Back

All Available Sessions

Heart of the South Fall Gathering

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Heart of the South Fall Gathering

10/19/2021 8:25 AM
Sponsor Gallery

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Sponsor Gallery

10/19/2021 8:26 AM
Welcome Bag

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Welcome Bag

10/19/2021 8:27 AM
Welcome/Registration/Social Time

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Welcome/Registration/Social Time

10/19/2021 8:30 AM
Opening Keynote--The Rock Star Camp Counselor

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Opening Keynote - The Rock Star Camp Counselor

10/19/2021 9:00 AM
Becoming an amazing counselor takes time, dedication, and practice. Jason LeVasseur is a current summer camp program director with over 30 summers at camp as both a camper and counselor. In addition, he is an award-winning performer! As a touring musician, he has shared the stage with John Mayer, The Roots, Dave Matthews, Train, Ludacris, J. Cole, LMFAO, and Maroon 5. Join Jason at the opening keynote and celebrate everything about you that makes you an amazing “Rock Star Camp Counselor” Jason will share stories, sing songs, and get you excited about the influential role that you play as an amazing friend, team member, and mentor!

Jason's photo

Jason LeVasseur, The Rock Star Project 

Jason LeVasseur is leadership speaker, workshop facilitator, summer camp program director, award-winning music performer, & the creator and creative director of The Rock Star Project® – a collection of original programs that combine Jason’s knowledge in both teaching and music into his “Rock Star Leadership” framework.

Jason graduated with a double major in education and philosophy from Wake Forest University, with plans to become a high school English teacher, 3 season athletic coach, and residential summer camp counselor. While student-teaching in the spring of his senior year he began recording his first CD with his campus rock band. Upon the album’s release his band gained instant regional recognition so he decided to postpone the classroom teaching for a year. 

25 years, 13 CDs, and 21 performance awards later - Jason is still “taking a year off”. However, this successful touring life did not keep Jason from his teaching. He has continued his work in leadership education over the years as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, summer camp counselor, wilderness guide, and is the current Program Director for the same residential summer camp he attended as a camper.

During the academic year Jason travels and works with companies, associations, schools, colleges, and teams across the country - helping them realize their influential role at home, work, on campus, at school, and in their community. 

In March of 2020 Jason created the online group called "The Virtual Event Ideas Community" which now serves as a resource to over 10,000 community leaders, teachers, students, and higher education professionals. He has quickly become one of the most skilled virtual presenters in the industry and was named the 2020 "Virtual Artist of The Year" by The Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA). He also received the 2020 "NACA Legend Award" (National Association for Campus Activities) for his body of work in higher education. 

Jason’s team-building expertise and ability to captivate a crowd guide all of his keynotes and workshops, skillfully teaching his audiences the tools to strengthen their own relationships and elevate their own influence and impact. His diverse experience in working with over 2,500 campuses, businesses, camps, and associations has given Jason a broad perspective on what is important for students, teams and team leaders to succeed. 

 

Break

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Break

10/19/2021 10:30 AM
Campers to Counselors - Your Greatest Recruitment Tool

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Campers to Counselors - Your Greatest Recruitment Tool

10/19/2021 10:45 AM
In this workshop Jason will share the history of his camp’s successful camper to counselor transition program, The “Aides” program. The “Aides” program has resulted in a stellar staff where 82% of the staff are certified lifeguards and the counselor average for years at camp is eleven! Jason will explain how you can develop your own program, plant the seeds to grow campers into counselors, and build camp and brand loyalty for years to come.

Jason's photo

Jason LeVasseur, The Rock Star Project 

Jason LeVasseur is leadership speaker, workshop facilitator, summer camp program director, award-winning music performer, & the creator and creative director of The Rock Star Project® – a collection of original programs that combine Jason’s knowledge in both teaching and music into his “Rock Star Leadership” framework.

Jason graduated with a double major in education and philosophy from Wake Forest University, with plans to become a high school English teacher, 3 season athletic coach, and residential summer camp counselor. While student-teaching in the spring of his senior year he began recording his first CD with his campus rock band. Upon the album’s release his band gained instant regional recognition so he decided to postpone the classroom teaching for a year. 

25 years, 13 CDs, and 21 performance awards later - Jason is still “taking a year off”. However, this successful touring life did not keep Jason from his teaching. He has continued his work in leadership education over the years as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, summer camp counselor, wilderness guide, and is the current Program Director for the same residential summer camp he attended as a camper.

