Member Resources

These informal gatherings of camp staff in related positions are held over breakfast or lunch in various locations. Roundtables allow camp professionals in similar roles to chat about topics that are relevant to their work during the off-season. Keep an eye on our events calendar for specific information about dates and locations.

BIPOC Affinity Group

A committee comprised of black/brown senior-level professionals who have expertise in camp management, camp ownership, camp operations, diversity equity, and inclusion, and are passionate about both mentorship and coalition building. Join to serve talented young black and brown camp professionals who are interested in moving upward in the outdoor education/camp field.  Committee participants should meet one of the following criteria: 

1) Full-time staff at any ACA-accredited institution 

2) Individuals who have completed 1 or more seasons at an ACA-accredited institution, and/or camp institution registered with the corresponding state/local health department 

3) Any experienced outdoor education/overnight expeditionary learning program professionals  

What is the purpose of this group?  The purpose of this affinity group is to cultivate Black and Brown leaders in the outdoor education/camping field. This affinity group will serve as a space for black and brown camp professionals to meet and share experiences, and resources, receive mentorship, and foster opportunities for collaboration. It will also aim to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the camp world.   

Goals for affinity group: 

·        Professional Development - Provide and share PD opportunities (skill-based training, certifications, collegiate/formal education programs, webinars, etc.) 

·        Moving On’ Up - Share managerial and specialized employment opportunities  

·        Build Community – Meet to discuss our community “needs” and ways ACA may be able to move to fulfill those needs and increase belonging (letters, recommendations, etc.) 

·        Funding – Build up monetary resources to provide scholarships and/or help with the cost of PD, conferences, etc. 

To get involved, contact Kyle Medeiros.

VOCE

VOCE (Veterans of the Camp Experience) serves leaders who have had ultimate operational authority in an ACA camp for 5 years or more. Join fellow camp directors for dinner and interactive discussions about camp and their roles- a great opportunity to network with other camp professionals and share strategies for dealing with common issues in the camp industry. If you are interested in joining VOCE please send an email to Alicia Skovera.

Please check back soon for VOCE events!

Directors' Roundtable

Come network and chat with other camp directors on this summer season's biggest challenges and some of this year's hot topics in camping.

Join fellow camp directors for lunch and a discussion on topics ranging from camp staff to programming and operations. It will be a great opportunity to network with other camp professionals as well as share strategies for dealing with common issues in the camp industry.  Attendees pay for their own lunch. 

For more information, please contact Jenna Dunlay at jenna@acanynj.org or 212.391.5208.

Please check back soon for our next roundtable date!

Special Interest Group Meetings @ Tri-State CAMP Conference

URBAN CAMPS

Network with fellow camp professionals who are operating summer programs in an urban environment for a meet and greet Tuesday afternoon. This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, discuss common challenges in running camp, as well as share successful practices. Join us to discuss transportation and operations, staff recruitment, and unique program ideas!

2SLGBTQ+ CAMPING COMMUNITY

Come connect with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ camp community and find out how we can work together to make camps more inclusive. We will be looking towards connecting camps with subject matter experts (queer/trans+ camp pros).

CAMPS ON CAMPUS

Come network with camp professionals who operate their programs on college or university campuses. ACA Inc. has developed a community for these camps to come together and learn from each other. This meet and greet is a chance to learn about the group as well as share concerns and ideas associated with camps running in this unique environment.

ACCESS/DISABILITY CAMPING COMMUNITY

Come join us for a focused discussion on access for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community at camp. Members of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing camping and experiential learning community will be present to moderate the meeting. We’ll be discussing current and future trends for our campers and how we can continue to provide access. All are welcome who want to learn more and share ideas. We will have interpreters present at this meeting to ensure access is provided for all in American Sign Language and spoken English.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPING

Join us for a gathering of camp professionals that serve children with special needs. This meeting is open to directors, program leaders, and any staff who provide programs for the special needs population. Attendees will share successful practices and resources, as well as discuss strategies for improvement for the upcoming summer. This will be a great opportunity to learn about other programs, network with colleagues, and take away tips for enhancing your camp!

FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS 

Calling all faith-based camps! Meet your neighbors who are doing what you are doing: outdoor nonprofit ministry! Join us for conversation around joys and challenges, and let’s provide support to one another. See you soon!

PARKS AND REC ORGANIZATIONS

Attention Parks & Rec Camp pros! Come network with your colleagues at a meet and greet this Wednesday afternoon. Discuss the best practices in Parks and Rec camps, as well as some of the challenges you face. Learn from each other while chatting about facilities, staffing, programming, and more!

YMCA CAMPS

Come one, come all—join us for an informal networking opportunity open to Y staff, volunteers, and friends! Y-USA staff will be on hand and would like to connect and be of support! Let’s join for some good Y fun!

GIRL SCOUTS

Please join Westex for its annual Girl Scout Gathering. Relax, network with others, and enjoy!

Women in Camp

A community of women in the camp industry dedicated to professional development, meaningful networking, and female empowerment.

Check back soon for our next event!