American Camp Association New England

Youth Mental Health First Aid (blended course)
2026-04-23 09:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
This is an 8-hour education program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity, role-playing, and simulations to demonstrate:

How to assess a mental health crisis
How to select interventions and provide initial help
How to connect young people to professional, peer, and social support, as well as self-help care.

The course covers:

Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use challenges in this age group.
How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
How to connect the youth with help.
Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.

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, which must be completed by Thursday, April 16, 2026
Live, virtual course from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Thursday, April 23, 2026

What will participants learn?
Participants learn the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder.
Participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness, or who are in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-aged youth, ages 8-18.
Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling.
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents, and who are either ACA, New England members or who work at camps located in Western Massachusetts.
We are able to provide this course free of charge to ACA, New England members thanks to a SAMHSA grant
Who created this course?
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the United States. Mental Health First Aid USA worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program.

Dates & Rates
When: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Thursday, April 16 to qualify for the in-person portion of this course).
Where: Online. Participants will receive a Zoom link no later than 24 hours prior to the program.
Cost: This course is FREE for ACA, New England members and folks who work at camps in Western Massachusetts (parameters of the grant funding to support this course).
*Because this course results in a certification, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*
Click here to register!
Registration Information:
This workshop has a maximum capacity of 15 participants.
Once you register through ACA, New England, additional communication about the course will come from the course instructors/the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. You will then receive an email with additional details on how to access the pre-work through the Mental Health First Aid Portal. Please allow time to receive that email. Pre-work should be completed by Thursday, April 16 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program (some flexibility exists if you need a few extra days, just let us know).
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.
Please note that this is a vacation week for Massachusetts schools.
Questions: Reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.

Coffee & Camp Chat
2026-04-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Coffee & Camp Chat is a bi-weekly space for informal, yet purposeful, discussion among summer camp people! Sip your favorite beverage as we share insights, swap stories, and discuss trends in camping. Cozy into your Friday with fellow camp folk while we brew ideas, forge new connections, and remind each other why there’s no place like camp!
This week, we’re talking about inclusion. In a matter of weeks, thousands of campers and staff are coming to our camps.
What are we doing, have we been doing, should we be doing, and could we be doing to ensure everyone feels a sense of welcome and joy at camp this summer?
JOINING US THIS WEEK, friend of the show, New England Board member, and recent Peter Kerns Award recipient, Lisa Drennan. We’re talking her game, so she’s been kind enough to stop by and lend insight and possibly answers to plus-up the conversation.

Coffee & Camp Chat is free and open to everyone in camping!
As always, questions, information, requests, etc. regarding anything Coffee & Camp Chat, please don’t hesitate to contact bud@acanewengland.org.

Communicating with Courage: Navigating Challenging Dialogue® for Leaders
2026-04-29 10:00 - 15:30 | The Barton Center, 30 Ennis Road, North Oxford, MA, 01537, United States
Every day you witness the emotional struggles of your peers, staff, young people, and families you serve.
There are so many conversations you need to have and want to have that you may dread, avoid, or can’t quit see your way through to positive resolution,
Join Beth Wonson and Lisa Falkingham Hunt for the Navigating Challenging Dialogue Essentials workshop, where you’ll learn Navigating Challenging Dialogue® (NCD), the NCD Process, and the NCD Principles. These are proven tools for effective, fact-based dialogue, even when communication feels risky. Learn to create connections and achieve results through clear, empathetic communication.
You’ll bring your own real-world challenges to our time together, and using the 4-Stage NCD Process, you’ll learn to:
• Navigate difficult conversations with fact-based dialogue
• Improve trust, build connection
• Establish a healthier relationship with the other party
• Come to healthy resolution on the trickiest of topics
Regardless of your work or positions – this course will transform how you engage with others and handle conflicts. The NCD Process is a framework for fact-based dialogue, even when communication feels risky.
Dates & Rates
When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026; 10:00am to 3:30pm
Where: The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Fuller Hall – 30 Ennis Road, North Oxford, MA 01537
Member Cost: 1st Person, $119; 2nd & Additional Person, $99
Non-Member Cost: 1st Person, $139; 2nd & Additional Person $119
*this is an in-person session and will not be recorded*
Registration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your team
About the Instructors

Beth Wonson is a communication expert and the creator of Navigating Challenging Dialogue®. Beth’s career and passion for youth development and the strengthening the skills of professionals working the field when she worked for Project Adventure, Inc for 13 years. Now Beth works across the US with corporations and nonprofits who seek to build positive cultures, strengthen trust and connection, and fulfill their mission in most effective ways. Beth serves on the board of High 5 Adventure Learning in Brattleboro VT.

Lisa Falkingham Hunt is the Director of Training and Team Development at High 5 Adventure Learning. She has worked in the outdoor education, camp, and training world for over 30 years. Lisa’s approach is grounded in the understanding that an activity, when well facilitated – such as her hike up Mt. Mansfield – can create life changing experiences for people. “What’s so exciting about the work that High 5 does is that we don’t need to take people on expeditions or thrilling rock climbs in order to experience the benefits of real adventure. It can happen anywhere!”. Lisa is a Certified Navigating Challenging Dialogue® Facilitator.