During the academic year Jason travels and works with companies, associations, schools, colleges, and teams across the country - helping them realize their influential role at home, work, on campus, at school, and in their community. 

In March of 2020 Jason created the online group called "The Virtual Event Ideas Community" which now serves as a resource to over 10,000 community leaders, teachers, students, and higher education professionals. He has quickly become one of the most skilled virtual presenters in the industry and was named the 2020 "Virtual Artist of The Year" by The Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA). He also received the 2020 "NACA Legend Award" (National Association for Campus Activities) for his body of work in higher education. 

Jason’s team-building expertise and ability to captivate a crowd guide all of his keynotes and workshops, skillfully teaching his audiences the tools to strengthen their own relationships and elevate their own influence and impact. His diverse experience in working with over 2,500 campuses, businesses, camps, and associations has given Jason a broad perspective on what is important for students, teams and team leaders to succeed. 

 

Games Galore!

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Games Galore!

10/19/2021 10:45 AM
Energizers, icebreakers, games, fillers - whatever your camp calls them - we’ll play as many as we can pack into an hour (or so). Whether this session is just for your enjoyment or to infuse some new games for your camp, come ready to play and laugh. Games are for staff and campers alike. A list of what we’ll be playing will be posted at our session. Life is more fun if you play games. - Roald Dahl

Anne's photo

Anne Weinberg, Educator and ACA Heart of the South Standards Chair

Anne Weinberg is the current Standards Chair for ACA Heart of the South as well as a Standards Instructor and Visitor. She began her camping career at age four, attended both day and resident camps, and has held a variety of camp positions. She has presented sessions for staff trainings and at ACA, Y, and Parks & Rec conferences. An ACA member since 1989, she has served in Ohio as Education Chair, Vice President, and a Visitor. In 2007, ACA Ohio presented Anne with the Oak Leaf Appreciation Award for her demonstrated service and special contribution to the overalll philosophy of the ACA movement and the Ohio Section. 

Lunch and Networking

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Lunch and Networking

10/19/2021 11:45 AM
10 Great Energizers to Engage Your Audience

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

10 Great Energizers to Engage Your Audience

10/19/2021 1:00 PM
In this workshop, Jason will teach you 10 great activities that you can use to energize your meetings, have fun with campers during transitions, and apply to your own public speaking toolkit.

Jason's photo

Jason LeVasseur, The Rock Star Project 

Jason LeVasseur is leadership speaker, workshop facilitator, summer camp program director, award-winning music performer, & the creator and creative director of The Rock Star Project® – a collection of original programs that combine Jason’s knowledge in both teaching and music into his “Rock Star Leadership” framework.

Jason graduated with a double major in education and philosophy from Wake Forest University, with plans to become a high school English teacher, 3 season athletic coach, and residential summer camp counselor. While student-teaching in the spring of his senior year he began recording his first CD with his campus rock band. Upon the album’s release his band gained instant regional recognition so he decided to postpone the classroom teaching for a year. 

25 years, 13 CDs, and 21 performance awards later - Jason is still “taking a year off”. However, this successful touring life did not keep Jason from his teaching. He has continued his work in leadership education over the years as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, summer camp counselor, wilderness guide, and is the current Program Director for the same residential summer camp he attended as a camper.

During the academic year Jason travels and works with companies, associations, schools, colleges, and teams across the country - helping them realize their influential role at home, work, on campus, at school, and in their community. 

In March of 2020 Jason created the online group called "The Virtual Event Ideas Community" which now serves as a resource to over 10,000 community leaders, teachers, students, and higher education professionals. He has quickly become one of the most skilled virtual presenters in the industry and was named the 2020 "Virtual Artist of The Year" by The Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA). He also received the 2020 "NACA Legend Award" (National Association for Campus Activities) for his body of work in higher education. 

Jason’s team-building expertise and ability to captivate a crowd guide all of his keynotes and workshops, skillfully teaching his audiences the tools to strengthen their own relationships and elevate their own influence and impact. His diverse experience in working with over 2,500 campuses, businesses, camps, and associations has given Jason a broad perspective on what is important for students, teams and team leaders to succeed. 

Inclusion: What it is, what it looks like and how to obtain it

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Inclusion: What it is, what it looks like and how to obtain it

10/19/2021 1:00 PM
Do you want to provide more inclusion in your programs? Do you know how to interact with people with disabilities? Do you know what true inclusion looks like? Come join us for an interactive session on inclusion.

