American Camp Association New England

Supporting My Team as a New Supervisor
2021-04-29 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Online
About This Event…
So you’re a new supervisor! Congratulations. You clearly were great at your old job – that’s how you got promoted. However, the skills and talents required to be a great counselor or activity instructor aren’t the same as those required to be an effective supervisor. There are several specific areas of learning new supervisors should begin mastering long before they begin the actual work of mentoring and leading others.
Join Emily for a crash course in stepping up to leadership. We’ll cover the top mistakes new supervisors make (and how to avoid them, of course!), the best ways to build credibility, and the parts of the role you might not realize are now your responsibility.
To cap it off, we’ll look at some familiar scenarios from your camp counselor days through a lens of supervisory decision-making. This workshop is designed for both new supervisors and/or those responsible for onboarding/training incoming supervisory staff.
About The Speaker…
Emily Golinsky
Training, Consulting & Advocacy, Bright Moose LLC
With session feedback including “tremendously helpful,” “definitely not the same-old,” “fun and informative” and “not to be missed – a reason to come to the conference,” Emily Golinsky is the Founder of Bright Moose LLC. She provides training, coaching, consultation and professional development support to camps, schools and youth orgs, guided by the motto “Help Others Shine Bright!” Emily sits on the Board of Directors for NHCamps and is an ACA New England Visitor, Conference Committee member, New Camp Directors’ Workshop faculty member, and the Newer Camp Directors’ Roundtable facilitator. She is also an education Advocate for youth with special needs and a certified Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Emily spent 14 years as the Executive Director for Camp Starfish (NH), holds a BS in Health Psychology and MS in Camp Administration/Leadership, and is an avid collector of terribly awesome puns.

Who Should Attend…
This presentation is for, but not limited to, supervisors (new or seasonal), managers, directors, and owners.
Why Attend …
How will your camp benefit from you attending this program?
Attendees will boost job satisfaction for themselves and the people they oversee and help build confidence and credibility with the people you oversee which will lead to returning staff.
How does your career benefit from you attending this program?
Attending this event will help build confidence as a leader, will help increase your collective knowledge of the field and management of others, and build connections and resources with peers.
How to Register …
Make sure you’re logged into the ACA Illinois Services Portal to register. Click here to create your profile or click here to login.
Questions? Contact registration@acail.org.

Be Well, but Make it EPIC
2021-04-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Join EPICs throughout New England as we share activities, strategies, and conversations that will help you maintain wellness for yourself and encourage it for those around you this summer.
WHEN: April 29, 2PM – 3PM
WHERE: Zoom (while we’re excited to get back to in-person events soon, we’ve been encouraged by the amount of Virtual engagement this year, and we hope to see you at least once more before the summer)
WHO: EPICs (Emerging Professionals in Camp) and anyone else looking for help maintaining and sharing wellness
WHY: Whether you operated in 2020 or not, 2021 promises to be a different summer, and it’s going to be important for EPICs to balance self-care with the responsibilities already on our plates.
HOW:

Register for this FREE gathering through the button below
Block your calendar from 2PM – 3PM next Thursday
Find something to write with, something to write on, some string/something similar, and a few of each of the following colors of any type of beads: red, blue, pink, yellow, green; set a reminder for the event. (if you don’t have beads or string accessible, you can always follow along during this portion of the event, it’s an activity designed for you to take back to you camp)

Got questions? Email Stevie

Physical Distancing, The Dutchman’s Rope and Other Best Practices for Real-World In-Person Gatherings
2021-05-03 18:30 - 19:45 | Online
Join Dr. Jim Cain to hear about a collection of physically distanced activities and best practices for summer 2021 (taken from his two new ACA bookstore books) in time for staff training! We all want to create the safest environment possible for campers and staff as we move into this summer.
This engaging session is designed for all levels of staff, from counselors to directors and everyone in between, so send multiple folks from your team with our group registration rate!

