American Camp Association New England

Accreditation Process Workshop 11/10
2021-11-10 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Brookwoods / Deer Run, 34 Camp Brookwoods Rd, Alton, NH, 03809
Formerly the Standards Course, this workshop is designed for camp representatives who are preparing for accreditation visits in 2019 and beyond. 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.
Reminder: While APWs are free to attend, you must register so we are sufficiently prepared for the course.

ACA Staffing Summit
2021-11-16 08:00 - 2021-11-17 17:00 | Online
The 2021 Staffing Summit will feature critical learning, speaker panels, roundtables and engaging sessions spanning two full days. The virtual delivery of this year’s conference increases the benefits of convenience, safety and value while preserving the great networking and timely information which are hallmarks of ACA conferences. We will share practical solutions around addressing the staffing shortage, innovative ways to recruit staff and best practices for staff retention.
We know you are spending a lot of time on screens, so we are designing the conference with you in mind. You will not have to endure endless hours of staring at your computer, phone or tablet. The conference will happen with shorter bursts of education and plenty of time to connect with other camp directors. Not only are breaks built in to help you keep up with home and work commitments, you will also have access to all the recorded sessions in case you miss something you are interested in or were viewing a concurrent session.
The 2021 Staffing Summit will offer 30 sessions on out of the box ways to connect with staff, virtual job fairs and interviewing, recruiting specialized staff and so much more. Each day will have featured speakers, keynote presentations from industry thought leaders and networking opportunities to share resources and ideas. Don’t miss one of the most important events of the season!

Supply Chain Outlook: Navigating the New "Norm" of Ordering
2021-11-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
The world has been turned upside down since March 2020 and one of the many parts that we are still navigating is the change in the supply chain. Join Josh Cohen from H&H Purchasing as he updates us on where we stand currently with the supply chain and an outlook for what the coming months may bring. During the 60 minutes, we will learn how you and your camp/organization can prepare for the new normal in ordering everything from food to arts & crafts and everything in between.
For more information, please contact: Jenna Dunlay • 2123915208 • jenna@acanynj.org

Associate Visitor Course - Blended Learning (11/23 online & 12/9 live)
2021-11-23 09:00 - 12:30 | Camp Berea, 68 Berea Rd, Hebron, NH, 03241
ACA New England needs YOU as a visitor! Join us for our next Associate Visitor Course. This course is a blended learning course with the first portion completed online followed by a one day intensive hands on training.

Additional Information

The Fall Course will be a Blended Learning Course, gathering 2 times virtually and in person.
Preregistration for this course is required.
Registration Deadline is November 22, 2021
Participants MUST attend both sessions.
November 23 LIVE online from 9am – 12:30
December 9 LIVE in-person from 9:30 am – 1:30pm at Camp Berea in Hebron, NH

Contact Us

Contact Elizabeth elizabeth@acanewengland.org.
781-541-6080
ACA New England
80 Westview Street Lexington, MA 02421

Accreditation Process Workshop 12/2
2021-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Formerly the Standards Course, this workshop is designed for camp representatives who are preparing for Accreditation visits in 2022 and beyond. 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. Zoom link will be sent a week prior to the start of the course with additional course details.

Reminder: While APWs are free to attend, you must register so we are sufficiently prepared for the course.

EPIC, New England Holiday Hang 2022
2021-12-03 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
EPIC New England invites you to embrace your holiday spirit while we discuss “What are you changing for staffing in 2022?”
December 3rd at 3PM is a Friday early enough in December that you’re not burnt out on the holidays but late enough in the day that you can relax and have some fun.
What to expect:

Good, informal, quasi-structured conversation around staffing: what’s working, what’s not, what’s tried, what’s next….
Great people: EPIC, New England is a community of camp professionals who dedicated to camping as a career. They see EPIC as an chance to grow themselves while also helping others achieve their growth goals in the industry.
Phenomenal fun: camp pros are passionate people by nature. We like to channel that passion into positive, fun, productive events.

The hour will start with staffing chat, grow organically, involve a costume* contest, and end with some trivia. (*the term costume is loosely defined as anything worn that’s driven by the holiday spirit).

PS: there are prizes involved.

Register FOR FREE today and we’ll see you Friday 12./3 @ 3PM #friyay

If you are interested in learning more about EPIC, New England – email Bud; Sign-up for our emails; and find us on Facebook

You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Well-being for you and your staff
2021-12-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Well-being for you and your staff
Thank you to our event sponsor
Did you head into summer 2021 knowing it would be a challenge, but excited to serve campers who you knew needed camp more than ever? And, by the end, were you celebrating that, but also feeling worn down more than ever – realizing you didn’t take the best care of yourself and many of your staff struggled, despite staff appreciation efforts?
If so, you weren’t alone. As year-round camp leaders, summer is “go time,” which means you push through, no matter what, knowing there’s an end in sight. But, many of your seasonal staff members (key to your camp’s success) may not get those down times in the off-season – they are students, teachers, or work in other fields that may be equally as demanding.
So, how can you think differently about taking care of yourself during camp (and beyond) and develop and implement systems that encourage and nurture staff health throughout the camp season? We invite you to join us for a day that will dive into topics of mindset, self-care, burnout, resiliency, and organizational structures to support well-being at camp.
10:00 am – 11:30 am ET: Session 1: Reduce Camp Season Stress with Neuroscience-Based Resilience Strategies, Erin Urban, UPPSolutions
11:30 am – 12:30 pm ET: Self-Care and Lunch Break – Please plan for 20-30 minutes of a self-care activity that is meaningful to you during this time (we will ask you to share your plan in the chat)
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm ET: Session 2: Building Camp Environments that Support Engagement and Self-Care, Rebecca Zelis, Songadeewin of Keewaydin