Molly's photo

Molly Orr, Recreation and Parks Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish (BREC)

Molly Orr is the Adaptive Recreation Manager for the Recreation and Parks Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish (BREC), overseeing and revitalizing all recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the parish.  She began working with individuals with disabilities as a volunteer for The Arc Baton Rouge while attending college.  After graduating with a BA in Communication Disorders and a MS in Sport Administration, Molly combined her education, volunteer work and love of sports to begin a career in adaptive sports and recreation.  She has worked with Special Olympics in many capacities from state level programing and event management to National Games and World Games. She has also worked for The Arc Baton Rouge as the Inclusive Recreation Coordinator where she worked with community partners to provide inclusive recreation and volunteer opportunities; as well as for The Autism Society of North Carolina building and developing a Social Recreation program for children and adults on the Autism Spectrum. Molly is an advocate for people’s abilities and loves every day that she can help someone find their voice, confidence, and self-expression.

Break

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Break

10/19/2021 2:00 PM
Creating a Culture of Wellbeing: Mighty Minds of Resilience

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Creating a Culture of Wellbeing: Mighty Minds of Resilience

10/19/2021 2:15 PM
Summer camp 2021 was a challenge to say the least. Especially for staff who worked at camp and gained insight regarding the impact of COVID on the lives of youth and peers. Individuals arrived at camp from states of isolation, loneliness, fear, and frustration. This session will outline some key challenges during summer camp 2021 and the steps many camps took to help staff manage the mental and emotional challenges of a rigorous season of fun!

photo

Tracey Gaslin, PhD, CPNP, FNP-BC, CRNI, RN-BC, Association of Camp Nursing

Tracey Gaslin is a professor and dual-certified nurse practitioner.  She has a PhD in Educational and Organizational Leadership and taught for 10 years.   Tracey periodically works as a camp consultant and publishes in the areas of camp nursing and leadership.  She served as medical director at a special needs camp for six years.  She currently serves as the executive director for the Association of Camp Nursing where she travels throughout the US and Canada educating healthcare providers about camp health.

Mastering The Art of Persuasion - Recruiting Staff!

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Mastering The Art of Persuasion - Recruiting Staff!

10/19/2021 2:15 PM
Ok, the title is a little dramatic, but it got your attention! In this workshop Jason will review the latest findings of ACA’s “Project Real Job”. Attendees will receive the new “Project Real Job Recruitment and Retention Toolkit”, summer camp staff recruitment handouts, social media resources, and learn the best practices in staff recruitment and retention.

Jason's photo

Jason LeVasseur, The Rock Star Project 

Jason LeVasseur is leadership speaker, workshop facilitator, summer camp program director, award-winning music performer, & the creator and creative director of The Rock Star Project® – a collection of original programs that combine Jason’s knowledge in both teaching and music into his “Rock Star Leadership” framework.

Jason graduated with a double major in education and philosophy from Wake Forest University, with plans to become a high school English teacher, 3 season athletic coach, and residential summer camp counselor. While student-teaching in the spring of his senior year he began recording his first CD with his campus rock band. Upon the album’s release his band gained instant regional recognition so he decided to postpone the classroom teaching for a year. 

25 years, 13 CDs, and 21 performance awards later - Jason is still “taking a year off”. However, this successful touring life did not keep Jason from his teaching. He has continued his work in leadership education over the years as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, summer camp counselor, wilderness guide, and is the current Program Director for the same residential summer camp he attended as a camper.

During the academic year Jason travels and works with companies, associations, schools, colleges, and teams across the country - helping them realize their influential role at home, work, on campus, at school, and in their community. 

In March of 2020 Jason created the online group called "The Virtual Event Ideas Community" which now serves as a resource to over 10,000 community leaders, teachers, students, and higher education professionals. He has quickly become one of the most skilled virtual presenters in the industry and was named the 2020 "Virtual Artist of The Year" by The Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA). He also received the 2020 "NACA Legend Award" (National Association for Campus Activities) for his body of work in higher education. 

Jason’s team-building expertise and ability to captivate a crowd guide all of his keynotes and workshops, skillfully teaching his audiences the tools to strengthen their own relationships and elevate their own influence and impact. His diverse experience in working with over 2,500 campuses, businesses, camps, and associations has given Jason a broad perspective on what is important for students, teams and team leaders to succeed. 

Closing

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Closing

10/19/2021 3:30 PM
Bonus-Camp Holloway Tour

-10/19/2021

You Selected This Session

Bonus-Camp Holloway Tour

10/19/2021 3:45 PM
Join us for an optional tour of Camp Holloway