When: Monday, May 3, 6:30 – 7:45 pm ET
Where: Online, via Zoom meeting (please be prepared to have your camera on and unmute yourself, as needed!)
How Much:

Members: $20/individual; $50/group (up to 4 attendees from your camp/ program)
Non-members: $30/individual; $65 group (up to 4 attendees from your camp/ program)

If you are registering a group, we will ask you for the name(s) closer to the event when we are ready to share the Zoom link.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event.
Participants will receive 1 Continuing Education Credit (CEC) for their full participation.
Please note: If cost may be a barrier to your participation, please reach out to Kerry Salvo, kerry@acanewengland.org to discuss financial assistance options. We want the sessions to be accessible for all!

About the Presenter
Teambuilding Guru Dr. Jim Cain is the author of 23 best-loved books filled with team and community building activities from around the world. In 2020, he wrote five new books, including his first novel. Two of those books, The Dutchman’s Rope and Connection Without Contact are ideal references for summer 2021 camps and youth development programs, with real-world in-person events.

Summer… Socially Distanced: A dynamic, interactive, and tool filled virtual training series for Camp Staff and Leaders
2021-05-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Join Eric Rowles of Leading to Change for a three-session series that will help you prepare for summer 2021. Even with in-person camp happening, there are lots of things we should probably be thinking about differently – from how to support our team to staff orientation to programming and lots of best practices as it relates to tools of the trade. Each Wednesday in May will have a different focus:

May 5: Leadership Relearned (Management focus)

There is a saying that “rising tides lift all boats”. When you think of your camp staff, team, and those you are managing, supporting, and working with through these times – what are you doing to keep their morale up? Don’t miss this highly interactive, fast paced, and FUN training that will showcase multiple team assessment tools, a wide range of strategies you can put to use today and throughout the camp season, and even a human beat box machine.

May 12: Raising Our Game (Programmatic focus)

Are you ready to bring your camp A-Game… innovatively? From interactive (and social distanced) experiences to the infusion of SEL influences in our program design, this is our chance to raise our camp experience to a brand new level. From low-touch gaming ideas to a few high-tech showcased resources, come learn a wave of innovative gaming ideas, strategies, and tools to use this summer. Designed for all levels of experience.

May 19: Tools of the Trade (Tools focus)

Get ready for a LIGHTNING round of FREE proven tools and strategies to boost your youth engagement skills. We’ll cover some of the best of technology, music, media, and even video clips in our work and even camper/family communication methods. You’ll leave with your head spinning, a handout of resources, and NEW ideas to take back to your camp.
A series registration is for one seat per date – attend all three yourself, mix-and-match and send a different one of your staff members to each session, or buy multiple seats for a group of your staff, depending on what is relevant to their role!
When: Wednesdays – May 5, 12, 19 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET
Registration is for the full series. Send the same person from your camp or a different person each week! Recordings will be made available for 30 days if you can’t attend a session live.
Where: Online, via Zoom meeting (please be prepared to have your camera on and unmute yourself, as needed!)
How Much: Members: $75; Non-members: $100 (Registration is for the thee-part series)
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event.
Participants will receive 3 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for their full participation.

Please note: If cost may be a barrier to your participation, please reach out to Kerry Salvo, kerry@acanewengland.org to discuss financial assistance options. We want the sessions to be accessible for all!

About the Presenter
Eric Rowles is a nationally recognized trainer and speaker who has worked with over 150,000 recreation professionals, administrators, volunteers, and policymakers within the past 15 years. Eric’s previous experience includes his work as Senior Director of Training with the Youth Leadership Institute (CA), Director of Leadership Development at Rutgers Univ. (NJ), Director of International Youth Summer Abroad (CA), Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator with Riverside County Friday Night Live (CA), and ran a traveling theater company that toured for over 10 years. Eric understands the summer camp community and recently presented at the 2021 Northeast CAMP Conference.

Risk Management for Sailing Programs* at Summer Camp: Safety, Staff Training, and Curriculum
2021-05-11 14:30 - 15:30 | Zoom
Risk Management for Sailing Programs* at Summer Camp: Safety, Staff Training, and Curriculum
*Resources and Tools Can be Adapted for Paddling Programs
Sailing programming is incredibly dynamic and beneficial for positive youth development in a camp environment. Providing an equal platform for physical activity, learning, and teamwork, boating can be added to any camp program or improved at your current facility with adequate staff training, curriculum, and safety procedures.
In this session, led by Jen Guimaraes of US Sailing, participants will dive into these three areas. You will learn more about developing boating/paddling-specific emergency action plans, training your staff, and designing effective curriculum to keep campers engaged and having fun!
When: Tuesday, May 11, 2:30 – 3:30 pm ET
Where: Online, via Zoom meeting
How Much: ACA Members: FREE; Non-members: $20

Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event.
Participants will receive 1 Continuing Education Credit (CEC) for their full participation.
Please note: If cost may be a barrier to your participation, please reach out to Kerry Salvo, kerry@acanewengland.org to discuss financial assistance options. We want the sessions to be accessible for all!

