camp on top. In this session\, Dr. Nick Teich will dive into which year-round and summer leadership positions are becoming more (and less) common\, and how to think about streamlining your team so that your camp is covering all the bases. We’ll discuss summer positions\, year-round full-time positions\, leveraging seasonal staff for off-season part-time positions\, as well as when (and what) to outsource. \nLearning outcomes: \n\nParticipants will have an exercise in thinking critically about their camps’ needs in terms of year-round operations\, summer operations\, and the “in-between” (e.g. how summer employees can help year-round on an hourly basis).\nParticipants will learn which leadership positions are most common\, and which are trending to be more common or less common.\nParticipants will get ideas on how to bolster or change their leadership teams – and implement these changes – based on their camp’s specific needs relative to industry trends.\n\nDates & Rates\nWhen: Thursday\, April 16\, 2026; 10:00 – 11:00am ET \nWhere: Virtual on Zoom (meeting link will be sent prior to the start of the session) \nCost: Members $15 ; non-Members $25 \nRegister a second person from your team at no additional cost by selecting “2nd Person Complimentary Registration” in the drop-down menu on STEP 2 of the registration process.  \nClick here to register!\nThis meeting will be recorded. \nAbout the Instructor\nNick Teich | Owner | Fairwinds Camp Consulting \n \nDr. Nick Teich is an executive coach and consultant for camp directors and owners\, helping them with their camp’s unique needs and goals. He has been working with camps for over 25 years and was a former longtime residential camp director. Nick is a recent recipient of ACA New England’s Peter Kerns Award for the Advancement of Professional Development at camps. He is also a member of the ACA New England Board of Directors. He is a trained social worker and holds a doctorate in social policy. Nick lives in the Boston area with his wife and two kids. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nQuestions\, reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106. \nRegistrations are non-refundable\, but may be transferred to another member of your team\, prior to the start of the session.  \nUse 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.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/your-camp-leadership-team-whom-and-what-create-the-strongest-on-off-season-management/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Your-camp-leadership-team-graphic-450x450-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260403T162644Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T162644Z
UID:16195-1776855600-1776868200@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Coffee & Camp Chat LIVE! Hosted by EPIC (Freeport\, ME)
DESCRIPTION:Join EPIC New England and friends from Maine Summer Camps as they host a LIVE! edition of C&CC. The floor will be open to questions and topics about everything happening in summer camp: staffing\, enrollment\, programming\, inclusion\, accessibility\, food\, fun\, growth\, etc. \n\nPart I – Challenges we’re facing and talking through solutions\nPart II – Innovation at camp. What’s new at your camp and what’s coming next?\nPart III – What did we miss? Circling back to “parking lot” items or continuing previous unfinished business.\n\nCost: $15 for members of ACA or Maine Summer Camps; $20 for non-Members \nUse the drop-down menu to select your registration type. Fees go directly to providing food/refreshments! \nWhen: Wednesday\, April 22 from 11:00am to 2:30pm \nWhere: Maine Beer Co. 525 US-1\, Freeport\, ME 04032 \n_____________________________________________________________________________________________ \nGot questions? Feel free to contact bud@acanewengland.org \nUse 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. \nRegistrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your organization.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/coffee-camp-chat-live-hosted-by-epic-freeport-me/
LOCATION:Maine Beer Co.\, 525 US-1\, Freeport\, ME\, 04032
CATEGORIES:Emerging Professionals In Camping,Coffee & Camp Chat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Coffee-and-Camp-Chat-LIVE-450x450-graphic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260209T230520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T231656Z
UID:15499-1776934800-1776960000@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Youth Mental Health First Aid (blended course)
