All Available Sessions

Sessions in Central Time

-11/19/2024

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Great Rivers Fall Conference - All Sessions in Central Time

11/19/2024 11:00 AM
Fall Conference - Tuesday

-11/19/2024

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Great Rivers Fall Conference - Tuesday

11/19/2024 12:00 PM
Camp Tours Preconference

Hands On -11/19/2024

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Camp Tours Preconference

11/19/2024 12:30 PM
Join us on Tuesday, November 19 for a fantastic afternoon of touring camps and the opportunity to connect with others. Each tour will highlight different programs and facilities that are unique to their site.

Stowe Heights Challenge Course: Stowe Heights Challenge Course is managed and staffed by Community Youth Concepts located on the East side of Des Moines, Iowa. Opening in 2020, Stowe Heights has a two-level high course, 6 permanent low course elements, and many portable challenge options to round out the program. SHCC serves a variety of youth and adult groups, guided by the principle of "Challenge by Choice". Half of the first level of the course and two of the low elements have been adapted to allow for participants that have mobility issues and/or use walkers or wheelchairs. In addition, they work with groups to be inclusive of any neurodiversity or other needs.

Living History Farms Day Camp: Since 1975, Living History Farms has been offering summer day camps. Living History Farms is a 500-acre outdoor, living history, agricultural museum in Urbandale, Iowa. During your time here, get an overview of how the museum's camp program operates, tour one of the museum's historic farms, and participate in a couple of the camp related activities.

Easterseals Iowa Camp Sunnyside: Easterseals Iowa offers fun, healthy programs for children, adults, and caregivers to relax, connect with friends and engage in constructive activities - all necessary to living the best life possible. Our camp and respite programs provide skills and confidence building for our campers while giving much-needed breaks for caregivers. Children and adults with and without disabilities enjoy all that Camp Sunnyside has to offer including canoeing, an animal farm, horseback riding, archery, nature trails, the Variety Club Rec Center, an accessible indoor pool, and the Meredith Tree House. Programs offered include Weeklong Overnight Resident Camp for both youth and adults, Children's Day Camp, and Teen and Young Adult Day Camp.

Conference Check-In

-11/19/2024

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Conference Check-In

11/19/2024 5:30 PM
Welcome to the Great Rivers Fall Conference! Please check-in at the Chapel.
Dinner at Camp

Meal / Break -11/19/2024

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Dinner at Camp

11/19/2024 6:00 PM

Location: Pine Room

Social Activity

Networking -11/19/2024

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Social Activity

11/19/2024 7:15 PM

Location: West Dining Room

Fall Conference - Wednesday

-11/20/2024

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Great Rivers Fall Conference - Wednesday

11/20/2024 7:30 AM
Breakfast

Meal / Break -11/20/2024

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Breakfast

11/20/2024 8:00 AM

Location: Pine Room

Conference Check-In & Networking

-11/20/2024

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Conference Check-In & Networking

11/20/2024 8:30 AM
Welcome to the Great Rivers Fall Conference! Please check-in at the Chapel.

Location: Chapel

Welcome & Opening Keynote

General Session -11/20/2024

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Welcome & Opening Keynote: Love What You Do! Increasing Engagement for You and Your Team

11/20/2024 9:30 AM
Love What You Do! Increasing Engagement for You and Your Team: This highly interactive session defines engagement and focuses on 3 key factors that increase engagement at work. The presentation includes a mix of thought-provoking discussion as well as dynamic activities to empower individuals to increase their own engagement as well as encourage managers to increase the engagement of the teams they lead.

Location: Chapel

Roz & Jed Buck are experienced former Camp Directors that continue to make a difference by speaking at conferences and training thousands of camp professionals every spring. From 2004-2016, they owned and directed Meadowbrook Day Camp, a large private day camp in New Jersey, where they trained a staff of over 400 each summer.

Since launching Roz and Jed Training & Consulting in 2016 their innovative training techniques and energetic presentations have consistently generated outstanding reviews at a wide variety of conferences including many ACA conferences. They successfully provide Two Voices, Customized Content, and Real Experience. Session organizers receive comments like "Easily the BEST session of the day", "TONS of great ideas to share with our staff!", "Fun, active, going to use this immediately!", and simply "AWESOME". In total, they have presented in 31 different states and Canada.

Over the past 20 years, they have been active ACA Volunteers sitting on local boards, the SCOPE board, chairing conferences and events, and Jed remains an ACA Standards Visitor and Instructor. Roz and Jed were joint recipients of the prestigious ACA Thelma Hurwitz Leadership Award in 2016.