Cost: $50 ACA, Member / $75 Non-Member (Interested in ACA Membership?)
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event. A minimum of 25 registered participants is required for this event to run.
Please note: We do not want cost to prohibit a camp professional from joining our event. Should the price of this e-seminar be a barrier, please reach out to Kerry Salvo, kerry@acanewengland.org to discuss financial assistance options.
The two sessions will be recorded and available for viewing following the event, if you can’t join us live!

Session Details
Session 1: Reduce Camp Season Stress with Neuroscience-Based Resilience Strategies
As the socio-economic impacts from the pandemic wear on, many professionals are finding that the level of continued uncertainty provides a significant source of stress. Compounded with the demands of an intense cycle of work for camp leaders and their teams – it is no longer enough to say that one ‘should’ be resilient.
Join Forbes Coaches Council member and Certified Executive Coach, Erin Urban, to discover the critical tools to tackle the seasonal demands of summer camp that reduce stress, empower leadership and team mindsets, and avoid burnout. Learn how to leverage easily applicable science-based solutions to mindfully manage change and meet the demands of your career/life. Find balance again for yourself and your camp teams with self-care micro habits that can keep you at 100%.
Key Topic Takeaways:

Top work/life saboteurs during strong change cycles and how to spot them before they derail you.
What is ‘mindset’ and why it matters for resilience and managing change. The science, the solutions, and the road to success.
Develop a personalized resilience plan to ignite powerful long-term results that elevate you and your team.

Session 2: Building Camp Environments that Support Engagement and Self-Care
While individuals can implement strategies to enhance their resilience, well-being, and success, it’s critical to provide your staff with a culture and environment that supports their efforts.
The pandemic showed us both the strength and weaknesses of our communities and leadership. This workshop will give you strategies and tools to build a camp culture that inspires a collaborative, resilient, and interdependent staff. You will be provided with self-care planning resources specific to the experience of camp counselors, allowing your staff to make customized, personal plans to support their own well-being (and each others’) sustainably throughout the summer.
Key Topic Takeaways:

How environment can impact your staff and either enhance or detract from their experience, sense of safety, and well-being.
The impact of leadership styles on staff’s sense of community and engagement, considering multi-generational differences that cause conflict and misunderstandings.
How individualized self-care planning can create a community narrative of collective success and a sense of meaning and purpose that connects your staff to their campers, leaders, and each other.
You will be given resources to develop a customizable self-care plan and training for your staff.

**Participants will earn 3 CECs for their full participation in the seminar**

About the Presenters
Erin Urban is a certified Executive Coach & Career Accelerator helping emerging and evolving leaders remove career roadblocks, unlock their potential, and elevate their careers. She is an international speaker, behavioral scientist, and the host of the Career Coffee Chat Podcast. She is also the author of the bestselling book, Elevate Your Career: More Impact + More Income. Erin is a Forbes Coaches Council Member and a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist with over a decade in mentoring and coaching successful professional transformations through 1:1 coaching and group workshops.

Rebecca Zelis is a culture strategist who works with schools, camps, communities, and businesses to build environments that support sustainable collaboration, personal and professional development, creativity, and well-being. Rebecca earned a master’s degree in Community Mental Health and emphasizes the health and empowerment of individuals are the foundation of strong communities. Rebecca’s been the Staff Wellness Coordinator at Songadeewin of Keewaydin since 2015.

Thank you to our event sponsor:

Youth Mental Health First Aid (Hybrid Course)
2021-12-14 09:30 - 15:00 | Merrimack Parks & Rec, 116 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH, 03054
Youth Mental Health First Aid
(HYBRID COURSE: Online pre-work and live in-person course)
This is an 8-hour education program and certification that introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity, role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.
This course is offered in a two-part format and both components must be completed to earn your certification:

2.5 hours of pre-work must be completed by Friday, December 10
5.5 hour live, in-person course from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm on Tuesday, December 14 at Merrimack Parks & Recreation, Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, NH

Lunch WILL be provided by ACA, New England. Please be sure to share any dietary restrictions during the registration process.

