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All Available Sessions

Sessions in Eastern Time

-11/19/2024

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Sessions in Eastern Time

11/19/2024 8:00 AM
CampWell Training Tuesday Nov. 19

-11/19/2024

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CampWell Training - Tuesday November 19

11/19/2024 12:00 PM

Location: Blue Building

CampWell Check-In

-11/19/2024

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CampWell Check-In

11/19/2024 12:01 PM

Location: Blue Building

CampWell Training Wednesday Nov.20

-11/20/2024

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CampWell Training - Wednesday November 20

11/20/2024 8:00 AM

Location: Blue Building

Lunch

Meal / Break -11/20/2024

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Lunch

11/20/2024 12:00 PM

Location: Jameson Center

Stories Around the Campfire

Networking -11/20/2024

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Stories Around the Campfire

11/20/2024 5:00 PM
Join your fellow IYPC grantees to share stories of your grant experience around the campfire! Whether you have participated in the workshop series about data storytelling or not, gather round to hear stories of success, challenges overcome, ideas for the future, and the impact of IYPC camps across Indiana. You’ll have about 5 minutes to share your favorite story (and for those of you who were able to participate in the storytelling workshop, choose your favorite framework, and an audience that feels challenging or intimidating). We can’t wait to hear your favorite IYPC stories as we get ready for phase two of the grant in 2025.
Indiana Camp Summit Thursday Nov.21

-11/21/2024

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Indiana Camp Summit - Thursday November 21

11/21/2024 7:30 AM

Location: Jameson Center

Check-In & Continental Breakfast

-11/21/2024

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Check-In & Continental Breakfast

11/21/2024 8:15 AM
Welcome to the Indiana Camp Summit! Check-in at the Jameson Center and enjoy a continental breakfast while you network.

Location: Jameson Center

Welcome & Icebreakers

General Session -11/21/2024

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Welcome & Icebreakers

11/21/2024 9:15 AM

Location: Jameson Center

Educational Breakout Session 1

-11/21/2024

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Educational Breakout Session 1

11/21/2024 9:50 AM
Empowering Inclusive Camp Programs: Designing Culturally Affirming Curriculum and Activities

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Empowering Inclusive Camp Programs: Designing Culturally Affirming Curriculum and Activities

11/21/2024 9:50 AM
Looking to create a camp experience where every camper feels valued, respected, and seen for who they truly are? Join Dr. Tim in this powerful, interactive session designed specifically for camp professionals ready to make a lasting impact on the youth they serve. Discover the transformative power of culturally affirming activities and learn how to build programs that foster belonging, curiosity, and critical thinking. Participants will dive into actionable strategies for identifying and addressing bias and microaggressions, all while learning how to design inclusive camp programs that celebrate diversity and increase belonging at camp. You'll leave equipped with practical tools and insights to create a camp environment where every camper thrives—empowering you to be a catalyst for positive change, equity, and inclusion. Don’t miss this opportunity to lead the way in creating meaningful, inclusive experiences for all youth!

Location: Peace Center

Dr. Timothy A. Raines (he/him) is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant specializing in Cultural Competency and Inclusive Leadership Principles. His journey as a scientist, cultural navigator, equity educator, and inclusion advocate has left an indelible mark in academia and beyond. With certifications as an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator, a Leadership Practices Inventory® Coach, and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®), Dr. Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field. Passionate about fostering inclusive environments, Dr. Tim has dedicated his career to mentoring and coaching individuals and organizations to create spaces where everyone can thrive.

Lead Like Your Hair’s On Fire: Unlocking the Secret to Student Engagement

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Lead Like Your Hair’s On Fire: Unlocking the Secret to Student Engagement

11/21/2024 9:50 AM
Brain research shows that you either have student’s attention or they are making meaning on their own – never both at the same time! We must enter the arena prepared to start a fire that sparks students’ attention rather than demands it. This highly interactive workshop is chocked full of “fire-starting” strategies and activities to get and keep campers (Both students & adults!) engaged and having fun as they learn.

Location: Blue Building

Tyler Huston is the Operations Director for ULEAD Inc. based in Goshen, IN. He attended Indiana Wesleyan University and holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. He has over a decade of work experience serving youth and college students in the outdoor recreation and experiential education fields. Tyler’s career path has led him to serve with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, Second Nature (Wilderness Therapy) and 9 years as the Director of Experiential Learning at Indiana Wesleyan University. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys any opportunity to canoe a river, bike a trail, or camp under the stars. Tyler also considers himself a hobby farmer in the making and pursues the grounded consistency of raising chickens and gardening with his wife and four young children.