About the Presenter
Jen Guimaraes is the Youth Education Manager at US Sailing. She has been directing waterfront education programs for 15+ years and has worked at a variety of summer camps and environmental centers. Her expertise is in curriculum and program design, staff training and safety. At US Sailing she supports public access waterfront programs across the country, national instructor certification courses, and the US Sailing Reach Program, a national STEM initiative using sailing as an educational platform. Jen holds a Master of Science, is a validated external assessor for program quality assessment and certified Level 3 US Sailing Instructor Trainer with First Aid, CPR, SafeSport certifications.

New Camp Director Workshop
2021-05-20 09:00 - 2021-05-21 15:00 | Zoom
New Camp Director Workshop
**The Course will be held virtually over the course of 2 days. Attendance of both days is necessary to complete the course.**
Are you a new director, or someone planning a camp career?
In a small, supportive atmosphere, this course will provide an overview of the many tools you’ll need for running a successful day or resident camp. Learn from seasoned directors about many topics such as staff hiring, working with parents, managing youth of all ages, and handling everyday situations that are an inevitable part of your life at camp.
This course will give you an introduction to many different topics. We will provide resources, as well as opportunities to connect virtually to spend more time on several of the topics.
A team of experienced directors and consultants will lead workshops.
May Course
The Course will be held virtually over the course of 2 days. Attendance of both days is necessary to complete the course.
May 20 and 21

Times – 9AM – 11:30AM & 1PM – 3PM (both days)

Wilderness First Aid
2021-05-29 - 2021-05-30 | Function Hall @ Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH, United States
Do you like to spend time outdoors? Accidents happen; if you or someone in your group got hurt, would you know what to do? People get hurt, sick, or lost. Many back country emergencies are preventable and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse.
Wilderness First Aid is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants more than basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. The 16 hour long (two-day) program focuses on the skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies.
Those who complete the course and pass the written and practical skills will receive a Wilderness First Aid certification from SOLO which is valid for 2 years. SOLO is among the leaders in Wilderness Medicine Training and certification. Coffee and snacks will be provided each day. This course will be held at Wasserman Park in Merrimack, NH.
Due to COVID 19; we are capping class sizes to no more than 16 people. Classroom space will be setup to allow for students to remain 6ft apart during didactic lessons.
For practical work, students are paired with one person, and one person only. These people will work together during practical essions/assessments and otherwise will be expected to remain separated during class. The pair will remain the same from day one through day two. We will not be teaching group scenarios and will also only discuss certain components, such as patient lifting and moving.
Participants are NOT required to hold a Valid CPR Certification Card, but if you would like to get certified in Adult CPR ; a Course will be offered on Saturday evening for an additional fee of $45.00
Schedule
Saturday 5/29 – 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Sunday 5/20 – 8:00AM – 5:00PM

Safe Kids Thrive! Tips and Tools to create safer environments to keep kids safe.
2021-06-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
As Massachusetts schools, daycare centers, after-school programs, summer camps, and a host of other child and youth-serving organizations (YSOs) re-open, we look forward to welcoming back the students, children, and youth whom we have not seen other than virtually for more than a year. We know that the stresses and strains of pandemic isolation on children and families have been significant for many in our communities, and thus can anticipate that some will be returning to us bearing its physical, emotional, and behavioral consequences. It is a good idea, therefore, to remind ourselves about what to look for in terms of recognizing, responding to, and reporting suspected or self-disclosed child maltreatment – as well as the tools available to help us evaluate our organizational abuse prevention policies, procedures, and protocols.

