American Camp Association New England

The State of Insurance for Camps: A Panel Discussion
2020-11-20 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Navigating the insurance market continues to be more challenging than ever. We want the camp community to continue to be a successful industry and provide that magical experience for kids across the world. That is why we want you to have a clear picture of where the insurance market stands and how you can navigate the market in such difficult times. The Redwoods Group and Chalmers Insurance Group will be hosting a panel discussion on Friday, November 20th to provide insight into the current state of insurance, so that you are able to find an insurance partner that is reliable and committed to you during these uncertain times.

The panel will cover the following topics:

How to find a committed insurance partner during these uncertain times
How the current market will affect pricing for camps moving forward
How carriers are responding to the pandemic and natural disasters (e.g. wildfires, hurricanes)
How the social and legal environment have changed and what this means for camps

Panelists will include:

Jim Chalmers, 4th Generation Owner, Chalmers Insurance Group
Queron Smith, Director of Underwriting, The Redwoods Group
Katie Johnson, Senior Consultant, The Redwoods Group
Tony Oyenarte, Director at Lochearn Camp for Girls

Fall E-Seminar: Leading with Purpose In Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Work
2020-11-18 10:30 - 13:30 | Zoom
Who do you aspire to be as a leader? And what is your personal shadow—the dark part of the self that threatens to diminish your impact in the world? And how does this inner clarity impact your efforts to create communities that are diverse, inclusive, and equitable? Join us for a powerful session that will invite you to engage in some deep inner work and reflection around these questions.
During this session, we will explore the interconnected nature of inner change (within the self) and outer change (in the world around us). We will reflect on our own highest aspirations for who we want to be as leaders in the work we do and will take the unusual step of confronting the shadow—the dark side of our aspirations—that we all possess but often refuse to acknowledge.
Following a 90-minute e-workshop focused on engaging with these questions, we will gather to think through some specific leadership challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion brought to the session by participants. Together, we’ll explore how we might address those challenges in ways that align with our mission and avoid our personal shadows.
The goals of this session are as follows:

Gain a higher consciousness of the interconnected nature of inner and outer change
Achieve greater clarity regarding our own person leadership mission and shadow
Build skills and understanding around how to harness this inner clarity to address real-world challenges

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Program will run approximately 10:30 am – 1:00 pm with optional networking from 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Where: Online, via Zoom
How Much: $40/members; $60/non-members
Registration Link
Sponsored by:

If you are joining us for our Navigating Your Financial Path Forward e-seminar on October 21, save 20% off of your registration fee for this Leading With Purpose e-seminar!
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: 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.
About the Presenter
Dr. Max Klau is an author, coach, speaker, scholar, and leadership development consultant living in Boston. He currently serves as the Chief Program Officer at the New Politics Leadership Academy, a non-profit that is dedicated to recruiting and developing military veterans and alumni of national service programs to seek political office. Before stepping into this role, he was the Vice President of Leadership Development at City Year, Inc., the national service program headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Max received his doctorate of education (Ed.D.) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2005; his studies focused on civic leadership education. Max is also a certified Integral Professional Coach. Max’s book, Race and Social Change: A Quest, A Study, A Call to Action, was published by Jossey Bass in 2017. It currently appears on lists of resources for understanding racial justice developed by Duke Law School, the University of San Francisco, and several other institutions. Max attended camp for 10 years as a child, and his doctoral work focused on kids participating in a week-long residential camp program. His two children attend overnight camp in the Berkshires, and his wife has been on summer staff there as well. Camp has been an integral part of Max’s life both personally and professionally, and he is excited to work with this audience.

Associate Visitor Course - New England
2020-11-17 09:30 - 2020-11-19 12:00 | Zoom
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 virtually followed by an in person session.

Preregistration for this course is required.
Registration Deadline November 16, 2020
Virtual Sessions to be held: November 17 (9:30AM – 12:00PM) AND November 19 (9:30AM-12:00PM)
In person mock visits dates will be announced at the course.
Participants must attend BOTH sessions (one registration through button above).