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

Coffee & Camp Chat LIVE! Hosted by EPIC (Seekonk, MA)
2026-04-30 11:00 - 14:30 | The Farm – Wheeler School Seekonk Campus, 357 Walker St, Seekonk, MA, 02771
Join EPIC New England as they host a LIVE! edition of C&CC. The floor will be open to questions and topics about everything happening in summer camp: staffing, enrollment, programming, inclusion, accessibility, food, fun, growth, etc.
• Part I – Challenges we’re facing and talking through solutions
• Part II – Innovation at camp. What’s new at your camp and what’s coming next?
• Part III – What did we miss? Circling back to “parking lot” items or continuing previous unfinished business.
Cost: $15 for members of ACA; $20 for non-members
Fees go directly to providing food/refreshments!
When: Thursday, April 30 from 11:00am to 2:30pm
Where: Wheeler School – Farm Campus, 357 Walker Street, Seekonk, MA 02771
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Got questions? Feel free to contact bud@acanewengland.org
Use of Images and Audio by ACA, New England: Through my registration, I give American Camp Association, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your organization.

Strengthening Your Camp Aquatics in 2026
2026-05-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
Running a camp aquatics program in the 21st century requires more than traditional lifeguard skills
it demands adaptable leadership, modern training approaches, and critical thinking skills. It also requires honest reflection: Has your camp avoided aquatics incidents because of intentional systems and preparation, or simply because you’ve been lucky so far?
In this webinar, Katie Johnson from Chalmers Camp Insurance will facilitate a panel of camp directors, waterfront managers, and aquatics safety specialists, who will share real world lessons and up to date practices for 2026. Together, we will explore how to build and support a rescue ready team, integrate meaningful in service training throughout the season, and navigate evolving expectations around supervision, preparedness, and staff development.
Panelists include: Sarah Mackie Weeman (Smackie) from YMCA Camp Huckins; Dakota Brichetto from Camp Susan Curtis; Peter Christnacht from Copper Cannon Camp.
Whether your program includes a pool, a lakefront, or both, this session is designed for anyone responsible for creating a safe, effective, and forward thinking aquatics operation at camp.

Dates & Rates
When: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:30pm ET
Where: Zoom (meeting link to be sent prior to the start of the session)
Cost: Member 1st/2nd Person – $40/$30; Non-Member 1st/2nd Person – $55/$45
Click here to register!

About the Facilitator

Katie Johnson, M.S., is a Senior Risk Consultant at Chalmers Camp Insurance. With nearly 30 years in camps and youth-serving organizations—including 8 years with the American Camp Association—she blends risk expertise with a passion for transformative experiences. Driven by her passion for the magic of camp, she empowers leaders to create strong safety foundations, ensuring they can focus on inspiring growth, connection, and adventure in the communities they serve.

About the Panelists

Dakota Brichetto has been involved with Camp Susan Curtis for 21 years, seven of those years as a camper. As a camper Dakota knew that she wanted to be a lifeguard and worked hard to earn multiple waterfront related certifications, including LGI and WSI. Dakota worked in a leadership role at the waterfront for seven summers creating a safe environment, building programming, adapting teachings for the at-risk youth population, and mentoring and training staff to be successful. In addition to being a professional at the waterfront, Dakota has begun to work as an Occupational Therapist at Camp Susan Curtis.

Ryan Rosen has worked in camp aquatics since 1997, beginning as a lifeguard and developing a deep commitment to safety, instruction, and leadership at the pool. Since 1999, he has been certified as a Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and Water Safety Instructor (WSI), training and mentoring lifeguards and swim instructors for more than two decades. Since 2011, Ryan has owned Camp Kinneret, a day camp outside of Los Angeles, where he oversees all aspects of camp operations, including a comprehensive aquatics program. In addition to leading his own team, he has partnered with numerous camps to strengthen their swim instruction models, lifeguard training systems, and overall aquatic risk management practices. Ryan brings a practical, camp-focused perspective centered on safety, staff development, and helping campers build confidence in the water.

Peter Christnacht enters his 22nd summer of leadership at Copper Cannon Camp in 2026, marking 38 years in camp administration. He has directed programs nationwide, driven by a deep belief in the positive impact of camp on youth. Peter holds a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University. A lifelong aquatics professional, he has overseen pools, lakes, and pond waterfronts throughout his career and has maintained his Lifeguard Instructor certification since the late 80s, including helping to pilot the 1988–89 American Red Cross Lifeguard Course updates. His decades of experience and insight into evolving staff and lifeguard expectations give him a unique perspective on camp aquatics.

Sarah Mackie Weeman grew up in the pool at her local YMCA and has been working on or in the water ever since. She is the Summer Camp Director at YMCA Camp Huckins and, among other duties, is responsible for certifying and training the lifeguards as well as supporting the Waterfront Directors. Staying current with aquatics policies and standards keeps her on her toes!