For these purposes, the Massachusetts Legislative Task Force on the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse – co-chaired by the Massachusetts Children’s Trust and the Office of the Child Advocate – has worked with multiple state and local agencies and organizations to produce a website called “Safe Kids Thrive” (see safekidsthrive.org) as a platform that provides the necessary tools, resources, and guidance in a user-friendly, searchable and interactive format.

The attached agenda describes a 90-minute training session the Task Force is making available to YSOs across the state to demonstrate how the website can be used to refresh ourselves and our staffs with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that our children are safe and protected from harm, and the steps we are required to take if we are concerned about a child’s well-being. There is also time built in for Q&A, and for direct engagement with the subject matter experts who created the site’s content.

If you would like to take advantage of this training, it will be available via Zoom on the following dates from 1:00 – 2:30PM

June 3, 2021
June 17, 2021
July 15, 2021
July 29, 2021
August 19, 2021
August 26, 2021

You can register for any of these sessions at the following link: Zoom link to register

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions by emailing us directly: Rayna Charles (rayna.charles@mass.gov), Tammy Bernardi (tammy.bernardi@mass.gov), or Tony Rizzuto (rizzutoto@aol.com).

Coffee & Camp Chat - Season 2
2021-09-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
What better way to kickoff the weekend than to grab a cup of coffee (or your AM beverage of choice) and talk shop with friends in the camp community.
WHAT: Coffee and Camp Chat is a FREE drop-in/office hours type of opportunity

WHEN: Every other Friday starting 9/10, from 10AM-11AM

WHERE: ACA, New England Zoom

WHY: For folks to ask questions, share stories/concerns, connect with peers, troubleshoot problems, or simply hear what’s going on in other camp bubbles.

HOW: This is the easy part. There’s no pre-registration necessary. Mark your calendars with the following dates and save the link: Coffee & Camp Chats (Zoom Link)

If you ever have questions, information, requests, etc. regarding Coffee & Camp Chats, please email bud@acanewengland.org

Apr 8, 2022 10:00 AM – Conference Season is Over…What’s next?
Apr 22, 2022 10:00 AM – EPIC, New England
May 6, 2022 10:00 AM
May 20, 2022 10:00 AM

So, How Was Your Summer? 9/23 - POSTPONED
2021-09-23 16:00 - 19:00 | Dexter Southfield, 20 Newton St, Brookline, MA, 02445
After the longest “summer” in recent memory, we could all use a little time to ourselves. Once you’re done with that, take this opportunity to congregate, commiserate, share and opine about the summer with other camp professionals and colleagues. What worked for you? What didn’t work? Where are you heading next, and what does that look like?
Our time together will include:

Short introduction and recap of what we heard in the New England office this summer.
Multiple blocks of guided, small group conversations with breaks for non-structured socializing or to grab a snack.
Randomized seating to encourage as many connections as possible.
Snacks and beverages.

Topics du jour will cover: staffing, programming, lessons learned, new goals realized, and of course whatever organically grows around the tables. If you have a question or topic you know you want covered, shoot an email to bud@acanewengland.org after registering.
NOTE: We plan to host this event outside, so please dress accordingly. Should we need to adjust this, we will notify registered attendees of their options in advance?
Members: $25 – Non-members: $40

So, How Was Your Summer? 9/28
2021-09-28 15:00 - 18:00 | Brookwoods / Deer Run, 34 Camp Brookwoods Rd, Alton, NH, 03809

Newer Camp Director Resource Community (October 2021 – May 2022)
2021-10-14 10:30 - 13:00 | NH
For camp professionals with 1-4 or more summers of camp director experience
(Both day and resident camp directors are welcome! As space is limited, we can only accommodate one director per camp at this time.)
We know that building community with colleagues from a variety of camps throughout New England will help you feel supported as you move forward in your camping career (especially after this past summer)!
Join us for a series of monthly facilitated discussions where you’ll have the opportunity to share ideas and resources, get feedback, troubleshoot challenges, and explore opportunities in a safe and professional space.
While topics are flexible based on the group’s needs/interests, discussions in prior years have included (but were not limited to) the following:

Building & supporting your team: recruiting, hiring, compensation & benefits, retention, training, evaluation
Behind-the-scenes: risk management, budgeting, technology, marketing
Being a leader: time management, hard decisions
Mental, emotional, and social health (MESH): policies, best practices, resources, self-care
Camp culture and tradition: exploring the “why,” innovating
Parent engagement: handbooks, communication, recruitment