Recruitment and Retention Best Practices – Ideas that work!

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Recruitment and Retention Best Practices – Ideas that work!

11/21/2024 9:50 AM
This session will explore best practices and 'ideas that work' from fellow camp professionals. Drawing on insights from over four national ACA staffing summits, Julie will present innovative ideas for recruiting and retaining camp staff. In this session, we will collaborate to transform these best practices into actionable strategies tailored for residential, day camps, and camps on-campus settings.

Location: Concannon Room

Julie Knapp, PhD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Internship Coordinator at Indiana University-Bloomington. She teaches within parks and recreation focused areas and in her role as Internship Coordinator, has worked with a variety of summer camps on facilitating internship and practicum experiences for college students. Julie currently serves as a member of ACA's Staff Recruitment and Retention Committee.

Crisis – It Can Really Happen to You

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Crisis – It Can Really Happen to You

11/21/2024 9:51 AM
Join us for an interactive session on lessons learned from the 2024 ACA Camp Crisis Hotline calls. We’ll highlight key areas of concern and tough questions camps faced, based on ACA’s 2024 data. Gain insights into unexpected situations, emerging issues, and explore real case studies to understand lessons learned. You’ll also receive practical guidance and key considerations for refining your policies, practices, and improving preparedness for emergencies and crises in camp operations.

Location: Jameson Center

Tamara Korth currently serves as the Central Region Director for the American Camp Association (ACA). Tamara has worked in youth development and education for more than three decades, from teaching at the middle and high school levels, directing both day and resident camps, as well as out-of-school-time programs. 

Featured Panel

Panel Discussion -11/21/2024

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Featured Panel

11/21/2024 11:00 AM
The featured panel will focus on problem-solving. Panelists will share an issue they ran into and then as small groups we will talk through how to think about the problem and then brainstorm some possible solutions.

Location: Jameson Center

Lunch

Meal / Break -11/21/2024

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Lunch

11/21/2024 12:10 PM

Location: Jameson Center

Problem-Solving Roundtables

General Session -11/21/2024

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Problem-Solving Roundtables

11/21/2024 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: Jameson Center

Educational Breakout Session 2

-11/21/2024

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Educational Breakout Session 2

11/21/2024 2:15 PM
Indiana Department of Health's Youth Camp Program

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Indiana Department of Health's Youth Camp Program

11/21/2024 2:15 PM
Come and learn what to expect from your Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) inspector. Various aspects and expectations of the IDOH's Youth Camp rule, 410 IAC 6-7.2 will be discussed. The IDOH operates a more wholistic youth camp regulatory program for camps operating with ten (10) or more campers staying on site for 72 hours or more. Before you leave you should know how to find your inspector, navigate IDOH's Youth Camp website, and interpret your individual inspection reports. I will also discuss what is expected if a camp owner/operator would like to rent their property to an outside group to run their own week/s of youth camp.

Location: Concannon Room

Steve Yeary has been a Registered Environmental Health Specialist with the Indiana Department of Health's Environmental Public Health Division since 2013. There, he has regulated various campgrounds, mobile home communities, youth camps, agricultural labor camps, and aquatic venues. Steve is a 2002 Purdue Grad with a degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science (NRES). He worked in a similar role at the Clinton County Health Department for almost ten years following graduation, and had a brief stint at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management before coming back to public health.


Jim King, Senior Environmental Manager with IDOH. 

Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Transformative Camp Experiences

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Transformative Camp Experiences

11/21/2024 2:15 PM
Explore a dual EQ approach to developing emotional intelligence (EQ) in camp staff and campers simultaneously. This innovative mindset goes beyond traditional camper-focused behavior management. Through youth activities and parallel adult components, staff build their own EQ, enhancing their ability to guide campers' emotional growth. Discover how cultivating staff emotional well-being leads to true behavior change and a positive camp culture.

Location: Jameson Center

Emily Dills is deeply passionate about nurturing character development in youth through transformative camp experiences. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, Emily has honed her expertise in camps training, coaching, curriculum development, and the effective implementation of a dual Emotional Intelligence (EQ) approach. Emily’s work centers on empowering young people to build strong, resilient character traits that will serve them throughout their lives.

