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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260505T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163845
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UID:15592-1777986000-1777991400@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Strengthening Your Camp Aquatics in 2026
DESCRIPTION:Running a camp aquatics program in the 21st century requires more than traditional lifeguard skills\nit demands adaptable leadership\, modern training approaches\, and critical thinking skills. It also requires honest reflection: Has your camp avoided aquatics incidents because of intentional systems and preparation\, or simply because you’ve been lucky so far? \nIn this webinar\, Katie Johnson from Chalmers Camp Insurance will facilitate a panel of camp directors\, waterfront managers\, and aquatics safety specialists\, who will share real world lessons and up to date practices for 2026. Together\, we will explore how to build and support a rescue ready team\, integrate meaningful in service training throughout the season\, and navigate evolving expectations around supervision\, preparedness\, and staff development. \nPanelists include: Sarah Mackie Weeman (Smackie) from YMCA Camp Huckins; Dakota Brichetto from Camp Susan Curtis; Peter Christnacht from Copper Cannon Camp. \nWhether your program includes a pool\, a lakefront\, or both\, this session is designed for anyone responsible for creating a safe\, effective\, and forward thinking aquatics operation at camp.\n  \nDates & Rates\nWhen: Tuesday\, May 5\, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:30pm ET \nWhere: Zoom (meeting link to be sent prior to the start of the session) \nCost: Member 1st/2nd Person – $40/$30; Non-Member 1st/2nd Person – $55/$45 \nClick here to register!\n  \nAbout the Facilitator\n \nKatie Johnson\, M.S.\, is a Senior Risk Consultant at Chalmers Camp Insurance. With nearly 30 years in camps and youth-serving organizations—including 8 years with the American Camp Association—she blends risk expertise with a passion for transformative experiences. Driven by her passion for the magic of camp\, she empowers leaders to create strong safety foundations\, ensuring they can focus on inspiring growth\, connection\, and adventure in the communities they serve. \n  \n  \nAbout the Panelists\n \nDakota Brichetto has been involved with Camp Susan Curtis for 21 years\, seven of those years as a camper. As a camper Dakota knew that she wanted to be a lifeguard and worked hard to earn multiple waterfront related certifications\, including LGI and WSI. Dakota worked in a leadership role at the waterfront for seven summers creating a safe environment\, building programming\, adapting teachings for the at-risk youth population\, and mentoring and training staff to be successful. In addition to being a professional at the waterfront\, Dakota has begun to work as an Occupational Therapist at Camp Susan Curtis. \n  \nRyan Rosen has worked in camp aquatics since 1997\, beginning as a lifeguard and developing a deep commitment to safety\, instruction\, and leadership at the pool. Since 1999\, he has been certified as a Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and Water Safety Instructor (WSI)\, training and mentoring lifeguards and swim instructors for more than two decades. Since 2011\, Ryan has owned Camp Kinneret\, a day camp outside of Los Angeles\, where he oversees all aspects of camp operations\, including a comprehensive aquatics program. In addition to leading his own team\, he has partnered with numerous camps to strengthen their swim instruction models\, lifeguard training systems\, and overall aquatic risk management practices. Ryan brings a practical\, camp-focused perspective centered on safety\, staff development\, and helping campers build confidence in the water. \n  \n \nPeter Christnacht enters his 22nd summer of leadership at Copper Cannon Camp in 2026\, marking 38 years in camp administration. He has directed programs nationwide\, driven by a deep belief in the positive impact of camp on youth. Peter holds a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University. A lifelong aquatics professional\, he has overseen pools\, lakes\, and pond waterfronts throughout his career and has maintained his Lifeguard Instructor certification since the late 80s\, including helping to pilot the 1988–89 American Red Cross Lifeguard Course updates. His decades of experience and insight into evolving staff and lifeguard expectations give him a unique perspective on camp aquatics. \n  \nSarah Mackie Weeman grew up in the pool at her local YMCA and has been working on or in the water ever since. She is the Summer Camp Director at YMCA Camp Huckins and\, among other duties\, is responsible for certifying and training the lifeguards as well as supporting the Waterfront Directors. Staying current with aquatics policies and standards keeps her on her toes! \n  \n  \n  \n___________________________________________________________________________________ \nQuestions\, reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106. \nRegistration is non-refundable but may be transferred to another member of your organization prior to the start of the session.  \nUse of Images and Audio by ACA\, New England: Through my registration\, I give American Camp Association\, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs\, video\, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/strengthening-your-camp-aquatics-in-2026/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
