American Camp Association

This Camping Magazine article discusses findings from interviews with more than 30 camp directors about topics such as mental health needs of staff and campers, staff recruitment and retention, parental expectations, and more. https://bit.ly/3Doo38j

In this second blog of a four-part series, we describe the marketing and outreach-specific findings from ACA’s Character at Camp Landscape Scan. https://bit.ly/3DqhBxG

ACA is seeking volunteers to review Character at Camp grant applications in the spring. If your camp is not applying for a grant, consider volunteering! Learn more about this volunteer position and apply. Applications will be accepted through February 7, 2025. https://bit.ly/401ysiQ

The latest blog in support of Project Real Job discusses one camp's experience creating a professional network to support staff in their careers and offers tips on how other camps can do the same. https://bit.ly/3BBPTxe

Join us for the Business of Camp Institute virtual webinar series! Each webinar will be 90 minutes and include a presentation by an expert followed by a Q&A. The first webinar is January 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET and will discuss work-life balance, burnout, and support of year-round staff. https://bit.ly/3Da7yfQ

ACA’s New Director Orientation (NDO) has been designed to help newer directors and supervisors develop the skills they need to be effective leaders for their camp program. Registration is now open for Cohort W, which begins January 13, 2025. https://bit.ly/3D9Iwxz

This week at ACA! Learn more about all upcoming events. https://bit.ly/3ZiMYTG

Staffing Summit FREE Virtual Follow-Up Conversation #1 We know that once the calendar turns to the new year, it is all systems "go" for recruiting, hiring, and retaining staff! Whether or not you were able to attend the Staffing Summit this past fall, we would love to have you join us on Thursday, January 9, at 2:00 pm EST for a chance to network with other camp pros and strategize on all things staffing as it pertains to this time of year. How does it work? Mara Berde (FJC faculty), Andy Kimmelman (Tumbleweed Day Camp), and Ari Polsky (HGF) will kick off the conversation by discussing common mistakes camps make in their applications and interviews. From there, various topics will be offered and you will be able to choose the breakout room that best suits your current staffing needs. Camp pros don't allow other camp pros to go through the staffing season alone. Let's do this together! #ProjectRealJob #WorkAtCamp #OneWayOutIsIn https://bit.ly/4fkZ96P

Register for the Quality Programs Level 1 and Level 2 as preconference workshops! These in-depth trainings focus on the safe and supportive practices that help young people thrive. Participants will gain new skills in evaluation, continuous improvement, and use of the Social Emotional Learning Program Quality Assessment for Camp tool for their camp. https://bit.ly/3VwtMPw

In this first blog of a four-part series, we describe the purpose of ACA’s Character at Camp Landscape and dive into the results. https://bit.ly/3DbZpHR