*Please only register if you can commit to completing both the pre-work and the full in-person session. Because this course results in a certification, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*
The in-person component of this course will be indoors. Seating will be as distanced as possible, and all attendees are asked to wear a mask/face covering while indoors unless actively eating or drinking.
What will participants learn? This course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder.
Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or 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-age youth, ages 8-18.
Who should take this course? The course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents who are ACA, New England members. *We are able to provide this course at a reduced charge due to a grant.*
Who created the course? The National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. 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.
Instructor:

Katie Gadapee, Director of Administrative Operations, Copper Cannon Camp

When: Tuesday, December 14, 2021, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Friday, December 10 for participants to qualify to join the in-person portion of the course).
Where: Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 116 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054
Cost: $30 for ACA, New England members/ $60 for non-members.
*We are able to provide this course at a reduced cost due to a grant.*
Register: Click here. You will register through ACA, New England, but additional communication about the course 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).
Once you register through ACA, New England, you will 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. All pre-work must be completed by Friday, December 10 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program.
A minimum of 6 and maximum of 30 registered 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.

What’s the Buzz on DEIB - What have you tried? Peer Discussion Session
2022-01-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
What’s the Buzz on DEIB – What have you tried?
A Peer Discussion Session
Has your camp been working on initiatives or programs related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)?
Could you use some feedback on what you’ve been doing/have tried? Are you looking to hear some new ideas as you engage in this work?
If so, we encourage you to join us for an hour dedicated to resource sharing and discussion. Members of ACA, New England’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee and staff will be there to guide/facilitate, but our time together will be guided by attendee ideas.
Please come prepared to share one DEIB related thing your camp has tried (whether it worked or not) and to actively participate by asking questions and engaging in dialogue with your peers.
Because this session is based on real-time dialogue and we want attendees to be comfortable speaking openly, it will not be recorded. Please plan to join us live.

Additional Information

After registering, you will receive an email with the Zoom link the week of January 3.
FREE for ACA members ($25 non-member)
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.

Contact Us

Questions? Contact Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at ACA, New England, kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080.

The Business of Camp - A Series of eWorkshops
2022-01-06 09:30 - 11:30
The Business of Camp – A series of e-workshops
Facilitated by Bette Bussel, retired Executive Director, ACA, New England & Eric Arnold, Executive Director, Hale Education
Facilitators will be joined by monthly guest speakers and topic experts
This series has reached its capacity of 30 attendees, so registration is now closed. We don’t anticipate any cancellations, but if you’d like to be added to a wait list, please email kerry@acanewengland.org.
Don’t think about your title, think about your role at camp. Are you looking to learn more about the landscape of what it takes to run a camp? Do you already face business decisions and challenges in your current role? Or, are you an emerging or mid-career professional who sees yourself moving into such a role within the next couple of years?
If so, this series of five monthly e-sessions is for you! This series is open to all – independent camps, non-profit camps, agency camps, and everyone in between! While some nuances may be different, many of the tools and strategies are applicable and can be scaled for any camp.
While we can’t cover all the camp business-related topics in five sessions, we hope to build a learning community, provide you with resources to explore, and give you lots to think about as you gain skills to successfully navigate the business of your camp. In addition to hearing from field experts and experienced facilitators, participants will be encouraged to engage in dialogue with one another and share resources throughout the series.
Sessions will run 9:30 am – 11:30 am ET on the following Thursdays in 2022 and will include both topic-related presentations and facilitated discussions.

January 6: Values, Vision, Mission, and More
January 27: Asset Management, Part I (business models, budgeting, finance)
February 17: Asset Management, Part II (facilities, insurance, risk management)
March 17: Data, Dashboards, and Marketing
April 7: HR and the Staffing Cycle

Registration is for the same person for the duration of the series (five sessions in total).
If you’re unable to make a session or two live, we will record them and make them available for a limited time – so don’t let that prevent you from signing up!
This series has reached its capacity of 30 attendees, so registration is now closed. We don’t anticipate any cancellations, but if you’d like to be added to a wait list, please email kerry@acanewengland.org.

Additional Session Details and Speakers
Session 1: Values, Vision, Mission, and More (January 6)
Knowing yourself and your camp is a critical part of being a leader. In this session, we will explore the importance of using ethics, values, vision, and mission as the foundation of your work. We will discuss what it means to build a learning community together and group norms. This session will also touch on some lenses with which we’ll encourage you to evaluate/examine all aspects of your work, including:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Your product/programming
Long-range/big picture/outside the box thinking

Guest speaker(s): Ann Sheets, retired President/CEO, Camp Fire First Texas, author of The Business of Camp; Jen “Dusty” Clitheroe, co-founder, Strengths Perspective

Session 2: Asset Management, Part I (January 27)
In this session, we will look at key budgeting and financial management resources, strategies, and tools as well as different business models.
Guest speaker(s): Scott Brody, owner & director, Camps Kenwood & Evergreen, Everwood Day Camp; John Carroll, finance director, Hale Education; additional speakers TBD

Session 3: Asset Management, Part II (February 17)
This month, we will dive deeper into facilities and land management, insurance (coverages, considerations), and other factors of risk management.
Guest speaker(s): Marie S.A. Sorensen, architect and masterplanner, Sorensen Partners | Architects + Planners, Inc; additional speaker TBD

Session 4: Data, Dashboards, and Marketing (March 17)
What data are you collecting? How do you use that data, along with storytelling to sell your program(s)? Where and how much are you spending on marketing?
Guest speaker(s): TBD

Session 5: HR and the Staffing Cycle (April 7)
Having the right team and managing them is key. And, many of our camps don’t have a designated HR professional. This session will focus on things to think about from advisors/counsel to policies to pay and benefits.
Guest speaker(s): TBD

When: Five Thursdays, beginning January 6, 2022, 9:30 – 11:30 am ET
Session dates are: January 6, January 27, February 17, March 17, April 7
Where: Online, via Zoom
How Much: ACA members: $175; non-members: $225
Register here: This series has reached its capacity of 30 attendees, so registration is now closed. We don’t anticipate any cancellations, but if you’d like to be added to a wait list, please email kerry@acanewengland.org.
Questions, reach out to Kerry Salvo, ACA, New England Director of Education & Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
Registrations are for the entire series and are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event.
Space is limited to 30 participants, so register early to secure your spot!
Participants will receive 10 CECs for program completion.