DESCRIPTION:This is an 8-hour education program that teaches participants how to identify\, understand\, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity\, role-playing\, and simulations to demonstrate: \n\nHow to assess a mental health crisis\nHow to select interventions and provide initial help\nHow to connect young people to professional\, peer\, and social support\, as well as self-help care.\n\nThe course covers:\n\nCommon signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use challenges in this age group.\nHow to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.\nHow to connect the youth with help.\nExpanded content on trauma\, substance use\, self-care\, and the impact of social media and bullying.\n\nThis course is offered in a two-part format and both components must be completed to earn your certification: \n\n2.5 hours of pre-work\, which must be completed by Thursday\, April 16\, 2026\nLive\, virtual course from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Thursday\, April 23\, 2026\n\nWhat will participants learn?\nParticipants learn the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents including anxiety\, depression\, psychosis\, eating disorders\, AD/HD\, disruptive behavior disorders\, and substance use disorder. \nParticipants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness\, or who are in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-aged youth\, ages 8-18. \nParticipants do not learn to diagnose\, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling.  \nWho should take this course?\nThis course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents\, and who are either ACA\, New England members or who work at camps located in Western Massachusetts. \nWe are able to provide this course free of charge to ACA\, New England members thanks to a SAMHSA grant \nWho created this course?\nThe National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the United States. Mental Health First Aid USA worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program. \n\nDates & Rates\nWhen: Thursday\, April 23\, 2026\, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Thursday\, April 16 to qualify for the in-person portion of this course). \nWhere: Online. Participants will receive a Zoom link no later than 24 hours prior to the program. \nCost: This course is FREE for ACA\, New England members and folks who work at camps in Western Massachusetts (parameters of the grant funding to support this course). \n*Because this course results in a certification\, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*\nClick here to register! \nRegistration Information:\nThis workshop has a maximum capacity of 15 participants. \nOnce you register through ACA\, New England\, additional communication about the course will come from the course instructors/the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. You will then receive an email with additional details on how to access the pre-work through the Mental Health First Aid Portal. Please allow time to receive that email. Pre-work should be completed by Thursday\, April 16 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program (some flexibility exists if you need a few extra days\, just let us know). \nRegistrations 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. \nPlease note that this is a vacation week for Massachusetts schools. \nQuestions: Reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/youth-mental-health-first-aid-blended-course-3/2026-04-23/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Youth-Mental-Health-First-Aid-graphic-1-e1744219340114.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260401T140604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T141956Z
UID:14410-1777024800-1777028400@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Coffee & Camp Chat
DESCRIPTION:Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly space for informal\, yet purposeful\, discussion among summer camp people! Sip your favorite beverage as we share insights\, swap stories\, and discuss trends in camping. Cozy into your Friday with fellow camp folk while we brew ideas\, forge new connections\, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp! \nThis week\, we’re talking about inclusion. In a matter of weeks\, thousands of campers and staff are coming to our camps. \nWhat are we doing\, have we been doing\, should we be doing\, and could we be doing to ensure everyone feels a sense of welcome and joy at camp this summer? \nJOINING US THIS WEEK\, friend of the show\, New England Board member\, and recent Peter Kerns Award recipient\, Lisa Drennan.  We’re talking her game\, so she’s been kind enough to stop by and lend insight and possibly answers to plus-up the conversation.\n\nCoffee & Camp Chat is free and open to everyone in camping! \nAs always\, questions\, information\, requests\, etc. regarding anything Coffee & Camp Chat\, please don’t hesitate to contact bud@acanewengland.org.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/coffee-camp-chat-2026-04-17/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education,Coffee & Camp Chat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/coffee-and-camp-chat-multi-mug-2025-e1735919622879.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260209T220236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T195607Z