Educational Breakout Session 1

-11/20/2024

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Educational Breakout Session 1

11/20/2024 11:15 AM
Hatchet Throwing at Summer Camp: A hands-on seminar exploring this exciting new activity

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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Hatchet Throwing at Summer Camp: A hands-on seminar exploring this exciting new activity

11/20/2024 11:15 AM
Looking for a fun, new summer camp activity? Heard about hatchet throwing but are afraid it's too dangerous for your organization? Attend this seminar to learn the basics of hatchet throwing safety, program design and even experience firsthand what it feels like to hit a bullseye for the first time!

Location: Meet in West Dining Room

Drew Demery is the owner and operator of That Summer Camp Guy, an independent LLC that leads effective, affordable camp staff training sessions and consultations. He is a former YMCA Camp Director and current ACA LCOL member.
 

Implementing Restorative Justice – What We Learned

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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Implementing Restorative Justice – What We Learned

11/20/2024 11:15 AM
In 2021 we committed to applying Restorative Justice practices at YMCA Camp Kitaki- learn what set us up for success in implementation of these practices, and how we've grown along the way. We'll demonstrate how we introduce this to our staff and take turns leading circles in small and large groups using nonviolent communication. This presentation will be part information -sharing, part hands-on practice!

Location: Chapel

Megan Kneifl has been working in camping since 2011 and is currently the Associate Executive Director at YMCA Camp Kitaki in Louisville, Nebraska. She started her camp journey at Kitaki, and after working at camps in Pennsylvania and North Dakota she loves being back in Nebraska.

Shayla McNear is a Program Director at YMCA Camp Kitaki and oversees the Outdoor Education & Retreats programs.

Olivia Nelson is a Program Director at YMCA Camp Kitaki and oversees the year-round counselor-in-training teen program, as well as summer tripping programs.

Organizing Documentation for an ACA Visit

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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Organizing Documentation for an ACA Visit

11/20/2024 11:15 AM
In this session we will explore the ACA Accreditation resources and how to make the best use of the portal. We will discuss paper documentation and digital documentation. And there will be discussion about what visitors need to see and how best to share.

Location: Activity Center

Lori Rosene is a current ACA visitor (since 2000), and a member of the Extensions-Accreditation Committee.  Lori is also a former Standards Chair, Standards and Associate Visitor Instructor. As well as a retired Camp Director.  Lori has been a Red Cross Instructor since 1972.  She has been certified as an Instructor as a WSI, Canoe, Lifeguard with Waterfront Module, Wilderness and Remote First Aid, and Babysitting. Currently certified instructor in Lifeguarding with Waterfront module, CPRO, Basic Life Support, First Aid, CPR and AED, Skill Boost: Life-Threatening Bleeding and Tourniquet Application.

Lunch

Meal / Break -11/20/2024

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Lunch

11/20/2024 12:15 PM

Location: Pine Room

Problem-Solving Roundtables

General Session -11/20/2024

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Problem-Solving Roundtables

11/20/2024 1:15 PM
Come prepared to share a challenge you've encountered in your program and provide advice to help others with their challenges.

Location: Chapel

Educational Breakout Session 2

-11/20/2024

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Educational Breakout Session 2

11/20/2024 2:30 PM
Make Every Minute Count – Roz & Jed Buck, Roz and Jed Training & Consulting

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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Make Every Minute Count – Roz & Jed Buck, Roz and Jed Training & Consulting

11/20/2024 2:30 PM
How do you make every minute of the day a unique and special part of your program experience? How do you mitigate unexpected program consequences like surprise rain or an absent staff member? How do you and your fellow staff members turn down-time into fun-time all the time? Join us for this interactive session to learn/play a creative collection of easy games and activities that you and your team can add to your toolbox as you prepare to make every minute count!

Location: Chapel

Roz & Jed Buck are experienced former Camp Directors that continue to make a difference by speaking at conferences and training thousands of camp professionals every spring. From 2004-2016, they owned and directed Meadowbrook Day Camp, a large private day camp in New Jersey, where they trained a staff of over 400 each summer.

Since launching Roz and Jed Training & Consulting in 2016 their innovative training techniques and energetic presentations have consistently generated outstanding reviews at a wide variety of conferences including many ACA conferences. They successfully provide Two Voices, Customized Content, and Real Experience. Session organizers receive comments like "Easily the BEST session of the day", "TONS of great ideas to share with our staff!", "Fun, active, going to use this immediately!", and simply "AWESOME". In total, they have presented in 31 different states and Canada.