About the Facilitators
Bette Bussel
Bette Bussel: Bette has been involved with camps since age 4, where she began as a day camper. She evolved to an overnight camper, Counselor-in-Training (CIT), Counselor, Program Director, Camp Director and served as Executive Director of ACA, New England for 30 years before retiring in 2020.As ACA, New England’s Executive Director Bette has been honored with the New England AIC Award (1994), National AIC Award (1996), ACA National Service Award (1999), and ACA Special Recognition Award (2004).Bette is a leader with professional competence, strong relationship-building skills, and deep commitment to the industry.
Bette received a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from Ithaca College and a Master of Science in Recreation Management from the University of Maryland. Prior to coming to ACA New England, she served as the Program Director, Teen Director, Group Services Director and Day Camp Director for the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven.

Eric Arnold
Eric Arnold: As Hale’s fourth executive director—a position he’s held since 2001—Eric focuses on strategic leadership, fundraising, and partnership development to expand access to outdoor learning opportunities and close the nature and achievement gaps. His parents owned a camp in the early 1970s and he came to love the industry so much, he never left it! Earlier in his career, Eric taught at Beaver Country Day School and directed several camps in Maine, where he launched a small outdoor education center. Eric is a former president of both the Massachusetts Camping Association and the American Camp Association, New England and served on the American Camp Association national board of directors. He currently serves on the advisory board of Philanthropy Massachusetts’ Summer Fund and is a member of the Generation Success leadership team facilitated by the Boston Opportunity Agenda. In his spare time, you’ll find him on family adventures, mountain biking, skiing, trail running, and playing music. Eric earned a B.A. in Mass Communications and Geography from the University of Denver and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Lesley University.

Accreditation Process Workshop 1/11
2022-01-11 09:00 - 12:30 | Zoom

Accreditation Process Workshop 2/16
2022-02-16 09:30 - 12:30 | 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 in 2022 and beyond. 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.
Reminder: While APWs are free to attend, you must register so we are sufficiently prepared for the course.

What’s the Buzz on DEIB at the Upcoming New England Camp Conference?
2022-02-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Now that our conference schedule is up, ACA, New England’s DEIB Committee wants to provide time and space to preview the DEIB sessions that will be offered. We have invited some of our speakers to join the session and hope it will be a time where they can share what they’ll be presenting at the conference and hear what’s on your minds as it relates to their topics.
Come to share and listen, knowing we are all at different places of our camp’s DEIB journey.
Because this session is based on real-time dialogue and we want attendees to be comfortable speaking openly, it will not be recorded. Please plan to join us live.
This will include time for you to share and interact with the speakers to help them understand your questions! Our time includes a chance to connect with:
• Lisa Drennan, MERGE Consulting • Tammy Fortune, Camp Wa-Klo • Simone Gamble, OAAARS • Shawn Moriarty, Mass Audubon • Terri Mulks, Camp Susan Curtis • Arlynn Polletta, Aloha Foundation • Mary Schafhauser, Pine Tree Camp • Polly Williams & Jen “Dusty” Clitheroe, Strength Perspective

Additional Information
Members & Registered New England Camp Conference Attendees: FREE / Non-Members: $25

After registering, you will receive an email with the Zoom link the week prior to the event.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.

New Camp Director Workshop
2022-03-23 08:30 - 18:00 | DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH, 03101
This is “Boot Camp” for new camp directors or those planning a camp career. In a small, supportive atmosphere, we will discuss the many tools you’ll need for running a successful day or resident camp. Learn from the pros about everything from staff hiring and training to working with parents, from dealing with children to handling the everyday situations and issues that are an inevitable part of your life at camp. 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.
ACA Members $80 / Non-members $105

We extend our sincere gratitude to this Workshop’s sponsor:
Chalmers Camp Insurance

New England Accreditation Process Workshop
2022-03-23 09:30 - 13:30 | DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 700 Elm St, Manchester, NH, 03101
Formerly the Standards Course, this workshop is designed for camp representatives who are preparing for accreditation visits in 2022 and beyond. 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.
Additional Information

Please preregister for this course.
You may pre-purchase a boxed lunch for $16 during the registration process.
Otherwise, you may bring a bagged lunch with you.

Associate Visitor Course
2022-04-07 09:00 - 17:30 | New England Base Camp, 411 Unquity Rd, Milton, MA, 02186
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.
At this time the course will be held In-Person with COVID precautions in place.