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

Learnings from the Field: Operationalizing DEI at Camp Presentations
2026-05-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
ACA, New England has been running an ongoing resource community this year, facilitated by Simone Gamble of OAAARS, for a group of camp professionals dedicated to exploring what operationalizing DEI at their camp looks like. As part of this group, participants have been working on an ongoing project related to this work. Join us for an e-session to hear about four of the projects have been working on.
Each presenter will share about their project and then field Q&A from attendees. The presenters and topics will include:

Supporting our Staff with Improved DEI Trainings, Abby Griffith, Assistant Director of Admissions & Lilly Bianchi, Assistant Director of Leader Hiring), Overland Summers,
Discovering the True Value of Camp Empathy Interviews, Julie Bernson, Director of Learning, The Trustees
Shared Language Guide: Addressing Race-Based Harm with Care, Clarity, and Consistency, Rachel Roberts, Director of Staff Experience, Camp Starfish
Shared Language Guide: Addressing Race-Based Harm with Care, Clarity, and Consistency, Shawn Moriarty, Camp Director/ Lead Education Coordinator, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

This offering is free for ACA members and $25 for non-members.
Please plan to join us live for these sessions! If you cannot join live, please register and email kerry@acanewengland.org to request a copy of the recording, which will be viewable for 30 days following the event.
Registration fees are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another attendee from your camp/organization by emailing kerry@acanewengland.org before the start of the program.

New Camp Director Workshop 5/13/26
2026-05-13 08:30 - 17:30 | Cedar Hill Day Camp, 265 Beaver St, Waltham, MA, 02452
ACA, New England: New Camp Director Workshop
(a 101-level offering)
ACA, New England’s New Camp Director Workshop is a fast-paced, one-day program designed to give new and aspiring camp directors greater understanding of the scope and key functions of the professional role of the camp director, including the following:

Transition to Leadership and the Camp Director Role
Knowing your Camp – mission & values, culture, your audience
The Business of Camp – finances, policies & procedures, continuous improvement
Risk Management & Emergency Planning – best practices, mandated reporting, assessing risk, emergency action plans, and crisis response
Building and Managing a Team – recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, retention
Hot Topics & things you don’t think of

Participants will also be assigned a “Resource Group” with other attendees and an instructor and can expect the opportunity to connect with them at least three times within a year of taking the course.
Ideal participants are full-time and part-time camp directors in their first three years of the role, and aspiring camp directors.
The course is taught by instructors from a variety of different camp backgrounds who have at least 7 years of experience as a camp director.
Participants will come away from the day with:

A welcome to the American Camp Association, New England, which serves camps throughout the region with programming, resources, and accreditation services;
Increased knowledge related to the topics above;
A library of handouts and resources to utilize; and
Connection with experienced instructors and a network of new colleagues to connect with for ongoing support

ACA Core Competencies covered in this workshop:

Business Management
Evaluation
Family & Connection
Health & Wellness
Human Resources
Leadership
Risk Management
Youth Development

*Please note: this course does not cover basic youth development, curriculum, or program design principles.
When: Wednesday, May 13, 2026; 8:30am to 5:30pm (check-in will begin at 8:30 am and the course will start promptly at 9:00 am. Please allow yourself time to park and get settled by 9:00 am).
Where: Camp Cedar Hill, 265 Beaver Street, Waltham, MA 02454
Member Price: $110
Non-Member Price: $140
The New Camp Director Workshop is a full-day program. Attendance for the entirety of the program is required to receive education credits and a certificate of completion.

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

Youth Mental Health First Aid (blended course)
2026-05-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
This is an 8-hour education program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity, role-playing, and simulations to demonstrate:

How to assess a mental health crisis
How to select interventions and provide initial help
How to connect young people to professional, peer, and social support, as well as self-help care.

The course covers:

Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use challenges in this age group.
How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
How to connect the youth with help.
Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.

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, which must be completed by Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Live, virtual course from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026

What will participants learn?
Participants learn the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorder.
Participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness, or who are in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-aged youth, ages 8-18.
Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling.
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents, and who are either ACA, New England members or who work at camps located in Western Massachusetts.
We are able to provide this course free of charge to ACA, New England members thanks to a SAMHSA grant
Who created this course?
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the United States. Mental Health First Aid USA worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program.

Dates & Rates
When: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Tuesday, May 12 to qualify for the in-person portion of this course).
Where: Online. Participants will receive a Zoom link no later than 24 hours prior to the program.
Cost: This course is FREE for ACA, New England members and folks who work at camps in Western Massachusetts (parameters of the grant funding to support this course).
*Because this course results in a certification, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*
Click here to register!
Registration Information:
This workshop has a maximum capacity of 15 participants.
Once you register through ACA, New England, additional communication about the course will come from the course instructors/the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. You will then receive an email with additional details on how to access the pre-work through the Mental Health First Aid Portal. Please allow time to receive that email. Pre-work should be completed by Tuesday, May 12 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program (some flexibility exists if you need a few extra days, just let us know).
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.
Questions: Reach out Gillian Gold, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