Experienced Camp Director Round Table Series (October 2020 – May 2021)
2020-11-17
Don’t worry if you missed the first session! The group has space to accept a few new members starting on November 17. Click the registration link to sign up.
For camp professionals with 5 or more years 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.)
Having a network of colleagues to share ideas with, to get feedback from, and to lean on for resources and supports can be so important in the camping industry. It helps us stay connected, broaden our perspectives, think innovatively, and strengthen our community. Last year’s attendees shared:
“I valued getting to know other directors in a deeper/more connected way.”
“As a participant, I enjoyed the support and continuity of the group.”
“Looking back, it’s interesting to see how incredibly valuable this group has been amidst this current crisis. At times, it literally has helped me to stay grounded and on-track while trying to navigate the decisions about the summer.”
This year, join us for…
NETV-Channel 3 – DTYD – Direct To You, Director
Just think, what if two television antennas meet on a roof, fall love and, eventually, get married. The reception would be FANTASTIC!!! An ACA, New England Action Series* with original material provided by your camp community.
*Binge watching not available in most areas…
While we’d all love to get together in person, this year we are taking our round table series virtual (using the Zoom platform)! This series of eight episodes (meetings) from October 2020 – May 2021 may cover the following topics:

Building Community and Staying Connected
Now What? How Do We Communicate It
Holding Tryouts- The Right People for Team
Is the Fax Machine Plugged In?! Technology in and out of the camp community–
If Evaluations Were Like Antique Roadshow Appraisals- How are “we” doing?
Mount Paperwork- Tackling This Risky Business
Would Lucy Still Only Charge $.05? Health and Wellness in our camp
Getting Ready for the Big Show- Dress Rehearsal and People Behaviors

Topics are subject to change based upon the needs/interests of participants.
Each month, there will be time for large group discussion, presentations/guest topic experts, and small group discussion.
We are excited to welcome Kat Shreve, Associate Executive Director at Camp Kudzu, who has worked in the summer camp industry for more than 30 years, as this year’s facilitator. Kat has a breadth of camp experience with both day and resident camps with organizations including: Project Adventure, Girl Scouts, YMCA, ACA, and Camp Kudzu.
The dates for the 2020-2021 season are as follows:

Tuesday, October 13, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, November 17, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, December 15, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (please note this is the second Tuesday to avoid public school break dates)
Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 p
Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (please note this is the second Tuesday to avoid public school break dates)
Tuesday, May 18, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Cost: $300/ACA, New England Members – $350/Non-members. Registration is for the duration of the series – eight sessions in total.
This is an incredible value for members at under $40 per three-hour facilitated session and under $13 per CEC!
Registration link
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the series. Once the series begins, no transfers or substitutions will be permitted.
Participants will receive 24 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for their full participation.
If you have between 1-4 summers of experience, please consider joining our Newer Director Round Table Series.
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.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.

About the Facilitator
Kat Shreve, Associate Executive Director, Camp Kudzu
Just minutes after the Shreve family’s station wagon arrived at Camp Meadowlea in Bridgeport, WV Kat’s career path in camp began. Since then, Kat has worked for Project Adventure as a facilitator and developed environmental education programs at Rock Eagle 4-H center. Additionally, in her 30 years in camp, Kat has directed the Athens YWCO Camp for Girls, Girl Scout Camp Meriwether, YMCA Camp Colman in the Seattle area, and both Girl Scouts camps in Virginia: Camp Pamunkey Ridge and Camp Kittamaqund.
As an active member of the American Camp Association (ACA), Kat serves as an Accreditation Visitor and Instructor Trainer. During her tenure with ACA, Kat has served as the Education Director for ACA and has volunteered for several years with the Southeastern Region Board of Directors and on the LCOL of the Evergreen Region.
Kat has spoken at several youth professional gatherings from camp professionals to recreation professionals to educators. She was on the writing team for two books, Creating Positive Youth Outcomes and Designing Quality Youth Program.
Kat graduated from the Recreation & Leisure Studies program at the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Education. In 2007, Kat was honored as the University of Georgia College of Education Professional Alumni of the Year. The ACA awarded Kat the National Service Award celebrating her work volunteering for both multiple ACA regions and on the national level. She is a current member of the ACA National Awards Committee. And serves on the Editorial Advisory Committee as both a frequent contributor and member of Camping Magazine. Most recently, she was inducted into the Pioneers in Camping, an honor society of camp professionals who have worked in the field for 30 years.

Virtual/Remote Opportunities Summer 2020 - Learnings from the Field
2020-11-16 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
We have been listening and know that you are eager to hear from your camp colleagues about how summer 2020 went. So, ACA, New England is putting together a series of Learnings from the Field panel discussions on the following dates and topics. We hope you’ll join us for one or more of the sessions to hear from a variety of camps from all over New England!

Virtual/Remote Opportunities Summer 2020, November 16, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.