Over the past 20 years, they have been active ACA Volunteers sitting on local boards, the SCOPE board, chairing conferences and events, and Jed remains an ACA Standards Visitor and Instructor. Roz and Jed were joint recipients of the prestigious ACA Thelma Hurwitz Leadership Award in 2016.

Substantially Increase Laundry Efficiency & Throughput by Installing Commercial Washers/Dryers

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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Substantially Increase Laundry Efficiency & Throughput by Installing Commercial Washers/Dryers

11/20/2024 2:30 PM
During peak season, laundry can be a significant challenge due to continual guest turnover. Are commercial laundry machines the right choice? With the goal of improving performance and efficiency, Von will guide you in choosing equipment that best fits your space, maximizing its utilization, evaluating utility requirements, optimizing workflow, while also identifying potential problems relating to building design and utilities.

Location: West Dining Room

Von Kennedy has over 20 years of commercial on-premise laundry experience across various industries, including hospitality, nursing homes, law enforcement, athletics, and others. He is skilled in laundry design and implementation - matching equipment to specific laundry needs, determining the required utilities, and working alongside site staff and contractors.

Tour of Wesley Woods

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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Tour of Wesley Woods

11/20/2024 2:30 PM
Join a member of the Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center for a tour of their beautiful property.

Location: Meet Outside the Lodge

WHO Wrote Your Pool/Lake EAP?

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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WHO Wrote Your Pool/Lake EAP?

11/20/2024 2:30 PM
The newest revision to Red Cross Lifeguarding has made several changes that may make revisions to your Emergency Action Plan necessary. These changes may be as simple as terminology to significant changes in who does what and when. Bring your current EAP to see how it stacks up and how your plan best utilizes the training your Lifeguards are receiving. As time allows, newer Red Cross resources will be shared, as well as training requirements instructors must follow.

Location: Activity Center

Lori Rosene is a current ACA visitor (since 2000), and a member of the Extensions-Accreditation Committee.  Lori is also a former Standards Chair, Standards and Associate Visitor Instructor. As well as a retired Camp Director.  Lori has been a Red Cross Instructor since 1972.  She has been certified as an Instructor as a WSI, Canoe, Lifeguard with Waterfront Module, Wilderness and Remote First Aid, and Babysitting. Currently certified instructor in Lifeguarding with Waterfront module, CPRO, Basic Life Support, First Aid, CPR and AED, Skill Boost: Life-Threatening Bleeding and Tourniquet Application.

Educational Breakout Session 3

-11/20/2024

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Educational Breakout Sessions 3

11/20/2024 3:45 PM
Build Culture through Play

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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Build Culture through Play

11/20/2024 3:46 PM
The first couple days of staff training and the first 24hrs of campers arriving set the tone for the rest of their time at camp. We can sometimes get lost in policies and emergency procedures. Let's play some group games to help create energy, build friendships and create trust to ensure that camp culture is positive and inviting. We will play my favorites and you can share some of yours!

Location: Chapel

Kali Tomlinson has been a camp pro for over 15 years and has worked at camps in 5 different states. Her favorite camp activities are swimming and all camp activities. In the shoulder seasons, she loves to research new activities for both campers and staff to keep camp exciting.

Building SEL Skills with Intention

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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Building SEL Skills with Intention

11/20/2024 3:46 PM
Cultivating Social and Emotional Learning skills through programs is something you are likely already doing, but how are you making sure the concepts are understood and applied? We’ll use games and activities to guide participants through discussions around SEL skills, challenge by choice, inclusion, adaptability, and equity in a fun and interactive manner.

Location: West Dining Room


Julie Cackler is a Training and Professional Development Manager with 14 years of experience at Community Youth Concepts and over 20 years of Challenge Course and Portable Challenge facilitation. Her roles in education, special education, youth development and camps as well as personal experience as a parent and advocate have created a passion for inclusion for participants of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, with a special interest in programs that welcome neuro-diversity. She has additional experience through her roles of Certified Prevention Specialist and being a certified external assessor using the Youth Program Quality Assessment tool from the Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality.

Development Planning for Small to Mid-Sized Camps

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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Development Planning for Small to Mid-Sized Camps

11/20/2024 3:46 PM
How do I raise money without a development department or staff? We will look at what the goals should be and practical ways to create an effective development program for your camp if you are a smaller or mid-sized operation without a development team to help.