Additional Information

Preregistration for this course is required.
Registration Deadline is March 30, 2022

What’s the Buzz on DEIB from the 2022 New England Camp Conference?
2022-04-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Now that our conference has happened, New England’s DEIB Committee wants to provide time and space to debrief the DEIB sessions that were offered. What did you learn? How do you see yourself applying it? What follow-up can ACA, New England offer in the future?
Come to share and listen, knowing we are all at different places of our camp’s DEIB journey.
Because this session is based on real-time dialogue and we want attendees to be comfortable speaking openly, it will not be recorded. Please plan to join us live.
If you are not an individual member, but you attended the 2022 New England Camp Conference and work for an ACA member/accredited camp, please select the $0 registraion option to join this session.

Additional Information

After registering, you will receive an email with the Zoom link the week of the session.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization.

The Essence of MESH: Aspects and Operations for Healthy Camp Functioning
2022-04-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
The Essence of MESH:
Aspects and Operations for Healthy Camp Functioning
April 14, 2022 (a virtual event)
$25 ACH Members
$50 non-members
We know that Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH) was the key issue during summer 2021. ACN has created the first comprehensive MESH Resource Guide for camp professionals and are eager to give you access.
This powerful webinar will provide you a digital copy of the MESH Guide. The focus of this webinar will highlight the many aspects of this guide for use in your camp setting. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Content will include

Pre-camp staff suggestions
Pre-camp camper suggestions
Symptoms of Mental, Emotional and Social health that signal areas of concern
Addressing camper behaviors of concern
Staff training resources
Self care suggestions (for staff and campers)
How to cultivate a healthy MESH culture
Camper intervention suggestions
De-escalation strategies
Resources
and more

April 14, 2022
3pm – 5pm eastern time
$25 ACH Members | $50 non-members

This event will be recoreded, available to registered participants for 30 days after the event
No nursing contact hours are provided for this event

Articles Discussion: Dr. Robert Brooks’ writings on resilience, tenacity, optimism and positive relationships
2022-05-04 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
ACA, New England Spring E-Session Series
Attending the New England Camp Conference? Receive 20% off any of the following e-session registrations – email Kerry for the promo code.
Buy four, get one free! Register for four e-sessions, and email Kerry to get a fifth session for free (you can use this all for yourself or mix and match staff from your camp
Articles Discussion: Dr. Robert Brooks’ writings on resilience, tenacity, optimism and positive relationships
Dr. Robert Brooks is a clinical psychologist and leading author on the themes of resilience, motivation, and tenacity – all topics related to youth development and social emotional learning, cornerstones of most summer camp experiences. He has written numerous books, including Raising Resilient Children and Tenacity in Children. These books are great reads, but we know your time is limited. So, Dr. Brooks has cultivated five of his articles exploring these ideas for us to read and discuss, along with an article that he was interviewed for that appeared in CampBusiness. To view and download the articles, click HERE. Dr. Brooks won’t be on this discussion session with us, but will join us on May 16 for a presentation, The Camp Experience: A Source of Resilience for Children and Teens, that dives into some of the topics covered in these articles.
We’ll use the following questions to frame our discussion:

Of all the ideas in the articles, what do you think camps already do well? Where are areas we can do better?
Given the effects of the pandemic over the last couple of years, do any of these concepts from the articles seem even more important to think about now than before?
How are the needs of campers and staff, as they relate to resiliency, optimism, connection, etc., similar? Different?
What can I do to help each camper feel welcome in my presence? How about staff?
What do you want the memories kids have of you to be, especially as they relate to the concept of resiliency? What will you intentionally say and do so campers will have the memories that you’d like them to have?

Kerry Salvo, Director of Education and Professional Development at ACA, New England and Jonathan Caflun, Assistant Director at Camp Wekeela and a member of ACA, New England’s Education Committee, and will facilitate this conversation. While Dr. Brooks will not be a part of this discussion group, you will have the opportunity to pose questions to Kerry and Jonathan that you’d like them to share with Dr. Brooks prior to his his May 16th e-session.
Then, join us again from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, May 16 for The Camp Experience: A Source of Resilience for Children and Teens when Dr. Brooks will be with us to answer your questions, highlight factors that strengthen hope, confidence, caring, and resilience in children and teens, and describe specific, realistic strategies that camps can apply. Click here for more information and to register.
Register for one or both sessions! The May 4 discussion will be live, discussion-based, facilitated by ACA, New England, and WILL NOT be recorded.

About the author: Dr. Robert Brooks is a clinical psychologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and former Director of the Department of Psychology at McLean Hospital, a private psychiatric hospital in the Boston area. He has lectured nationally and internationally to audiences of parents, educators, mental health and health care professionals, and a variety of organizations on topics pertaining to resilience across the lifespan, family and parenting relationships, and creating positive school and work environments. He has provided presentations about resilience at conferences sponsored by ACA and ACA-New England. Dr. Brooks has received numerous awards for his work and has served as a consultant to Sesame Street Parents Magazine. For further information, please visit Dr. Brooks’ website at www.drrobertbrooks.com.