Planning for Mental Health Safety

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Planning for Mental Health Safety

11/21/2024 2:15 PM
Campers come to camp with a variety of needs and struggles. Some, with specific mental health needs, may come to camp with a safety plan while others may share their struggles with camp staff during their stay. These campers need to feel safe and supported in their time of vulnerability and need. In this course; you will learn how to to identify risks, address these need in a supportive fashion, and ensure the safety of campers to creating loving and welcoming community at camp.

Location: Blue Building

My name is Will Hughes and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a passion for the outdoors and connecting people to nature. I have been in the Mental Health field for 5 years, mainly working with children ages 2-18. I have worked with Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Indiana-Kentucky (LOMIK) for 2 years and I have created a system to address mental health issues at camp to ensure that everyone who sets foot on property feels safe and supported. 

The Parent Pipeline: Smooth Sailing Communication from Couch to Camp

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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The Parent Pipeline: Smooth Sailing Communication from Couch to Camp

11/21/2024 2:15 PM
Explore effective parent communication systems for camps by identifying key stakeholders (who), determining essential content and timing (what), and choosing the best channels and tools (where). Learn practical strategies to enhance parent engagement, ensure camper safety, and build trust through clear, consistent communication. Leave with a comprehensive framework for optimizing communication throughout the camp season.

Location: Peace Center

Nate Bibat is an experienced recreation professional (and most importantly, a camper at heart!) with a passion for outdoor education and youth programming. With roles ranging from Senior Naturalist at the Dunes Learning Center to Recreation Supervisor at the Skokie Park District, Nate has a proven track record of developing innovative and engaging programs. His work includes overseeing summer camps, after-school enrichment programs, and outdoor adventure and environmental education. A Certified Park and Recreation Professional, Nate is dedicated to fostering connections between people and nature, enhancing quality of life in diverse communities through creative recreational and environmental initiatives.

Classroom Management at Camp?! Behavior management strategies that work, inspired by the classroom

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Classroom Management at Camp?! Behavior management strategies that work, inspired by the classroom

11/21/2024 2:16 PM
We know teachers can hold it down. Teachers regularly wrangle students who struggle to focus, don’t always want to be there, and have individualized needs. While we don’t often see this at camp, we can learn from them. In this session participants will receive a version of Camp Behavior Management 101 that has been used for years at Camp Timberlake. This session teaches behavior management strategies and routines that work in the classroom and are adapted for camp. Best part - campers still will love camp. The session is a mix of strategies that have been used in public and charter schools and is great for current summer staff, those who train summer staff, or those who manage camper behavioral health.

Location: Blue Building Classroom

Jarod Wunneburger (goes by "W") is Director of Camps with Farm and Wilderness in Plymouth, VT. He previously worked for the Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ suicide prevention, taught special education & middle school math, and was a school administrator in the Bronx and Manhattan. He has a MA in School Leadership from Harvard and a MA in Special Education from St Johns. He's passionate about using the best teacher tools to coach staff and support campers.

Educational Breakout Session 3

-11/21/2024

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Educational Breakout Session 3

11/21/2024 3:15 PM
Empowering Inclusive Camp Programs: Designing Culturally Affirming Curriculum and Activities

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

You Selected This Session

Empowering Inclusive Camp Programs: Designing Culturally Affirming Curriculum and Activities

11/21/2024 3:15 PM
Looking to create a camp experience where every camper feels valued, respected, and seen for who they truly are? Join Dr. Tim in this powerful, interactive session designed specifically for camp professionals ready to make a lasting impact on the youth they serve. Discover the transformative power of culturally affirming activities and learn how to build programs that foster belonging, curiosity, and critical thinking. Participants will dive into actionable strategies for identifying and addressing bias and microaggressions, all while learning how to design inclusive camp programs that celebrate diversity and increase belonging at camp. You'll leave equipped with practical tools and insights to create a camp environment where every camper thrives—empowering you to be a catalyst for positive change, equity, and inclusion. Don’t miss this opportunity to lead the way in creating meaningful, inclusive experiences for all youth!

Location: Jameson Center

Dr. Timothy A. Raines (he/him) is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant specializing in Cultural Competency and Inclusive Leadership Principles. His journey as a scientist, cultural navigator, equity educator, and inclusion advocate has left an indelible mark in academia and beyond. With certifications as an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator, a Leadership Practices Inventory® Coach, and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®), Dr. Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field. Passionate about fostering inclusive environments, Dr. Tim has dedicated his career to mentoring and coaching individuals and organizations to create spaces where everyone can thrive.