Camp Beech Cliff, Maine
Buckingham Brown & Nichols (BB&N), Massachusetts
Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, Rhode Island
Wanakee, New Hampshire

Cost: FREE for ACA members; $20/panel non-members
Registration is required for each session. Zoom links will be sent a few days prior to each panel.
Please plan to join us live for these sessions! Recordings will not be widely shared.
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization prior to the start of the session.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.

Wilderness First Aid Training
2020-11-15 08:00 - 2020-11-16 17:00
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 12 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 sessions/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.
The cost of this invaluable training is $160.00 per person.
For questions, call Merrimack Parks & Recreation at 603-882-1046

Coffee and Camp Chats
2020-11-13 10:00 - 10:45 | Zoom
Friday’s can be tough. What better way to kickoff the weekend than to grab a cup of coffee (or you beverage of choice) and talk shop with friends in the camp community.
Coffee and Camp Chat is intended to be an drop-in/office hours type of opportunity. On the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, from 10AM-11AM, ACA, New England staff will host a Zoom “meeting” for folks to join, ask questions, connect with peers, troubleshoot problems, or simply talk with fellow camp professionals.
Each meeting, we’ll have a friend, guest or updated information to share at the top of the gathering. But after that, we’re more interested in hearing from you and helping you connect, hearing feedback, or answering questions.
There’s no pre-registration necessary for these informal conversations. Whether you need to clear your head, solve a problem or just want to connect with fellow camp folk for a few, pencil in the following dates and bookmark the zoom link to join (you can also join through the button above):
Camp and Coffee Chat Fridays:

11/13/2020 – Join us to meet Michele Rowcliffe, new Executive Director of ACA, New England
11/27/2020 (NO CAMP AND COFFEE, ACA OFFICES CLOSED)
12/11/2020 – Looking back at 2020 and into 2021
12/25/2020 (NO CAMP AND COFFEE, ACA OFFICES CLOSED)
1/15/2021 – Conference chat with Kerry Salvo, Greg Jutkiewicz, and Joanna Lenahan
1/29/2021 – What’s going on lately? Checking in. Catching up. What’s next?
2/12/2021 –Accreditation? Yes, we’ve heard of it – Elizabeth’s stopping by to chat.
2/26/2021
3/12/2021
3/26/2021 – ACA, New England Annual Meeting begins at this time. Join us there.
4/16/2021
4/30/2021

Creative Property Usage Summer 2020 - Learnings from the Field
2020-11-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
We have been listening and know that you are eager to hear from your camp colleagues about how summer 2020 went. So, ACA, New England is putting together a series of Learnings from the Field panel discussions on the following dates and topics. We hope you’ll join us for one or more of the sessions to hear from a variety of camps from all over New England!

Creative Property Usage Summer 2020, November 12, 10:00 am – 11:30 am.

New England Base Camp, Massachusetts
Pine Tree Camp, Maine
Wildwood, New Hampshire

Cost: FREE for ACA members; $20/panel non-members
Registration is required for each session. Zoom links will be sent a few days prior to each panel.
Please plan to join us live for these sessions! Recordings will not be widely shared.
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization prior to the start of the session.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.

Day Camps that Operated In-Person Programming Summer 2020 - Learnings from the Field
2020-11-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
We have been listening and know that you are eager to hear from your camp colleagues about how summer 2020 went. So, ACA, New England is putting together a series of Learnings from the Field panel discussions on the following dates and topics. We hope you’ll join us for one or more of the sessions to hear from a variety of camps from all over New England!

Day Camps that Operated In-Person Programming Summer 2020, November 9, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. Thank you to our generous sponsor: First Student Charter Bus Rental

Mother of Hope Day Camp, Rhode Island
Camp Ketcha, Maine
West Suburban YMCA, Massachusetts
Winding Trails, Connecticut

Cost: FREE for ACA members; $20/panel non-members
Registration is required for each session. Zoom links will be sent a few days prior to each panel.
Please plan to join us live for these sessions! Recordings will not be widely shared.
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization prior to the start of the session.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.

Accreditation Process Workshop
2020-11-05 09:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
This workshop is designed for camp representatives who are preparing for accreditation visits in upcoming summer 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.
Date: November 5, 2020
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Online
Cost: No charge, but pre-registration is required.

Programming-Specific Summer 2020 - Learnings from the Field
2020-11-02 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
We have been listening and know that you are eager to hear from your camp colleagues about how summer 2020 went. So, ACA, New England is putting together a series of Learnings from the Field panel discussions on the following dates and topics. We hope you’ll join us for one or more of the sessions to hear from a variety of camps from all over New England!