ICYMI: Emotional First Aid: Stress & Trauma Response Training - ACA, New England Spring E-Session Series (The Recording)
2022-05-09 | ACA, New England Spring E-Session Series
Now that the live session date has passed, you can still register to receive the recording, which can be viewed through Monday, May 9, 2022.
ACA, New England Spring E-Session Series
Attending the New England Camp Conference? Receive 20% off any of the following e-session registrations – email Kerry for the promo code.
Buy four, get one free! Register for four e-sessions, and email Kerry to get a fifth session for free (you can use this all for yourself or mix and match staff from your camp).
Emotional First Aid: Stress & Trauma Response Training
Our Emotional First Aid (EFA) and After Care embodied practices bring ‘emergency room care for emotions’ to your providers, and our after care practices help to create a culture to mitigate stress and bystander trauma. EFA will provide practitioners with simple tools and practices to take care of one’s self while we care for others.
In this workshop providers will learn how to reduce stress, build systems that support recovery, and get simple tools to use daily- at work and at home- to lower the burnout and burden of camp counselors.
Wednesday, April 6, 2:30 – 4:00 pm ET, E-Session on Zoom
Cost: $25 for individual ACA members; $40 for non-members
This session will be recorded and shared with registered attendees who are unable to join live to watch for 30 days.
Now that the live session date has passed, you can still register to receive the recording, which can be viewed through Monday, May 9, 2022.

About the Presenters:
Christi Garner, LMFT, Trauma & Recovery Director, Shakti Rising
Christi has been working on the frontlines with trauma and recovery for over two decades, as a therapist, trauma informed yoga teacher and trainer. Facilitating resilience training for first responders, military service members, and health care professionals she brings together neuroscience, trauma informed leadership, and mindfulness to focus on post traumatic growth.

Shannon Thompson, founder & Visionary Director, Shakti Rising
Shannon has over 30 years of experience in strategic planning, emergent design, community engagement, and policy and practices for trauma recovery.

Hot Topics
2022-05-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Thursdays in May from 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET, EPIC, New England is gonna pop open a Zoom room for anyone with burning questions, hot topics, or those who just want to commiserate with fellow EPICs as summer approaches.
Staffing – Testing – Vans – Beds – Programming – Health Center – Camper profiles – Etc.
Registration is required by punctuality is a moveable feast. We’ll be there the whole time so drop-in when/if you can.
And if you can’t make the Hot Topics session, stay connected with EPIC, New England by signing up for our mailing list below.

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Emerging Professionals in Camping
Started in 2004 through the ACA, New York Affiliate Office, Emerging Professionals In Camping is a community of camp people who want to grow a career in the camp industry or folks who may have other year-round jobs but are life-long camp professionals. There are no official requirements to participate in EPIC. If you’re making the jump from seasonal to year-round or part-time to full-time; if you’re transitioning into camping from another career; and/or if you’re looking for a network of camp colleagues who together are seeking resources, education, opportunities and growth for themselves and for camp, give EPIC a try.
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 opportunities for anyone making that move into a camp career or taking that next step towards their goals in the industry.

ICYMI: Values-Based Programming: Aligning your camp's program with your organization's values
2022-05-16 | ACA, New England Spring E-Session Series
Now that the live session date has passed, you can still register to receive the recording, which can be viewed through Monday, May 16, 2022.
ACA, New England Spring E-Session Series
Attending the New England Camp Conference? Receive 20% off any of the following e-session registrations – email Kerry for the promo code.
Buy four, get one free! Register for four e-sessions, and email Kerry to get a fifth session for free (you can use this all for yourself or mix and match staff from your camp).
Values-Based Programming: Aligning your camp’s program with your organization’s values
Organizational values describe the qualities of the environment that will allow your camp to achieve its mission and vision. In this session, you’ll learn how to take your camp programming to the next level by aligning it with your organizational values. We’ll discuss how (and when) to craft aspirational vision statements. You’ll learn how (and when) to identify and create organizational values. And you’ll learn how to use values-based programming to drive meaningful and lasting change. We’ll key in on strategies to overcome the mightiest obstacles to change. Are you ready to innovate your program?
Wednesday, April 13, 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET, E-Session on Zoom
Cost: $25 for individual ACA members; $40 for non-members
This session will be recorded and shared with registered attendees who are unable to join live to watch for 30 days.
Now that the live session date has passed, you can still register to receive the recording, which can be viewed through Monday, May 16, 2022.

About the Presenters:
Aaron Proietti, Founder, Today’s Innovator
Aaron Proietti is the author of the book Today’s Innovator, and founder of a coaching and training company of the same name. He is an innovation expert with seventeen years of experience innovating in complex organizations. Aaron views innovation not as an activity, but as a core business competency that must be developed, led, and nurtured within both the individual and the organization. Aaron has spoken at numerous conferences on topics related to innovation leadership, innovation strategy, customer-centricity, culture change, and technology trends. Through Today’s Innovator’s Shout.Camp program, Aaron and team advises camps on strategy, future visioning, program design, and more.