Each month there will be time for large group discussion, presentations/guest experts, and participant-led small group discussions.
Emily Golinsky, Founder of Bright Moose Training, Consulting & Advocacy, former Executive Director and current Interim Executive Director at Camp Starfish and a member of ACA, New England’s New Camp Director Workshop faculty, will facilitate the sessions. Her role will be to encourage participant-led discussions, provide resources, offer observations and insights, all while keeping the conversation and session flow going!
When:
Thursdays – first session October 14, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm; then monthly
For 2021-2022, we will offer a hybrid series with three in-person sessions and five Zoom sessions on the following Thursdays:

Thursday, October 14, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm, in-person (outdoors; no virtual option) ACA, New England office, 80 Westview Street, Lexington, MA
Thursday, November 18, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Zoom
Thursday, December 16, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Zoom
Thursday, January 13, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Zoom
Thursday, February 10, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm, in-person (Zoom hybrid option available) ACA, New England office, 80 Westview Street, Lexington, MA
Thursday, March 10, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Zoom
Thursday, April 14, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Zoom
Thursday, May 12, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm, in-person (outdoors; no virtual option) ACA, New England office, 80 Westview Street, Lexington, MA

Where: A combination of in-person and Zoom sessions (see above schedule)
How Much: ACA members: $240; non-members: $290
Registration is for the duration of the series – eight sessions in total and is based on the individual who is signed up.
Register here: https://members.acacamps.org/Events/Meeting-Home-Page?meetingid={61EBC78D-3300-EC11-94EF-002248231FE5}
Questions, reach out to Kerry Salvo, ACA, New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
This series is not designed to be a how-to, but more an interactive discussion-based opportunity for directors looking to build their professional network and resource sharing as leaders. If you are looking for more skill-based sessions, please reach out to ACA, New England as they may be able to help you identify other opportunities to meet these needs.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event.
Are CECs available for this? __X__ YES ____ NO
If yes, how many? 15

About the Presenter

Emily Golinsky is the Founder of Bright Moose, LLC, which provides training, coaching, consultation and professional development to camps, organizations and individuals guided by the motto “Help Others Shine Bright!” Her professional background includes over two decades of year-round and summer camp operations in both day and residential environments for children in crisis, special needs youth, and traditional campers, most recently for 14 years as the Executive Director at Camp Starfish. Emily is a regular presenter at conferences and is active in ACA, New England, where she is a Lead Visitor, sits on the Fund Development and Conference Planning Committees, and is a member of the Faculty for the New Camp Directors Workshop. Emily is a Board Member for the Hawkeye Campership Fund and for the NHCamps Association, where she is chair of the annual conference. She holds a BS in Health Psychology from Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and a Master of Science in Camp Administration and Leadership from Touro University Nevada. She is also an education advocate for youth with special needs and a certified Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Emily’s sense of humor and genuine warm connection to individuals comes through in her facilitation style. Fair warning: she is an avid collector of terribly awesome puns.

What's the Buzz on Budgeting? A Peer Discussion Session
2021-11-02 11:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
Is your camp working on its budgeting for next year?
Would it be helpful to brainstorm ideas or ask for input from other camps also going through the process?

If so, we encourage you to join us for an open forum discussion about the budget-related issues that are on your mind. ACA, New England staff will be there to guide/facilitate, but this will be an open discussion forum led by participants.
Come prepared to have your videos on, ask questions, and engage in dialogue with your peers.
Depending on attendees, we may use breakout rooms for specific topics or camps with similar budget sizes, but that will be up to you!
Because this session is based on dialogue and attendees may share sensitive information, it will not be recorded. Please plan to join us live.
After registering, you will receive an email with a link to a survey that will help us gather more data about registered attendees as well as the Zoom link. Please complete this by Monday, November 1 at 2 pm.

When: Tuesday, November 2, 2021, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm ET
Where: Zoom
How Much: ACA members: FREE; non-members: $25

Questions, reach out to Kerry Salvo, ACA, New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event.

Accreditation Process Workshop 11/10
2021-11-10 09:30 - 12:30 | 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 | NH
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.