Programming-Specific Summer 2020, November 2, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Holiday Hill, Connecticut
Mystic Aquarium, Connecticut
Pompositticut Farm Day Camp, Massachusetts
Summer at GUS, Massachusetts

Cost: FREE for ACA members; $20/panel non-members
Registration is required for each session. Zoom links will be sent a few days prior to each panel.
Please plan to join us live for these sessions! Recordings will not be widely shared.
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization prior to the start of the session.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.

Joe Kruger Youth Development Conference
2020-10-28 11:00 - 15:15 | Zoom
What did we learn from the COVID 19 pandemic and how can we apply this knowledge to summer 2021, with a focus on the social and emotional needs of our campers? More info coming soon!
For more information, please contact: Jenna Dunlay • 212-391-5208 • jenna@acanynj.org

Resident Camps that Operated In-Person Programming Summer 2020 - Learnings from the Field
2020-10-27 14:30 - 16:00 | Zoom
We have been listening and know that you are eager to hear from your camp colleagues about how summer 2020 went. So, ACA, New England is putting together a series of Learnings from the Field panel discussions on the following dates and topics. We hope you’ll join us for one or more of the sessions to hear from a variety of camps from all over New England!

Resident Camps that Operated In-Person Programming Summer 2020, October 27, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm. Thank you to our generous sponsor Maplewoodshop.

Camp Centerstage, Maine
Hosmer Point, Vermont
Camp Wawenock, Maine
Windsor Mountain, New Hampshire

Cost: FREE for ACA members; $20/panel non-members
Registration is required for each session. Zoom links will be sent a few days prior to each panel.
Please plan to join us live for these sessions! Recordings will not be widely shared.
Registrations are non-refundable but may be transferred to another participant from your camp/organization prior to the start of the session.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.

Navigating your Financial Path Forward
2020-10-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
2020 has been a year like no other. Kids and families need the unique and transformative experiences that camps provide more than ever.
By carefully plotting your financial path forward, you can help ensure that your camp will continue to provide those experiences now and far into the future. Join Brian Keel, Senior Consultant in Financial Management with DBD Group (and a CPA), for an E-Seminar as we discuss these key components of your journey:
• Getting Your Bearings
• Orienting for the Winter
• Navigating Next Season
• Thriving to the Edge of the Map
Topics we will explore together include:
• Determining your financial position today
• Confidently forecasting for the future
• Identifying potential funding sources for your camp, including a discussion of Impact Investors
• How well-crafted/well communicated policies can positively impact your bottom line
• Making financial decisions with long term sustainability in mind
Wondering, is this session right for me?
Are you a CEO, Owner, Director, on the Business, Finance, or Operations team or are you a camp pro who wants to learn more about navigating camp finances? Is your camp working through some challenging financial scenarios due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other reasons? If so, we encourage you to join us! Brian Keel not only has a breadth of experience in a variety of finance roles with YMCAs, The Redwoods Group, and Communities In Schools of North Carolina, but he also understands camp and is skilled at making numbers and budgets accessible to non-CPAs.
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Program will run approximately 10:00 am – 12:30 pm with optional networking/Zoom lunch from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Online, via Zoom
How Much: $40/members; $60/non-members
ACA, New England is offering another e-seminar on leadership and diversity on Wednesday, November 18. Join us for both e-seminars and save 20% off of your registration fee for our November event!
Registration 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 3 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for their full participation.
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.
About the Presenter
As Senior Consultant with DBD Group, Brian Keel brings nearly 25 years of leadership experience gained both in for-profit and non-profit organizations. This background gives him a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in financial management.
Before joining DBD, Brian served as Senior Resource Specialist – Finance for YMCA of the USA. Brian was the primary Finance resource for thirty-two Resource Directors, four Senior Resource Directors and provided oversight for the development and delivery of Financial Management resources to local Ys across the United States.
Brian also served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Operations for the YMCA of Greater Toledo, Senior Vice President and CFO for The Redwoods Group and CFO for Communities In Schools of North Carolina.
Brian has additional experience in the for-profit sector including founding a consulting practice that provided fractional CFO services to clients throughout the Midwest and Northeast US. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Akron. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in both Ohio and North Carolina and is a Chartered Global Management Accountant.
Brian and his family reside in Wake Forest, North Carolina and his daughter works as a camp counselor at a local resident camp. For more information on Brian, click here.
About DBD Group
DBD Group is a team of dedicated non-profit professionals, joined together to help you realize your goals and support your unique vision. With deep experience and creative vision, we help you with new and better approaches to fund raising and related development needs. Together, we will help you drive greater achievements, building a stronger foundation for a successful mission for the years to come.