UID:15454-1777456800-1777476600@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Communicating with Courage: Navigating Challenging Dialogue® for Leaders
DESCRIPTION:Every day you witness the emotional struggles of your peers\, staff\, young people\, and families you serve.\nThere are so many conversations you need to have and want to have that you may dread\, avoid\, or can’t quit see your way through to positive resolution\, \nJoin Beth Wonson and Lisa Falkingham Hunt for the Navigating Challenging Dialogue Essentials workshop\, where you’ll learn Navigating Challenging Dialogue® (NCD)\, the NCD Process\, and the NCD Principles. These are proven tools for effective\, fact-based dialogue\, even when communication feels risky. Learn to create connections and achieve results through clear\, empathetic communication. \nYou’ll bring your own real-world challenges to our time together\, and using the 4-Stage NCD Process\, you’ll learn to:\n•    Navigate difficult conversations with fact-based dialogue\n•    Improve trust\, build connection\n•    Establish a healthier relationship with the other party\n•    Come to healthy resolution on the trickiest of topics \nRegardless of your work or positions – this course will transform how you engage with others and handle conflicts. The NCD Process is a framework for fact-based dialogue\, even when communication feels risky. \nDates & Rates\nWhen: Wednesday\, April 29\, 2026; 10:00am to 3:30pm \nWhere: The Barton Center for Diabetes Education\, Fuller Hall – 30 Ennis Road\, North Oxford\, MA 01537 \nMember Cost: 1st Person\, $119; 2nd & Additional Person\, $99 \nNon-Member Cost: 1st Person\, $139; 2nd & Additional Person $119 \n*this is an in-person session and will not be recorded* \nRegistration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your team \nAbout the Instructors\n \nBeth Wonson is a communication expert and the creator of Navigating Challenging Dialogue®. Beth’s career and passion for youth development and the strengthening the skills of professionals working the field when she worked for Project Adventure\, Inc for 13 years. Now Beth works across the US with corporations and nonprofits who seek to build positive cultures\, strengthen trust and connection\, and fulfill their mission in most effective ways. Beth serves on the board of High 5 Adventure Learning in Brattleboro VT. \n  \n  \n\nLisa Falkingham Hunt is the Director of Training and Team Development at High 5 Adventure Learning. She has worked in the outdoor education\, camp\, and training world for over 30 years. Lisa’s approach is grounded in the understanding that an activity\, when well facilitated – such as her hike up Mt. Mansfield – can create life changing experiences for people. “What’s so exciting about the work that High 5 does is that we don’t need to take people on expeditions or thrilling rock climbs in order to experience the benefits of real adventure. It can happen anywhere!”. Lisa is a Certified Navigating Challenging Dialogue® Facilitator. \n  \n  \nQuestions\, reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106. \nUse 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.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/communicating-with-courage-navigating-challenging-dialogue-for-leaders/
LOCATION:The Barton Center\, 30 Ennis Road\, North Oxford\, MA\, 01537\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Communicating-with-Courage-graphic-450x450-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260430T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260403T162759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T162759Z
UID:16199-1777546800-1777559400@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Coffee & Camp Chat LIVE! Hosted by EPIC (Seekonk\, MA)
DESCRIPTION:Join EPIC New England as they host a LIVE! edition of C&CC. The floor will be open to questions and topics about everything happening in summer camp: staffing\, enrollment\, programming\, inclusion\, accessibility\, food\, fun\, growth\, etc.\n•    Part I – Challenges we’re facing and talking through solutions\n•    Part II – Innovation at camp. What’s new at your camp and what’s coming next?\n•    Part III – What did we miss? Circling back to “parking lot” items or continuing previous unfinished business. \nCost: $15 for members of ACA; $20 for non-members \nFees go directly to providing food/refreshments! \nWhen: Thursday\, April 30 from 11:00am to 2:30pm \nWhere: Wheeler School – Farm Campus\, 357 Walker Street\, Seekonk\, MA 02771 \n_____________________________________________________________________________________________ \nGot questions? Feel free to contact bud@acanewengland.org \nUse 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. \nRegistrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your organization. \n 
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/coffee-camp-chat-live-hosted-by-epic-seekonk-ma/
LOCATION:The Farm – Wheeler School Seekonk Campus\, 357 Walker St\, Seekonk\, MA\, 02771