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ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163845
CREATED:20260321T145022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T175021Z
UID:15834-1778061600-1778067000@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Learnings from the Field: Operationalizing DEI at Camp Presentations
DESCRIPTION:ACA\, New England has been running an ongoing resource community this year\, facilitated by Simone Gamble of OAAARS\, for a group of camp professionals dedicated to exploring what operationalizing DEI at their camp looks like. As part of this group\, participants have been working on an ongoing project related to this work. Join us for an e-session to hear about four of the projects have been working on. \nEach presenter will share about their project and then field Q&A from attendees. The presenters and topics will include: \n\nSupporting our Staff with Improved DEI Trainings\, Abby Griffith\, Assistant Director of Admissions & Lilly Bianchi\, Assistant Director of Leader Hiring)\, Overland Summers\,\nDiscovering the True Value of Camp Empathy Interviews\, Julie Bernson\, Director of Learning\, The Trustees\nShared Language Guide: Addressing Race-Based Harm with Care\, Clarity\, and Consistency\, Rachel Roberts\, Director of Staff Experience\, Camp Starfish\nShared Language Guide: Addressing Race-Based Harm with Care\, Clarity\, and Consistency\, Shawn Moriarty\, Camp Director/ Lead Education Coordinator\, Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary\, Mass Audubon\n\nThis offering is free for ACA members and $25 for non-members. \nPlease plan to join us live for these sessions! If you cannot join live\, please register and email kerry@acanewengland.org to request a copy of the recording\, which will be viewable for 30 days following the event. \nRegistration fees are non-refundable\, but may be transferred to another attendee from your camp/organization by emailing kerry@acanewengland.org before the start of the program.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/learnings-from-the-field-operationalizing-dei-at-camp-presentations/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
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ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260513T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163845
CREATED:20260209T224515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T154410Z
UID:15496-1778661000-1778693400@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:New Camp Director Workshop 5/13/26
DESCRIPTION:ACA\, New England: New Camp Director Workshop\n(a 101-level offering)\nACA\, New England’s New Camp Director Workshop is a fast-paced\, one-day program designed to give new and aspiring camp directors greater understanding of the scope and key functions of the professional role of the camp director\, including the following:\n\nTransition to Leadership and the Camp Director Role\nKnowing your Camp – mission & values\, culture\, your audience\nThe Business of Camp – finances\, policies & procedures\, continuous improvement\nRisk Management & Emergency Planning – best practices\, mandated reporting\, assessing risk\, emergency action plans\, and crisis response\nBuilding and Managing a Team – recruitment\, hiring\, training\, supervision\, retention\nHot Topics & things you don’t think of\n\nParticipants will also be assigned a “Resource Group” with other attendees and an instructor and can expect the opportunity to connect with them at least three times within a year of taking the course. \nIdeal participants are full-time and part-time camp directors in their first three years of the role\, and aspiring camp directors.  \nThe course is taught by instructors from a variety of different camp backgrounds who have at least 7 years of experience as a camp director. \nParticipants will come away from the day with:\n\nA welcome to the American Camp Association\, New England\, which serves camps throughout the region with programming\, resources\, and accreditation services;\nIncreased knowledge related to the topics above;\nA library of handouts and resources to utilize; and\nConnection with experienced instructors and a network of new colleagues to connect with for ongoing support\n\nACA Core Competencies covered in this workshop:\n\nBusiness Management\nEvaluation\nFamily & Connection\nHealth & Wellness\nHuman Resources\nLeadership\nRisk Management\nYouth Development\n\n*Please note: this course does not cover basic youth development\, curriculum\, or program design principles. \nWhen: Wednesday\, May 13\, 2026; 8:30am to 5:30pm (check-in will begin at 8:30 am and the course will start promptly at 9:00 am. Please allow yourself time to park and get settled by 9:00 am). \nWhere: Camp Cedar Hill\, 265 Beaver Street\, Waltham\, MA 02454 \nMember Price: $110 \nNon-Member Price: $140 \nThe New Camp Director Workshop is a full-day program. Attendance for the entirety of the program is required to receive education credits and a certificate of completion.  \n  \nHave questions? Reach out to Gillian\, Events & Logistics Manager\, at gillian@acanewengland.org\, or call our office at 781-541-6080 \n__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ \nUse of Images and Audio by ACA\, New England: Through my registration\, I give American Camp Association\, New England (ACANE) full rights and permissions with respect to any photographs\, video\, and audio recordings taken during the ACANE event. These images and recordings may be used by ACANE and its agents in any format or medium and for any lawful purpose.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/new-camp-director-workshop-5-13-26/