Newer Camp Director Round Table Series (October 2020 – May 2021)
2020-10-20 10:00 - 2020-11-01 13:00 | Zoom
For camp professionals with 1-4 or more years 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.)
Having a network of colleagues to share ideas with, to get feedback from, and to lean on for resources and supports can be so important in the camping industry. It helps us stay connected, broaden our perspectives, think innovatively, and strengthen our community. Last year’s attendees shared: “as a participant, I most valued:

Building connections and relationships with other camp professionals
Expanding my network, as I work alone
Support – especially through the pandemic
Lively conversations, open discussion, and time to share practices and ideas.”

This year, we are taking our round table series virtual! Join a group of your peers for monthly facilitated discussions in a safe and professional place where you can discuss issues of common concern and a way to build your professional network. Topics will include:

Building Your Team: How do we hire strategically? What about dismissals? Who is invited back or promoted? How do we mentor, engage, support and grow our staff team?
Tough Realities of the Role: Are our risk management plans safe and effective? What is the balance of tradition and change? How do we make hard decisions and have difficult conversations? How do we manage money and budgets?
People to People: Who should be recognized as part of our camp orbit? How do we work successfully with campers, parents/guardians, agencies, donors, neighbors, and interested parties?

Topics are subject to change based upon the needs/interests of participants.
Each month, there will be time for large group discussion, presentations/guest topic experts, and small group discussion.
Emily Golinsky, Founder of Bright Moose Training, Consulting & Advocacy, former 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 provide resources to participants prior to and following discussions, guide the discussion, and provide observations and insights, all while keeping the conversation and flow of information going!
Who: Camp directors with between 1-4 years of camp administrator experience (both day and resident camp directors are welcome!) or current assistant directors who will be stepping into the director role next summer. (As space is limited, only one representative per camp can be accommodated at this time.)

When & Where: Via Zoom on the following Tuesdays:

Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, November 10, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Cost: $225/ACA, New England Members – $275/Non-members.
This is an incredible value for members at under $35 per three-hour facilitated session and under $11 per CEC!
Registration is for the duration of the series – seven sessions in total. (Please note: There is no session in March because we hope you’ll join us for our annual conference!)
Registration Link
Registrations are non-refundable, but may be transferred to another eligible individual prior to the start of the series. Once the series begins, no transfers or substitutions will be permitted.
Participants will receive 21 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for their full participation.
If you have five or more summers of experience, please consider joining our Experienced Director Round Table Series.
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.
Questions? Reach out to Kerry, ACA New England Director of Education and Professional Development, at kerry@acanewengland.org or 781-541-6080 ext. 104.
About the Facilitator
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.

Power of Play Conference - Virtual/OnDemand
2020-10-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Online
The National Inclusion Project is bringing the play to YOU, virtually and on-demand!
More convenient, more accessible, more…2020.
Registrants will have access to ALL sessions on-demand. No more missing one valuable session to attend an even better one. You can have them ALL!
In 2020, we have all been forced to adapt personally, professionally, and socially. But two facts remain: 1) Social inclusion for children with disabilities remains a vital priority and function that we must work to make happen; and 2) those that have been doing inclusion have been adapting successfully for years and they aren’t stopping now!
Power of Play is looking a bit different this year, but we’ve got the information, fun and games ready for you! So make some great snacks, get comfy on the couch and join experts from across the country to learn best practices in inclusion, adaptation and play.

Need more info? The Power of Play website has all the sessions listed with detailed information about the speaker, content level and description.
Have a group of 5 or more interested in attending? Email Aron Hall at aronhall@inclusionproject.org for rates.

Accreditation Process Workshop (In Person)
2020-10-09 09:30 - 12:30
We will be offering an In-Person Accreditation Process Workshop.
The workshop will be held in an outdoor pavilion with social distancing measures in place.
This workshop is designed for camp representatives who are preparing for accreditation visits and is required for all camps in the months prior to their site visit. 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.
TO REGISTER: email Elizabeth Snell, Director of Accreditation Services.
Thank you to Camp Hazen for hosting this Workshop!