The Camp Experience: A Source of Resilience for Children and Teens
2022-05-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
ACA, New England Spring E-Session Series
Attending the New England Camp Conference? Receive 20% off any of the following e-session registrations – email Kerry for the promo code.
Buy four, get one free! Register for four e-sessions, and email Kerry to get a fifth session for free (you can use this all for yourself or mix and match staff from your camp
*FLASH SALE* Registration for this e-session includes up to three attendees from your camp/program. Register yourself (ore one attendee) as the primary person and complete the registration. We will reach out to ask you for your additional staff participant names/emails so we can share the Zoom link with them directly.
The Camp Experience: A Source of Resilience for Children and Teens
Dr. Robert Brooks is a well-known and experienced psychologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School who understands schools and camp settings. He has led staff trainings at camp, spoken at ACA conferences, and his grandchildren attend overnight camp in New England every summer! Join us for his insights on this important topic.
During this program Dr. Brooks will highlight factors that strengthen hope, confidence, caring, and resilience in children and teens. He will describe specific, realistic strategies that camps can apply to nurture these qualities in their campers.
This evening time slot is a great opportunity for staff (or even yourself) who can’t attend daytime professional development due to other commitments to receive high-quality training before the summer season.
Interested in reading some of Dr. Brooks’ articles before this session? Join us for an informal discussion centered around five of his articles on Wednesday, May 4 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET.
Register for one or both sessions – participation in both is not required!
Monday, May 16, 6:00 – 7:00 pm ET, E-Session on Zoom
Cost: 25$ for individual ACA members; $40 for non-members (registrations include up to three attendees per camp/organization)
This session will be recorded and shared with registered attendees who are unable to join live to watch for 30 days.

About the Presenter:
Bob Brooks
Dr. Robert Brooks
Dr. Robert Brooks is a clinical psychologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and former Director of the Department of Psychology at McLean Hospital, a private psychiatric hospital in the Boston area. He has lectured nationally and internationally to audiences of parents, educators, mental health and health care professionals, and a variety of organizations on topics pertaining to resilience across the lifespan, family and parenting relationships, and creating positive school and work environments. He has provided presentations about resilience at conferences sponsored by ACA and ACA-New England. Dr. Brooks has received numerous awards for his work and has served as a consultant to Sesame Street Parents Magazine. For further information, please visit Dr. Brooks’ website at www.drrobertbrooks.com.

New Camp Director Workshop
2022-05-19 09:00 - 17:00 | Cedar Hill Day Camp, 265 Beaver St, Waltham, MA, 02452
The ACA New England New Camp Director Workshop, or NCDW, is specifically designed for camp directors with 4 years or less of camp administration experience. In a small, supportive atmosphere, we will discuss the many tools needed for running a successful day or resident camp. Learn from the pros about everything from staff hiring to working with parents, from dealing with children to handling the everyday situations and issues that are an inevitable part of your life at camp. A team of experienced directors and consultants will lead workshops and provide invaluable materials and hands-on training scenarios. Participants will walk away from this in person course with New England-specific information, connections and resources.
Cost: Members $80 / Non-member $105

April/May Meetings with MA Department of Health
Join MCA and the MA Department of Health for one of two sessions for Massachusetts Camps!
MADPH will cover regulation updates and other important licensing information pertinent to all Massachusetts camps.
Meetings are at Cedar Hill in Waltham on April 28 from 9:30am – 12pm, and at Camp Winadu in Pittsfield May 3 from 10am – 2pm.

Click here to register for April 28 at Cedar Hill.

Click here to see registration information for May 3 at Camp Winadu

Level 1 Challenge Course Certification Exam
2022-05-23 | High 5, 130 Austine Dr # 170, Brattleboro, VT, 05301
Visit High 5 for information and registration regarding this event through the following link: Level 1 Challenge Course Certification Exam

LEVEL 2 CHALLENGE COURSE CERTIFICATION EXAM
2022-05-23 | High 5, 130 Austine Dr # 170, Brattleboro, VT, 05301
Visit High 5 for information and registration regarding this event through the following link: Level 2 Challenge Course Certification Exam

SPOTTERS READY: LOW CHALLENGE COURSE ELEMENTS PROGRAMMING
2022-05-24 - 2022-05-25 | High 5, 130 Austine Dr # 170, Brattleboro, VT, 05301
Visit High 5 for information and registration regarding this event through the following link: SPOTTERS READY: LOW CHALLENGE COURSE ELEMENTS PROGRAMMING

Current Trends in Stress and Anxiety: Spotting and Supporting It
2022-06-02 14:00 - 15:00 | ACA, New England Spring E-Session Series
Now that the live session date has passed, you can still register to receive the recording, which can be viewed through June 2, 2022.
ACA, New England Spring E-Session Series
Attending the New England Camp Conference? Receive 20% off any of the following e-session registrations – email Kerry for the promo code.
Buy four, get one free! Register for four e-sessions, and email Kerry to get a fifth session for free (you can use this all for yourself or mix and match staff from your camp

Current Trends in Stress and Anxiety: Spotting and Supporting It
COVID is triggering anxiety in individuals that were previously successfully managing their emotions, in turn, our more vulnerable individuals to experience significant challenges managing their anxiety. We will start with an overview of anxiety, separating fact vs. fiction, followed by concrete approaches for how camp staff could proactively support anxiety management, do so in the moment (responsively), while also managing their own emotions to avoid reacting in unproductive ways.
Thursday, April 28, 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET, E-Session on Zoom
Cost: $25 for individual ACA members; $40 for non-members
This session will be recorded and shared with registered attendees who are unable to join live to watch for 30 days.