Nature-Based Learning Goes to College

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Nature-Based Learning Goes to College

11/21/2024 3:15 PM
During this engaging seminar, attendees will learn about innovative summer programming and partnerships between higher education institutions and local K-12 schools that utilize outdoor learning and nature-based education to meet state standards and curriculum in literacy, science, and STEM. In addition, attendees will understand how this type of inventive programming cultivates 21st century skillsets (creativity, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, literacy, collaboration, and leadership), increases knowledge of environmental sustainability, and addresses learning loss and inequities during the summer months. By organizations working together and pooling resources, positive outcomes not only occur for young children, but also provide teacher education candidates with advanced learning opportunities, real-world experiences, and increased efficacy in instructional planning, place-based learning, and teaching science. Led by veteran teachers with over 42 years of experience (elementary, special education, secondary, and collegiate), attendees will leave with practical take aways to enhance community partnerships and resources to begin building their own outdoor education programming leveraging a variety of resources.

Location: Blue Building

Stacey Allred is celebrating over 28 years of teaching experience. She has earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in special education. In 2017, Stacey co-founded a month-long outdoor program that addresses inequities in high-quality summer learning opportunities and summer learning loss experienced by elementary-aged students. She continues to serve as the director of the program.

Ms. Cresta Hancock, Lecturer of Secondary Education and Program Coordinator in Educational Studies at Ball State University. Cresta Hancock has over 13 years of teaching experience with a bachelor's degree in secondary education with certifications in Biology and Earth Science as well as a master's degree in secondary education. Cresta supports pre-service teacher candidates in the summer program with the planning of a cross-curricular science unit with emphases on culturally responsive teaching, universal design for learning, place-based learning, and STEM education. 

Putting Your Staff First

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Putting Your Staff First

11/21/2024 3:15 PM
What? Put your staff before your campers and students? We know - it sounds crazy, but it's important to think of those that are serving our target audience. After all, they are the ones that are spending hours a day working with our youth and the ones that are giving up their free time. Join us for an opportunity to learn about different ways you can maintain your seasonal staff year after year and learn how our camps saw the highest camp staff retention rate we have ever seen after offering some of our new perks! Walk away with items that are free as well as some that may get you thinking about your upcoming budget year and what priorities may be most important to the success of your program.

Location: Peace Center

Mandy Montgomery has been a lifetime Girl Scout since 2nd grade. In the camping and program space, she has served in almost every capacity - from camper to teen in the leadership program to a volunteer, camp director, and now leading the charge for the camp space for 5 camp properties and program space for 16,000+ Girl Scouts in 45 counties for Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. Her years of experience working for Girl Scouts spans a 17-year career. Her other life experiences include running a podcast company and fitness studio. Her passions also include volunteering for the Indiana Donor Network in memory of her donor hero and brother, Chris, and a member of Optimist International.

Tour of Jameson Camp

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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Tour of Jameson Camp

11/21/2024 3:15 PM
Join Jameson Camp Staff for a tour of their beautiful camp and facilities.

Meet in the Jameson Center

DePauw University & Butler University: Practical Tips for Engaging Campus & Community Partners

Concurrent Session -11/21/2024

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DePauw University & Butler University: Practical Tips for Engaging Campus & Community Partners

11/21/2024 3:16 PM
Gain implementable insight into running camps on a college campus. We will dive into relationship-building with campers and families, community partners, and campus partners. Participants will receive a guidebook of sustainable practices for operating camps on campus. Outcomes of the session include how to cultivate sustainable relationships with internal and external partners, how to cultivate sustainable relationships with parents and families and creation of a follow-up strategy with partners and participants.

Location: Concannon Room

Jessica Meister is the associate director of camps administration at Butler University and has worked in youth summer camp programming and administration for over five years. She previously worked at the Butler Community Arts School where she managed 15+ summer youth music and arts camps. In her new role at Butler, Jess manages the Indiana Youth Programs on Campus (IYPC) grant from the Lilly Endowment and oversees camp operations for the University.

Kim Morton, director of pre-college engagement and special assistant to the president's office, Kim holds a Ph.D. in Educational Management from Hampton University and is the Director of Pre-College Engagement at DePauw University. She oversees youth programs, co-chairs the Black Caucus, and has 23 years of educational experience. Previously, Kim held leadership roles at Washington and Trinity Washington Universities and served in the Obama administration. Passionate about supporting underserved students, she's also an author and active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc

Closing Activity

General Session -11/21/2024

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Closing Activity

11/21/2024 4:10 PM

Location: Jameson Center