Fundraising for Camps 2020 and Beyond
2020-07-30 13:00 - 14:15 | Zoom
We know that many camps have suspended in-person operations this summer or are operating at reduced capacities and are looking to launch or increase fundraising.
Whether you’ve kicked off your fundraising already or are planning to in the near future, join us for a practical discussion designed for day and resident camp leaders focused on the four core components of a successful fundraising effort:
Case, Prospects, Leadership, and a Plan

Articulating your need with transparency and confidence
Identifying your prospects
Engaging donors, alumni and camp families
Involving volunteers, board members and staff
Thanking your donors in remarkable ways
The right time to ask is NOW!

This webinar is hosted by ACA, New England, presented by Jon Simons and Michele Goodrich of DBD Group, and open to all camp professionals working on fundraising efforts.
About the presenters:
DBD Group provides comprehensive fundraising services to nonprofits including over 100 resident camps in recent years. For more resources or to request a free consultation visit: https://www.dbd.group/uncertainty
You can learn more about Jon Simons, Executive Vice President, here.
You can learn more about Michele Goodrich, Senior Consultant, here.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: July 30, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Website
Registration Information
Register here.
If you register and cannot attend live, the webinar will be recorded and shared following the presentation.

Summer Fundraising 2020 Conversations
2020-07-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
ACA, New England Summer Fundraising 2020 Conversations
This series is FULL and registration is now CLOSED. Please consider joining us for a webinar, Fundraising for Camps 2020 and Beyond, hosted by ACA, New England and presented by the DBD Group, Thursday, July 30, 1:00 – 2:15 pm ET.

Are you leading your camp through a fundraising campaign this summer?
While we know most camps don’t actively fundraise during the summer, COVID-19 has changed many of our plans, putting camps in a situation where they need to be raising more money than ever and on different timelines than usual.
If this resonates with you and you’d like to discuss and workshop ideas, challenges, and strategies related to your summer 2020 fundraising, join ACA, New England and a small group of your New England camp colleagues engaged in similar work to build a community of support. While the group will be lightly moderated, it is designed to encourage YOU to learn and share with each other. So, come prepared to actively participate and engage (cameras and mics on)!

The group will convene on Zoom from 10:00 – 11:30 am ET on the following dates:

Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 29
Wednesday, August 12

Registration is for the series of three sessions. To build a supportive and trusting environment, we highly encourage participants to join ALL three sessions to get the most out of their experience. If you have a conflict with one of the dates, please email Kerry before registering to discuss. Space is limited!

If your camp isn’t actively fundraising this summer, but you are looking for more information on fundraising, keep an eye out for a couple of ACA, New England sponsored web-based sessions later in July/August.

Fundraising for Camps 2020 and Beyond, hosted by ACA, New England and presented by the DBD Group, Thursday, July 30, 1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: July 22, 2020 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Registration Information
This series is FULL and registration is now CLOSED. Please consider joining us for a webinar, Fundraising for Camps 2020 and Beyond, hosted by ACA, New England and presented by the DBD Group, Thursday, July 30, 1:00 – 2:15 pm ET.
Registration is for the series of THREE sessions – participants are highly encouraged to join all sessions