Location: Activity Center

Dave Sherry is the President of The Sherry Group (TSG).  TSG does camp and other nonprofit consulting, specializing in operations, board development, strategic planning, fundraising, site planning and design and coaching.  Dave is married to Kate, and they have three adult children, a daughter-in-law and one grandchild.  They live in Boone, Iowa and enjoy spending time together as a family and being outdoors.

Educational Breakout Session 4

-11/20/2024

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Educational Breakout Sessions 4

11/20/2024 5:00 PM
Let’s See if You’re Charging Enough – A Workshop

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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Let’s See if You’re Charging Enough – A Workshop

11/20/2024 5:00 PM
We will take a look at budgets - in particular we will look at your budget. We will provide a step-by-step process to check your camp's or program's break-even point. Learn how to write budgets with the objective of knowing where you need to be to break even. We will lead the group through their own budgets (don't worry - we will not need your actual numbers if you don't have them - we will ballpark) and share our simple process. Bring your pencils and let's check your pricing together.

Location: Activity Center

Dave Sherry is the President of The Sherry Group (TSG).  TSG does camp and other nonprofit consulting, specializing in operations, board development, strategic planning, fundraising, site planning and design and coaching.  Dave is married to Kate, and they have three adult children, a daughter-in-law and one grandchild.  They live in Boone, Iowa and enjoy spending time together as a family and being outdoors.

No Experience Required: Incorporating STEM into your Youth Programming

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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No Experience Required: Incorporating STEM into your Youth Programming

11/20/2024 5:00 PM
In this interactive session, discover practical strategies for integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) into your youth programming. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned programmer, you will leave with the tools necessary to both plan and facilitate programs that foster curiosity and inspire creativity with your participants.

Location: Chapel

Jessica Packard brings her experience in both formal and informal education to her current role with the City of Kansas City, Mo. Parks & Recreation. Her passion is making STEAM programming accessible and affordable for facilitators of all backgrounds. Jessica has worked with Kansas City STEM Alliance, University of Missouri Extension Missouri Master Naturalists (MMN), The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Civil Air Patrol (CAP) U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, The American Meteorological Society (AMS), National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), and The Global Ocean Global Biogeochemical Array (GO-BGC) to bring STEM opportunities to her community and develop herself as a STEM programmer.

“Oh No the B Word” How to Handle Behavior Management in the Camp Setting

Concurrent Session -11/20/2024

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“Oh No the B Word” How to Handle Behavior Management in the Camp Setting

11/20/2024 5:01 PM
As more and more kids are coming to camp with mental health diagnoses, we need to comprehensively address how camps are addressing these topics. We will identify, define, and develop a plan for how to handle behavior management in the summer camp setting, develop comprehensive plans, and share how to go about staff training and addressing the needs in your camp.

Location: West Dining Room

Cory Greene is the Camp Director of Wildwood Outdoor Education Center in Kansas.  It is a day and overnight camp that serves low-income families in the great Kansas City Area.  Previously, he was the Camp Director of Talisman Summer Camp, a special needs camp for children with autism in North Carolina.  He was on staff there for 12 years becoming Director from 2020-2024.  He also has over 27 years' experience in the camping profession serving in wilderness therapy, summer camps, outdoor education and working in the school system. 

Dinner & Awards

Meal / Break -11/20/2024

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Dinner & Awards

11/20/2024 6:00 PM
Each year, ACA, Great Rivers recognizes individuals and organizations who represent the best in ACA camping efforts. This year's categories are: Outstanding Organization, Distinguished Service and Friend of Camping.

Location: Pine Room

Fall Conference - Thursday

-11/21/2024

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Great Rivers Fall Conference - Thursday

11/21/2024 7:30 AM
Breakfast

Meal / Break -11/21/2024

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Breakfast

11/21/2024 8:00 AM

Location: Pine Room

Educational Breakout Session 5

-11/21/2024

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Educational Breakout Session 5

11/21/2024 9:00 AM
Geocaching 101

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Geocaching 101

11/21/2024 9:00 AM
In this presentation we will go over the basics of geocaching, why it is beneficial for camps or special events, and everything you need to know to develop your own course. We will have a chance to go out and find geocaches hidden around camp property.

Location: Meet in Activity Center

Tommy Owens is an Omaha native is currently a Recreation Coordinator with City of Omaha Parks and Recreation. He currently manages Adams Park Community Center in North Omaha in addition to a youth day camp during the summer months. When not at work, he enjoys fishing, hiking and camping.