LOCATION:Cedar Hill Day Camp\, 265 Beaver St\, Waltham\, MA\, 02452
CATEGORIES:Education
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ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T163845
CREATED:20260209T231304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T145805Z
UID:15500-1779181200-1779206400@www.acanewengland.org
SUMMARY:Youth Mental Health First Aid (blended course)
DESCRIPTION:This is an 8-hour education program that teaches participants how to identify\, understand\, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Youth Mental Health First Aid uses group activity\, role-playing\, and simulations to demonstrate: \n\nHow to assess a mental health crisis\nHow to select interventions and provide initial help\nHow to connect young people to professional\, peer\, and social support\, as well as self-help care.\n\nThe course covers:\n\nCommon signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance use challenges in this age group.\nHow to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.\nHow to connect the youth with help.\nExpanded content on trauma\, substance use\, self-care\, and the impact of social media and bullying.\n\nThis course is offered in a two-part format and both components must be completed to earn your certification: \n\n2.5 hours of pre-work\, which must be completed by Tuesday\, May 12\, 2026\nLive\, virtual course from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Tuesday\, May 19\, 2026\n\nWhat will participants learn?\nParticipants learn the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents including anxiety\, depression\, psychosis\, eating disorders\, AD/HD\, disruptive behavior disorders\, and substance use disorder. \nParticipants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness\, or who are in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan. The Youth Mental Health First Aid USA curriculum is primarily focused on information participants can use to help adolescents and transition-aged youth\, ages 8-18. \nParticipants do not learn to diagnose\, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling.  \nWho should take this course?\nThis course is designed for any adults who regularly interact with adolescents\, and who are either ACA\, New England members or who work at camps located in Western Massachusetts. \nWe are able to provide this course free of charge to ACA\, New England members thanks to a SAMHSA grant \nWho created this course?\nThe National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the United States. Mental Health First Aid USA worked with experts at the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development to develop the youth program. \n\nDates & Rates\nWhen: Tuesday\, May 19\, 2026\, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (pre-work must be completed by Tuesday\, May 12 to qualify for the in-person portion of this course). \nWhere: Online. Participants will receive a Zoom link no later than 24 hours prior to the program. \nCost: This course is FREE for ACA\, New England members and folks who work at camps in Western Massachusetts (parameters of the grant funding to support this course). \n*Because this course results in a certification\, attendees must fully participate in the entire program.*\nClick here to register! \nRegistration Information:\nThis workshop has a maximum capacity of 15 participants. \nOnce you register through ACA\, New England\, additional communication about the course will come from the course instructors/the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. You will then receive an email with additional details on how to access the pre-work through the Mental Health First Aid Portal. Please allow time to receive that email. Pre-work should be completed by Tuesday\, May 12 to ensure you are qualified to attend the in-person component of the program (some flexibility exists if you need a few extra days\, just let us know). \nRegistrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the event\, provided there is enough time for that individual to complete the mandatory pre-work. \nQuestions: Reach out Gillian Gold\, Events & Logistics Manager at gillian@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 106.
URL:https://www.acanewengland.org/event/2026-05-19/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Education
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ORGANIZER;CN="ACA%2C New England":MAILTO:camp@acanewengland.org
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