CATEGORIES:Emerging Professionals In Camping,Coffee & Camp Chat
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Coffee-and-Camp-Chat-LIVE-450x450-graphic.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260223T182730Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T210008Z
UID:15592-1777986000-1777991400@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Strengthening Your Camp Aquatics in 2026
DESCRIPTION:Running a camp aquatics program in the 21st century requires more than traditional lifeguard skills\nit demands adaptable leadership\, modern training approaches\, and critical thinking skills. It also requires honest reflection: Has your camp avoided aquatics incidents because of intentional systems and preparation\, or simply because you’ve been lucky so far? \nIn this webinar\, Katie Johnson from Chalmers Camp Insurance will facilitate a panel of camp directors\, waterfront managers\, and aquatics safety specialists\, who will share real world lessons and up to date practices for 2026. Together\, we will explore how to build and support a rescue ready team\, integrate meaningful in service training throughout the season\, and navigate evolving expectations around supervision\, preparedness\, and staff development. \nPanelists include: Sarah Mackie Weeman (Smackie) from YMCA Camp Huckins; Dakota Brichetto from Camp Susan Curtis; Peter Christnacht from Copper Cannon Camp. \nWhether your program includes a pool\, a lakefront\, or both\, this session is designed for anyone responsible for creating a safe\, effective\, and forward thinking aquatics operation at camp.\n  \nDates & Rates\nWhen: Tuesday\, May 5\, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:30pm ET \nWhere: Zoom (meeting link to be sent prior to the start of the session) \nCost: Member 1st/2nd Person – $40/$30; Non-Member 1st/2nd Person – $55/$45 \nClick here to register!\n  \nAbout the Facilitator\n \nKatie Johnson\, M.S.\, is a Senior Risk Consultant at Chalmers Camp Insurance. With nearly 30 years in camps and youth-serving organizations—including 8 years with the American Camp Association—she blends risk expertise with a passion for transformative experiences. Driven by her passion for the magic of camp\, she empowers leaders to create strong safety foundations\, ensuring they can focus on inspiring growth\, connection\, and adventure in the communities they serve. \n  \n  \nAbout the Panelists\n \nDakota Brichetto has been involved with Camp Susan Curtis for 21 years\, seven of those years as a camper. As a camper Dakota knew that she wanted to be a lifeguard and worked hard to earn multiple waterfront related certifications\, including LGI and WSI. Dakota worked in a leadership role at the waterfront for seven summers creating a safe environment\, building programming\, adapting teachings for the at-risk youth population\, and mentoring and training staff to be successful. In addition to being a professional at the waterfront\, Dakota has begun to work as an Occupational Therapist at Camp Susan Curtis. \n  \nRyan Rosen has worked in camp aquatics since 1997\, beginning as a lifeguard and developing a deep commitment to safety\, instruction\, and leadership at the pool. Since 1999\, he has been certified as a Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and Water Safety Instructor (WSI)\, training and mentoring lifeguards and swim instructors for more than two decades. Since 2011\, Ryan has owned Camp Kinneret\, a day camp outside of Los Angeles\, where he oversees all aspects of camp operations\, including a comprehensive aquatics program. In addition to leading his own team\, he has partnered with numerous camps to strengthen their swim instruction models\, lifeguard training systems\, and overall aquatic risk management practices. Ryan brings a practical\, camp-focused perspective centered on safety\, staff development\, and helping campers build confidence in the water. \n  \n \nPeter Christnacht enters his 22nd summer of leadership at Copper Cannon Camp in 2026\, marking 38 years in camp administration. He has directed programs nationwide\, driven by a deep belief in the positive impact of camp on youth. Peter holds a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University. A lifelong aquatics professional\, he has overseen pools\, lakes\, and pond waterfronts throughout his career and has maintained his Lifeguard Instructor certification since the late 80s\, including helping to pilot the 1988–89 American Red Cross Lifeguard Course updates. His decades of experience and insight into evolving staff and lifeguard expectations give him a unique perspective on camp aquatics. \n  \nSarah Mackie Weeman grew up in the pool at her local YMCA and has been working on or in the water ever since. She is the Summer Camp Director at YMCA Camp Huckins and\, among other duties\, is responsible for certifying and training the lifeguards as well as supporting the Waterfront Directors. Staying current with aquatics policies and standards keeps her on her toes! \n  \n  \n  \n___________________________________________________________________________________ \nQuestions\, reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106. \nRegistration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your organization prior to the start of the session.  \nUse 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.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/strengthening-your-camp-aquatics-in-2026/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Strengthening-Your-Camp-Aquatics-graphic-450x450-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260321T145022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T175021Z
UID:15834-1778061600-1778067000@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Learnings from the Field: Operationalizing DEI at Camp Presentations
DESCRIPTION:ACA\, New England has been running an ongoing resource community this year\, facilitated by Simone Gamble of OAAARS\, for a group of camp professionals dedicated to exploring what operationalizing DEI at their camp looks like. As part of this group\, participants have been working on an ongoing project related to this work. Join us for an e-session to hear about four of the projects have been working on. \nEach presenter will share about their project and then field Q&A from attendees. The presenters and topics will include: \n\nSupporting our Staff with Improved DEI Trainings\, Abby Griffith\, Assistant Director of Admissions & Lilly Bianchi\, Assistant Director of Leader Hiring)\, Overland Summers\,\nDiscovering the True Value of Camp Empathy Interviews\, Julie Bernson\, Director of Learning\, The Trustees\nShared Language Guide: Addressing Race-Based Harm with Care\, Clarity\, and Consistency\, Rachel Roberts\, Director of Staff Experience\, Camp Starfish\nShared Language Guide: Addressing Race-Based Harm with Care\, Clarity\, and Consistency\, Shawn Moriarty\, Camp Director/ Lead Education Coordinator\, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary\, Mass Audubon\n\nThis offering is free for ACA members and $25 for non-members. \nPlease plan to join us live for these sessions! If you cannot join live\, please register and email kerry@acanewengland.org to request a copy of the recording\, which will be viewable for 30 days following the event. \nRegistration fees are non-refundable\, but may be transferred to another attendee from your camp/organization by emailing kerry@acanewengland.org before the start of the program.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/learnings-from-the-field-operationalizing-dei-at-camp-presentations/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Learnings-from-the-Field-Operationalizing-DEI-at-Camp-Presentations-450x450-1-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260209T224515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T154410Z
UID:15496-1778661000-1778693400@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:New Camp Director Workshop 5/13/26
DESCRIPTION:ACA\, New England: New Camp Director Workshop\n(a 101-level offering)\nACA\, New England’s New Camp Director Workshop is a fast-paced\, one-day program designed to give new and aspiring camp directors greater understanding of the scope and key functions of the professional role of the camp director\, including the following:\n\nTransition to Leadership and the Camp Director Role\nKnowing your Camp – mission & values\, culture\, your audience\nThe Business of Camp – finances\, policies & procedures\, continuous improvement\nRisk Management & Emergency Planning – best practices\, mandated reporting\, assessing risk\, emergency action plans\, and crisis response\nBuilding and Managing a Team – recruitment\, hiring\, training\, supervision\, retention\nHot Topics & things you don’t think of\n\nParticipants will also be assigned a “Resource Group” with other attendees and an instructor and can expect the opportunity to connect with them at least three times within a year of taking the course. \nIdeal participants are full-time and part-time camp directors in their first three years of the role\, and aspiring camp directors.  \nThe course is taught by instructors from a variety of different camp backgrounds who have at least 7 years of experience as a camp director. \nParticipants will come away from the day with:\n\nA welcome to the American Camp Association\, New England\, which serves camps throughout the region with programming\, resources\, and accreditation services;\nIncreased knowledge related to the topics above;\nA library of handouts and resources to utilize; and\nConnection with experienced instructors and a network of new colleagues to connect with for ongoing support\n\nACA Core Competencies covered in this workshop:\n\nBusiness Management\nEvaluation\nFamily & Connection\nHealth & Wellness\nHuman Resources\nLeadership\nRisk Management\nYouth Development\n\n*Please note: this course does not cover basic youth development\, curriculum\, or program design principles. \nWhen: Wednesday\, May 13\, 2026; 8:30am to 5:30pm (check-in will begin at 8:30 am and the course will start promptly at 9:00 am. Please allow yourself time to park and get settled by 9:00 am). \nWhere: Camp Cedar Hill\, 265 Beaver Street\, Waltham\, MA 02454 \nMember Price: $110 \nNon-Member Price: $140 \nThe New Camp Director Workshop is a full-day program. Attendance for the entirety of the program is required to receive education credits and a certificate of completion.  \n  \nHave questions? Reach out to Gillian\, Events & Logistics Manager\, at gillian@acanewengland.org\, or call our office at 781-541-6080 \n__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ \nUse 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.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/new-camp-director-workshop-5-13-26/
LOCATION:Cedar Hill Day Camp\, 265 Beaver St\, Waltham\, MA\, 02452
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-e1733934754748.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T144500
CREATED:20260209T231304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T145805Z
UID:15500-1779181200-1779206400@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Youth Mental Health First Aid (blended course)
DESCRIPTION:This is an 8-hour education program that teaches participants how to identify\, understand\, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity\, role-playing\, and simulations to demonstrate: \n\nHow to assess a mental health crisis\nHow to select interventions and provide initial help\nHow to connect young people to professional\, peer\, and social support\, as well as self-help care.\n\nThe course covers:\n\nCommon signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use challenges in this age group.\nHow to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.\nHow to connect the youth with help.\nExpanded content on trauma\, substance use\, self-care\, and the impact of social media and bullying.\n\nThis course is offered in a two-part format and both components must be completed to earn your certification: \n\n2.5 hours of pre-work\, which must be completed by Tuesday\, May 12\, 2026\nLive\, virtual course from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Tuesday\, May 19\, 2026\n\nWhat will participants learn?\nParticipants learn the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents including anxiety\, depression\, psychosis\, eating disorders\, AD/HD\, disruptive behavior disorders\, and substance use disorder. \nParticipants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness\, or who are in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-aged youth\, ages 8-18. \nParticipants do not learn to diagnose\, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling.  \nWho should take this course?\nThis course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents\, and who are either ACA\, New England members or who work at camps located in Western Massachusetts. \nWe are able to provide this course free of charge to ACA\, New England members thanks to a SAMHSA grant \nWho created this course?\nThe National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the United States. Mental Health First Aid USA worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program. \n\nDates & Rates\nWhen: Tuesday\, May 19\, 2026\, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Tuesday\, May 12 to qualify for the in-person portion of this course). \nWhere: Online. Participants will receive a Zoom link no later than 24 hours prior to the program. \nCost: This course is FREE for ACA\, New England members and folks who work at camps in Western Massachusetts (parameters of the grant funding to support this course). \n*Because this course results in a certification\, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*\nClick here to register! \nRegistration Information:\nThis workshop has a maximum capacity of 15 participants. \nOnce you register through ACA\, New England\, additional communication about the course will come from the course instructors/the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. You will then receive an email with additional details on how to access the pre-work through the Mental Health First Aid Portal. Please allow time to receive that email. Pre-work should be completed by Tuesday\, May 12 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program (some flexibility exists if you need a few extra days\, just let us know). \nRegistrations 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. \nQuestions: Reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/2026-05-19/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.acanewengland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Youth-Mental-Health-First-Aid-graphic-1-e1744219340114.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR