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Calendar of Upcoming Events

2008 Resident Camp Conference
Tuesday, September 16 – Wednesday, September 17

Hosted by:
Southwoods, Paradox Lake, New York
Camp Echo Lake, Warrensburg, New York
Brant Lake Camp, Brant Lake, New York
Point O' Pines Camp for Girls, Brant Lake, New York

This American Camp Association-NY Conference is a two day conference committed solely to the enhancement of Resident Camps, their owners, directors, staff and campers. This year's program will consist of four 'resident camp' tours and discussion throughout the day with your peers on various resident camp issues and topics.

Come network with your peers and learn how other camps run their facilities and summer programs!

There will be special guided tours for camp maintenance staff by host camps' maintenance personnel. You just need to indicate who your maintenance staff is on the registration form.
 
Not-For-Profit Summer Wrap Up (PDF)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 — 9AM-4:30PM
Fresh Air Fund, Fishkill, NY
Join other Not for Profit Resident Camps serving low income clientele for a day of touring and sharing. The program will begin with a tour of Fresh Air Fund's Camp Mariah and Camp ABC. After a networking lunch sharing your challenges and successes from the summer, choose from two of five facilitated sessions to discuss camper and staff recruitment and behavior, and outcome measurement.
Draft Schedule
9AM – 9:30AM: Breakfast at The Fresh Air Fund, Camp Mariah
9:30AM – 12PM: Welcome and Camp Tours
12PM – 1PM: Lunch and Successes/Challenges Discussion
1PM – 1:30PM: Activity Sharing*
1:45PM – 2:45PM: Breakout Groups 1(camper behavior and staff recruitment)
3PM – 4PM: Breakout Groups 2 (camper recruitment and staff management, outcome measurement)
4PM – 4:30PM: Wrap-up and Departure
* All participants are encouraged to bring at least one new activity that worked well at their camp to share with their peers.
 
The Ben Appelbaum Day Camp Conference (PDF Registration)
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Time: Coming Soon...
Spring Lake Day Camp, Ringwood, NJ

The Ben Appelbaum Day Camp Conference is a one day conference committed solely to the enhancement of Day Camps, their owners, directors, staff and campers.  Come join us for an tour of Spring Lake Day Camp followed by lunch and an afternoon of educational programming.  This is one off-season event for day camp owners, operators and staff, not to be missed!

Directions to Spring Lake Day Camp
 

Associate Visitor Course (14-16 hours)
October 17-18 2008
YMCA Camp Bernie, Port Murray, NJ
Purpose is to prepare persons to serve as Associate Visitors in the Standards program. Participants must have attended the Standards Course and, if necessary, a Standards Update Course prior to attending the Associate Visitor Course.

Standards Course Enrollment Form (PDF)

Job description for Associate Visitors:  http://www.acacamps.org/accreditation/visitjd.php  
 

New Directors Orientation Course (PDF)
Thursday, October 30, 2008 from 9:30am–5:30 pm
Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, Livingston, NJ

This 8-hour interactive course, developed by ACA-National, provides an overview on key aspect of the camp director’s job. Who should attend?

  • Seasonal or new camp directors
  • Assistant directors
  • Program directors
  • Camp staff that have been in other administrative positions and are considering directing camp in the near future
This course will cover core areas of camp management with special focus on leadership, risk management, camper behavior, staff training and supervision. Upon completion of this one-day course, the ACA National office will mail you a certificate, suitable for framing.

Download the registration form (PDF)
 
Influencing Behavior: 3 times the fun!
Jay Frankel
Wednesday, November 5, 9:30-3:00pm
Camp Kiddie Keep Well, Edison, NJ 08837

Maximize your ability to manage the behaviors of all three of your camp's stakeholders, the Campers, Parents, and Staff. Join Jay Frankel & the actors of True To Life Training as they demonstrate realistic tactics to influencing & serving these 3 unique, yet parallel populations. As with all sessions led by True To Life, Influencing Behavior: 3 times the fun! will focus on tangible tools, encourage various opinions, and share lots of laughs! Jay and his team will demonstrate the relevant skills needed to succeed as today's camp professional by combining the power of influential interpersonal skills with a clear organizational mission. All levels of leadership staff can benefit from this all day event. More information and registration.
 
Student Camp Leadership Academy
Empowering Tomorrow's Camp Professional 
November 7-9 2008, Camp White Eagle in Leaf River, Illinois.  Application deadline Oct. 15

The Student Camp Leadership Academy (SCLA) is a weekend retreat that brings camp professionals and students together with national ACA staff members to discuss the camp professional of the future. Participants will explore and ultimately learn more about what our future camp leaders will be like, what they may expect from the profession, what their impact will be on the development of youth, and several other topics. Also to be covered will be the leadership opportunities that exist within the ACA at both the local and national levels.To learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process at www.acacamps.org/scla. But hurry--the deadline is Oct. 15.
 
Lead, Excel & Develop (L.E.A.D. )
1st Retreat - January 30-February 1st , Location TBD
ACA Tri-State Camp Conference: March 19-20, Atlantic City Convention Center
Retreat #2 April 3-4, YMCA Camp Bernie, Port Murray, NJ

Download the registration form and participation agreement (PDF)

L.E.A.D’s mission is to identify high caliber teen leaders from throughout the membership of ACA-NJ who show potential for making an impact in camp leadership.

This program has been designed to give current high school juniors and seniors, an opportunity to see the “behind-the-scenes” of running camp and open them to the idea of camping as a profession.  Through two weekend retreats and attendance at the ACA Tri-State Camp Conference, teens will be shown how camp is really a year-round job and how camp can be applied to the rest of their life.  We will also cover the impact of camp on children, building camp programs, camp budgeting, and teambuilding. 

All teen participants must be accompanied by a senior member of their camp staff who will participate by offering additional growth opportunities and valuable exercises.

For more information please contact LEAD Chairman, Scott Lantzman, at either 973-597-3699 or director@GesherFun.org
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ACA, New Jersey Contact Info
P.O. Box 672
Pittstown, NJ 08867
Mary Ellen Folsom,
Executive Director
executive@ACAcampsnj.org

P: 908-238-9900
P: 877-488-2267