(by Claire Adams)

The American Camp Association (ACA): New England Conference serves as a premier event for camp professionals, offering a diverse range of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and resources to enhance the quality and effectiveness of camp programs. Some of our education team including, Claire Adams, Shelby Morelli, Slater Roosa, and Alex Felisberto attended this conference in Manchester, NH. It was a tremendous opportunity to develop better strategies for training our seasonal staff, more effectively leading our campers, and making our camp community more welcoming and inclusive to all.

Here’s an overview of the incredible conference:

• Educational Sessions: The ACA Conference features a comprehensive program of workshops, seminars, and keynote presentations covering various aspects of camp management, programming, staff training, risk management, diversity and inclusion, youth development, and industry trends. These sessions are led by experts in the field and provide valuable insights and practical strategies for improving camp operations.
  • Shelby attended:
    • Classroom Management at Camp; Behavior Management Strategies that work, inspired by the classroom
    • Ugh, I have to call a parent!
    • Let’s have some fun!
    • Helicopters and Lawnmowers: Working with instead of against parents and caregivers
  • Claire attended:
    • Leadership Training = Great Staff!
    • From Sunscreen to Storm Shelters: Navigating New Rules for Summer Camps
    • Managing Team Capacity
    • DEIB, There’s a Policy for That!
    • Please Sign Here
    • Navigating Difficult Conversations using Play
  • Keynote Address: Disrupting Burnout
• Networking Opportunities: The conference provides ample opportunities for camp professionals to connect, share ideas, and build relationships with peers, mentors, and industry leaders. Networking events, social gatherings, and collaborative sessions facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration within the camp community.
• Exhibits and Resources: Attendees have access to an exhibit hall showcasing the latest products, services, and technologies relevant to the camp industry. Exhibitors include suppliers of outdoor equipment, educational materials, software solutions, and consulting services, offering valuable resources for camp professionals to enhance their programs and operations.
• Professional Development: The ACA Conference serves as a platform for professional development, offering certifications, continuing education credits, and skill-building opportunities for camp directors, administrators, counselors, and other staff members. Workshops and training sessions focus on leadership development, communication skills, conflict resolution, and other essential competencies for camp professionals.
  • This year, we also had the opportunity for our 2024 Massabesic Assistant Camp Director to join us for Friday, March 22nd. As a long time camp person, Alex Felisberto had attended the ACA New England Conference in the past, but not as a member of the NH Audubon staff. He is enthusiastic about getting campers outdoors and developing their connection to nature. It was great to attend a few sessions with him and see how his fun-going nature and extensive experience with kids will be a great asset to our camps this summer.
• Innovation and Best Practices: The conference highlights innovative approaches and best practices in camp programming, operations, and administration. Attendees have the opportunity to learn from successful camp models, research findings, and case studies, enabling them to adapt and improve their own programs.
• Inspiration and Motivation: The ACA Conference inspires and motivates attendees by celebrating the transformative power of the camp experience and the positive impact it has on the lives of children, youth, and families. Keynote speakers, success stories, and testimonials underscore the value of camps as unique learning environments for personal growth, social development, and outdoor adventure.

Overall, the ACA New England Conference is a dynamic and enriching event that empowers camp professionals to enhance their skills, expand their networks, and elevate the quality of their camp programs, ultimately advancing the mission of the American Camp Association to enrich the lives of individuals through the camp experience.