Disability Inclusion During Covid-19 | Strategies for Camp and Recreation Programs
2020-06-17 13:30 - 14:45 | Zoom
Are you running in-person camp this summer (or already looking beyond this summer) and looking for some support adapting your inclusion principles and strategies? If so, join us!
Inclusion is NOT Cancelled – join ACA, New England and Lisa Drennan of MERGE Divers e Abilities Inclusion Consulting for a webinar designed to support your inclusion initiative ensuring that campers with diverse abilities are still engaged and supported in meaningful participation. We’ve taken MERGE’s inclusion principles and strategies, adapting them to be applied to the challenges of the new health and safety guidelines your camp community is facing. You’ll learn that embracing these strategies will not only be beneficial to children with disabilities, but also builds a positive camp culture as we recognize that ALL your campers (and staff) may be experiencing effects of the current global pandemic and resulting isolation and uncertainty. Give your team the tools and confidence to successfully support ALL campers this summer, but especially those with diverse abilities.
About the presenter:
Lisa Drennan, Founder of MERGE Diverse Abilities Inclusion Consulting
Lisa has a 35-year career supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be active and engaged within their community. At New England Village in Pembroke, MA, she gained experience in working as a Direct Support Worker and eventually as the Director of The Sollar Wellness Center specifically designed for this population. In 2014, she joined the South Shore YMCA as the first-ever Association Director of Inclusion, creating innovative programs and comprehensive staff trainings to build a culture of inclusion. In 2018 Lisa started her own company, MERGE Inclusion Consulting where she provides consultation, staff training and systems implementation to community entities committed to recreation, sport and social program inclusion.
*This session will be recorded and shared on the national ACA COVID-19 resource page a few days after the session.*
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: June 17, 2020 from 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Drop-in: Day Camps Operating In-Person Programming
2020-06-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and your New England camp colleagues to brainstorm, discuss, and get feedback on your plans for in-person day camp this summer. The conversation will be attendee-driven and we may break out into smaller discussion groups.
Unlike many of our recent web-based sessions, a recording of this drop-in will not be shared, so please plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: June 11, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Drop-in: Camps Suspending In-Person Operations for Summer 2020
2020-06-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and your New England camp colleagues for support and discussions around your camp suspending in-person operations during summer 2020. Are there other plans for your facilities, are you thinking ahead to 2021, what else is on your mind? The conversation will be attendee-driven and we may break out into smaller discussion groups.
Unlike many of our recent web-based sessions, a recording of this drop-in will not be shared, so please plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: June 4, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Drop-in: Resident Camps Planning to Operate In-Person Programming
2020-06-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and your New England camp colleagues to brainstorm, discuss, and get feedback on your plans for possible in-person programming at your resident camp this summer. The conversation will be attendee-driven and we may break out into smaller discussion groups.
Unlike many of our recent web-based sessions, a recording of this drop-in will not be shared, so please plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: June 3, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Drop-in: Day Camps Planning to Operate In-Person Programming
2020-05-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and your New England camp colleagues to brainstorm, discuss, and get feedback on your plans for in-person day camp programming this summer. The conversation will be attendee-driven and we may break out into smaller discussion groups.
Unlike many of our recent web-based sessions, a recording of this drop-in will not be shared, so please plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 28, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Drop-in: Virtual/Remote Camp Planning
2020-05-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join ACA, New England and your New England camp colleagues to brainstorm, discuss, and get feedback on your plans for virtual and remote camp this summer. The conversation will be attendee-driven and we may break out into smaller discussion groups.
Unlike many of our recent sessions, a recording of this session will not be posted, so plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 27, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Taking Your Camp Virtual - Learnings from the Field
2020-05-22 11:00 - 12:15 | Zoom
Taking Your Camp Virtual – Learnings from the Field

Are you taking your camp virtual this summer?
Or considering a hybrid of in-person and virtual programming?
Or still exploring options and want to learn more?
If so, join us to hear from three camp pros who have been providing a variety of virtual programming this spring (from enrichment to vacation camps) and are working through their camps’ plans for the summer.
The following panelists will share what they have been doing and there will be time for Q&A too:

Meghan Gardner, Founder and CEO of Guard Up and Guardian Adventures
Lauren Hoops-Schmieg, Executive Director of Hill House
Kara Larochelle, Camp Director and Youth Development Director at Camp Ketcha

About the panelists:
Meghan Gardner is the CEO of Guard Up, Inc’s Guardian Adventures, which owns and operates Wizards & Warriors and Zombie Summer Camps, programs and events. These informal educational camps and events are STEM and story-based experiences where all ages play a character of their own design, battling monsters with physics, biology, chemistry, and more. Meghan is the Lead STEM Curriculum Designer for the parent company of The Princeton Review in the development of their Mission to Mars STEM Adventures in east Asia and in the USA. She is also a guest lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education and other major universities, and an international speaker on the topic of Informal Education and Learning for all ages. In her free time, Meghan volunteers for hospice and works with terminally ill patients of all ages as well as their families.
Lauren Hoops-Schmieg is the Executive Director at Hill House, an independent, nonprofit community center whose mission is to provide programs, services and activities to meet the diverse social, educational, cultural and recreational needs of individuals and families residing in Boston’s downtown neighborhoods. Prior to Hill House, Lauren served as the VP of Communications and County-Wide Services at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County as well as the organization’s Camp Director for Camp Grosvenor. Lauren earned her MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management and her B.A. in English from UMass, Amherst. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking, traveling, camping, and collecting rare books.
Kara Larochelle is the Director of Youth Development at Camp Ketcha in Scarborough, Maine. In this position she runs summer camp, school year programming, and adventure challenge programming. Along with these youth programs Camp Ketcha has a pre-school, event rentals, therapeutic programs, and operates the Portland Gear Hub and The Portland Gear Hub Bike School. Kara has worked in camping at Ketcha for 7 years and was previously a music teacher in the Portland Public Schools. In her free time Kara enjoys hiking, climbing, reading, and playing with her dog, Casco.

Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 22, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:15 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Website
Registration Information
Register here.
Make sure to share any burning topics or questions you have about virtual camp – we will do our best to address them!
If you are unable to join us live, this session will be recorded. A recording will be posted here on ACA’s COVID-19 resource page, https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/coronavirus/online-learning-events-covid-19, some time during the week of May 26, so be sure to check back!

Impactful Activities to Maximize Online Staff Training
2020-05-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Impactful Activities to Maximize Online Staff Training
Roz and Jed Buck, Roz and Jed Training & Consulting
“To Hear is To Forget, To See is To Remember, To Do is To Learn.” During this one-hour online training workshop, we will demonstrate a variety of activities that can be used throughout orientation for summer camp staff to maximize learning and retention and create an exceptional orientation experience! Whether our staff training takes place online or at camp, it needs to happen so that we can prepare our staff to help us deliver an amazing camp experience. All of the activities that we share and you participate in can be used for either online or in-person staff training.
About the presenters

Roz and Jed Buck have done what many married couples consider to be “the impossible” . . . They have worked together, side by side, for over 15 years. From 2004 – 2016, they Owned and Directed Meadowbrook Country Day Camp, a large private day camp in New Jersey. They sold their camp in 2016 and successfully launched Roz and Jed Training & Consulting. Now, they travel the country sharing what they have learned and experienced first-hand. Roz and Jed successfully provide Two Voices, Customized Content, and Real Experience. They are proven youth development experts and dynamic speakers who have shared their messages and experiences at conferences in 17 different states and have trained thousands of staff from coast to coast.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 8, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Resident Camp Drop-In for Assistant Director/ Program-Level Staff
2020-05-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
ACA, New England Drop-Ins for Assistant Director/Program-Level Staff
Join ACA, New England and your colleagues next week (again or for the first time) for conversation, advice, and support as you sort through the hard decisions your camp is facing. This is an informal opportunity to engage in dialogue with other New England camp pros at the assistant director/program level – we will be there to facilitate, but discussion topics will be up to participants. We will use the Zoom platform, so come ready to engage with your mics and cameras on! Please note what this is not – which is a substitution for legal, medical, insurance and other advice that camps should be seeking from experts in those fields.
A recording of this session WILL NOT be posted/shared, so please plan to join us live!
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 7, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Day Camp Drop-in For Assistant Director/Program-Level Staff
2020-05-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
ACA, New England Drop-Ins for Assistant Director/Program-Level Staff

Join ACA, New England and your colleagues (again or for the first time) for conversation, advice, and support as you sort through the hard decisions your camp is facing. This is an informal opportunity to engage in dialogue with other New England camp pros at the assistant director/program level – we will be there to facilitate, but discussion will be led by participants. We will use the Zoom platform, so come ready to engage with your mics and cameras on!

Please note what this is not – which is a substitution for legal, medical, insurance and other advice that camps should be seeking from experts in those fields.
A recording of this session WILL NOT be posted/shared, so please plan to join us live!
Based on feedback, we will plan more time for small group discussion during this session. Please pre-select your breakout topic during registration:

Virtual camp
Health/safety precautions
Maintaining camp culture

Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 6, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required

Virtual Camp, Real Risk: Legal and Risk management Considerations for Online Programs
2020-05-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Virtual Camp, Real Risk: Legal and Risk Management Considerations for Online Programs
Does your camp offer year-round online activities to keep campers engaged? Are you going to run virtual programs this summer? As many camps take their programs online, their insurance policies, camper contracts, and risk management processes are still based on in-person camp.
Join ACA, New England and legal and insurance experts for a discussion of the procedures and policies you should be thinking about expanding, tweaking, or re-working as you make this shift. Believe it or not, it isn’t about recreating the wheel, but rather, making minor adjustments to existing materials to reduce your camp’s risk exposure. Topics to be covered include:

Insurance inclusions/exclusions and right-sizing your policy,
Risk management guidelines and protocols,
COPPA and children’s online privacy,
Waivers, participation agreements, and assumptions of risk, and
Intellectual property and copyright considerations.

Panelists:

Katie Johnson, The Redwoods Group
Isaac Mamaysky, Potomac Law Group
Eliza Hall, Potomac Law Group

This sessions is hosted by ACA, New England and will be recorded and posted on the ACA’s COVID-19 Online Learning & Events Page following the live program.
Event Organizer/Sponsor: ACA, New England
When: May 5, 2020 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET (RSVP required)
Where: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Registration Information
Register here.
This sessions is hosted by ACA, New England and will be recorded and posted on the ACA’s COVID-19 Online Learning & Events Page following the live program.