About the Presenters:

Elise Wulff, MGH Aspire
Elise Wulff has over 10 years of experience collaborating with and supporting the neurodiverse population, their families, and professionals in both public and private settings. A veteran of the specialized camp world, Elise helps programs develop, implement, and refine staff training modules for such topics as inclusion practices, behavior management, social skills development, stress management, and self-awareness strategies in the camp setting. Elise combines her teaching experience with research-supported social-emotional interventions to help camps reach their own goals of supporting the Whole Camper. In addition, Elise oversees year-round programming that includes groups, parent coaching, professional development, curriculum design.

American Canoe Association, Level I Introduction to Canoeing Instructor
2022-06-03 09:00 - 2022-06-06 17:00 | Wyonegonic Camps, 215 Wyonegonic Road, Denmark, ME, 04022
We offer canoe instructor training through the American Canoe Association: Level 1 Introduction to Canoeing Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW, ICE). Participants can choose to include a one day Introduction to Canoeing to help review paddle strokes before the intensive Instructor Workshop. This is strongly encouraged by the instructor.
Please note that all courses are physically demanding and occur in a fresh water lake. The temperatures in June can be extremely cold. We strongly recommend that you bring a wetsuit. Lifeguard Certification is highly recommended for anyone teaching children on the water. Refer to American Camp Association Accreditation Standards for appropriate water sport training requirements.
Instructors: American Canoe Association Instructor Trainers, OLTOA Instructors
American Canoe Association: Level 1 Canoe Instructor with Introduction to Canoeing
Purpose:

To learn or review basic canoe strokes before moving into the instructor level course (includes Intro to Canoeing Skills Course on day 1.) This is strongly recommended for all students and especially for those with minimal paddling experience.
To certify an individual to teach the American Canoe Association Level 1 Introduction to Canoeing curriculum
To gain knowledge of canoe safety
To strengthen teaching skills
To comply with ACA Accreditation Standards

Date Options Intro and Instructor:

Option 1: Canoe Instructor w/Intro Course: Friday June 3rd starting at 9am – Monday June 6th finishing at 5pm
Option 2: Canoe Instructor w/Intro Course: Tuesday June 7th starting at 9am – Friday June 10th finishing at 5pm

Cost: $485 (Intro and Instructor Course)
Please note that the Canoe Instructor training is a full time commitment, including evening classes and coursework.
Prerequisites:

Please note that COVID-19 Vaccination is required by the Canoe Instructors
Minimum Age 18 for American Canoe Association Instructor requirements
Excellent physical condition and strong swimming skills
Current First Aid and CPR certification
We recommend you review the following ACA Instructor Criteria for the Level 1 Introduction to Canoeing Instructor

Certifications: American Canoe Association, Level I Introduction to Canoeing Instructor

Evaluating Camp Aquatics: Evidence Based Swim Lesson Curriculum Progression
2022-06-05 | Zoom
Now that the live session date has passed, you can still register to receive the recording, which can be viewed through June 5, 2022.
ACA, New England Spring E-Session Series
Attending the New England Camp Conference? Receive 20% off any of the following e-session registrations – email Kerry for the promo code.
Buy four, get one free! Register for four e-sessions, and email Kerry to get a fifth session for free (you can use this all for yourself or mix and match staff from your camp

Evaluating Camp Aquatics: Evidence Based Swim Lesson Curriculum Progression
Session participants will learn how to evaluate camp aquatics programming and will learn how to use to data/evidence to evaluate participants in any summer camp program. This session is designed for new camp directors and staff who do not have aquatics or swim lesson programming background. Camp directors and staff will leave with a concrete way to show impact of the swim lesson program.
This session will include information on how to train aquatics staff to track and record data from swim lessons daily in order to maintain records. These evaluation skills will help to gain insight for the future of any camp’s aquatic programming as well as the opportunity to obtain grants and funding.
Tuesday, May, 3 10:30 – 11:30 am ET, E-Session on Zoom
Cost: $25 for individual ACA members; $40 for non-members
This session will be recorded and shared with registered attendees who are unable to join live to watch for 30 days.
Now that the live session date has passed, you can still register to receive the recording, which can be viewed through June 5, 2022.

About the Presenters:

Lindsey Collins, Camp Director, Circle Program
Lindsey is a highly skilled aquatics professional with 14 years of experience as an American Red Cross Lifeguard and swim instructor. Lindsey has served as Camp Director for Circle Program for 4 years. Because she is committed to diversity and inclusion, Lindsey serves as the Education/Research, Youth Outreach Coordinator for NH PANTHER (Plymouth Area Network To Help End Racism). Lindsey is passionate about nature, traveling, science, and history and being mom. Lindsey has a Bachelor of Arts in US and Latin American History from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Arts in Mexican History from Portland State University. Lindsey is a bilingual speaker of English and Spanish and is currently certified in Wilderness First Aid.
