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Help Desk VIP Lounge

-1/11/2021

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Help Desk VIP Lounge

01/11/2021 8:00 AM
If you are having difficulty with a link please refresh your page or logout and log back in. Need assistance? Text Tori Barnes (415) 309-5182 or call John Beitner (765) 349-3525 Would you like a Zoom breakout room to continue a conversation? Call John Beitner (765) 349-3525
Sponsor Gallery

-1/11/2021

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Sponsor Gallery

01/11/2021 8:30 AM
The Sponsor Gallery provides a convenient way to connect with our sponsors and learn more about their great products and services. Please support the businesses that support camps and ACA professional development.
Virtual Swag Bag

-1/11/2021

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Virtual Swag Bag

01/11/2021 9:00 AM
Connect with our sponsors in the Virtual Swag Bag. Enter drawings, get discounts or schedule a demo.
Monday all events in Pacific Time

-1/11/2021

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Monday all events in Pacific Time

01/11/2021 9:01 AM
Orientation

Workshop -1/11/2021

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Orientation

01/11/2021 12:00 PM
This session will introduce participants to the engagement features of Zoom, establish meeting norms and describe the many impactful presentations of the conference. Meet your conference chairs and learn about the exciting sessions and socials that the California and Hawaii Critical Issues Seminar has in store. We will practice the technology that will be used throughout the conference and share important information about how you can make the most of your conference experience.
Tuesday all events in Pacific Time

-1/12/2021

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Tuesday all events in Pacific Time

01/12/2021 9:00 AM
Keynote Presentation

General Session -1/12/2021

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Keynote Presentation

01/12/2021 11:00 AM

Camp: Trauma, Hope, and a Path to Healing

John Hamilton will share the science of hope and it's application for all camp programs.

John Hamilton

John Hamilton • Camp HOPE America

john@allianceforhope.com

John is the director of Camp HOPE America. He partners with the Camp HOPE team, affiliate agencies, and camps to bring a hope-filled experience to campers. John has 10+ years as a practitioner in the camp industry and holds a master’s degree from Western Seminary where he focused on leadership and cultural justice. He specializes in forging unlikely partnerships, developing unified teams, and moving people from theory into practice. He often presents or teaches at camps and conferences.

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Coffee Chat Tuesday

Networking -1/12/2021

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Coffee Chat Tuesday

01/12/2021 12:30 PM
Abuse Prevention, Boundaries and Ripple Effects of Covid-19 – A Roadmap for This Summer

Lecture -1/12/2021

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Abuse Prevention, Boundaries and Ripple Effects of Covid-19 – A Roadmap for This Summer

01/12/2021 1:00 PM
Even pre-Covid19, camps have faced challenging training issues regarding abuse prevention and boundaries. Now in this “new normal” creating a roadmap for effective and impactful training on abuse prevention and boundaries has become even more important. For most kids, camp in their safety net and after the past year and a half, what kinds of disclosures should camps be prepared for? How will you navigate these serious topics with your staff who are already stressed due to the pandemic? This session will help you create a training roadmap for your staff, and explore ways to empower your staff in dealing with disclosures, child abuse and boundaries.

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Rahel Bayar, Rahel@thebayargroup.com www.Thebayargroup.com  Instagram - @Rahel.Bayar LinkedIn - Rahel Bayar Twitter @thebayargroup

Rahel Bayar, CEO of The Bayar Group, LLC is a former Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Prosecutor from the Bronx DA’s office and a former Managing Director in the Sexual Misconduct division of T&M Protection Resources.  She is a nationally recognized consultant, trainer and speaker for camps across the country on sexual misconduct, harassment and abuse prevention.  She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers and Seton Hall School of Law.

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Adventure Experiences

An Open Conversation About DEI at Camp

Workshop -1/12/2021

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An Open Conversation About DEI at Camp

01/12/2021 1:00 PM
Dive deeper into the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in camps! We will be hosting an open conversation based on the becoming a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Virtual Camp Champion. Make sure you have watched the webinar and come with your ideas and questions.

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Dr. Heather Vilhauer, CSU East Bay
Heather Vilhauer is a practitioner and educator in the field of recreation management. Her areas of focus include recreation programming (youth development and camp administration); leadership and organizational behavior; disaster preparedness; and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. After spending 20+ years in the field of recreation, she made the move to education and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism at Cal State East Bay.

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Dr. Brandon Taylor, CSU Fresno
Brandon T. Taylor, D.M.tg., Assistant Professor, Fresno State Department of Recreation Administration Dr. Taylor completed his doctoral degree in organizational management and leadership after spending more than 14 years working in the community recreation setting within the Central Valley of California. His professional experience includes municipal recreation programming and planning for youth and adults, community special-events, and outcome-driven out-of-school-time programming.  Dr. Taylor currently serves as the Coordinator of Community Recreation and Youth Services emphasis.

Pandemic-Informed Communication at Camp: From Crisis Management to Establishing Expectations

Panel Discussion -1/12/2021

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Pandemic-Informed Communication at Camp: From Crisis Management to Establishing Expectations

01/12/2021 1:00 PM
As the Farmers Insurance ad says, "We know a thing or two because we've seen a thing or two". The same is true of our panelists. Join an amazing group of directors in a discussion about lessons learned from Summer 2020 and how COVID shaped their communication about camp. From new and creative ways of connecting with parents to ongoing crisis communication, our panel will reflect on their successes and challenges from this past summer.

 

Yatiel Owns photo

Yatiel Owens, MSW, has been a Clinical Social worker for over 20 years and working in the camp industry for 33. She is the Director of Camp Winnarainbow, a socially minded, justice focused circus and performing arts camp in Northern CA. Yatiel is from Settler ancestry and lives with her family on unceded Ohlone Lands. Yatiel identifies her life’s work as “To Stand in Response Ability.”

Liz Kimmelman

Liz Kimmelman joined the Tumbleweed staff in 2004 as an assistant counselor and later worked as a ropes course specialist, assistant site director, and CIT director at Tumbleweed. She’s also been the director of Camp Max Straus in Glendale and Marin Ranch Camp and is the founding co-director of Camp Ursa Major in Napa. Liz enjoys volunteering for the camp industry and has previously been the program chair of the American Camp Association’s Spring Leadership Conference, a member of the Local Council of Leaders, a board member of the California Collaboration for Youth, and a member of the DEI Advisory group for the Western Association of Independent Camps.

Andy Kimmelman

Andy Kimmelman is a lifelong camper, having grown up at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce in Texas before joining Tumbleweed in 2006. Outside of Tumbleweed, he volunteers avidly in youth development and educational organizations, serving as the Local Council of Leaders Chair for ACA’s Southern California/Hawaii office and a member of ACA's National Council of Leaders. ACA has honored Andy with the Section Service and Outstanding Service Awards and with the Jack Weiner Leadership Award. Andy has published numerous magazine articles on topics from professional development to choosing a summer camp, and he has been a featured speaker for thousands of professionals at conferences and trainings across the country.

Sarah Horner Fish is the Executive Director of Tom Sawyer Day Camp and is responsible for all camp programs and overseeing staff, training, and operations of camp. Sarah has been a camper, junior counselor, Pre-Camp Counselor, Summer Day Camp counselor, Assistant Day Camp Director, and Pre Camp Director during her 35 plus years at TSC! Sarah works year round at camp doing many different jobs, including the hiring, enrolling and training of our staff. Sarah is also very active with the American Camp Association and has recently completed a term on the National Board for ACA and recently completed a 5 year term as President of WAIC (The Western Association of Independent Camps).

Camping in COVID Times: Effective Health and Wellness Measures

Lecture -1/12/2021

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Camping in COVID Times: Effective Health and Wellness Measures

01/12/2021 3:00 PM
The difficult summer of 2020 has required a great deal of work, innovation, intentionality, and grit. We have learned a great deal from the camps who provided services this summer. This session will outline research information gathered from camps who operated this summer and discuss decision-making criteria and nonpharmacologic interventions (NPIs) that helped camps provide a summer experience to youth across the US.

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Tracey Gaslin, Association of Camp Nurses

Tracey Gaslin 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 executive director for the Association of Camp Nursing where she travels throughout the US and Canada educating about camp health services.

Inside Baseball about Rapid Testing and COVID Preparedness

Small Group -1/12/2021

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Inside Baseball about Rapid Testing and COVID Preparedness

01/12/2021 3:00 PM
Join Chip Kubly and Alexander Kempe of Novir to learn about latest developments in rapid testing for COVID-19. Novir understands the camp community and will share information gathered by working within the COVID response community.

Mr. Kubly is a career sales professional and entrepreneur, recognized for building strong, solutions-based business relationships focused on customer satisfaction.  He has experience in food manufacturing, most recently in the Wisconsin dairy industry as the owner of Jim’s Cheese, a cheese processing and distribution company with national reach. Prior to that, Mr. Kubly ran Environmental Partnerships, an industrial waste recycling company, working with manufacturers of all types and sizes to provide waste recycling and disposal solutions.  

Novir President

Mr. Kempe has two-and-a-half decades of operating and investment management experience in the healthcare industry, primarily with GE Healthcare (GEHC) in a number of strategic, operational and financial leadership positions in the U.S. and Europe.

He is the former Director of Strategic Alliances & Vice President of Home Health at GEHC. Prior roles include: General Manager of GEHC Americas and Chief Financial Officer and Vice Chairman of GEHC EMEA and GEHC Kretztechnik (NM: KTA). He later founded an investment firm, 37celsius Capital Partners, focused on global digital health companies.

He currently serves in a number of board roles, including as a member of the advisory board at Genia, Sensipass, and VasoGnosis. He served as Chairman of the Board at the World Trade Center Wisconsin (WTCW) and was a member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) advisory board.

Mr. Kempe is a native of Sweden, and he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Uppsala University in business administration and economics. He spent four years in the military, including ROTC, serving as a Lieutenant of the Lapland Ranger Regiment in Kiruna, Sweden.

Sponsored by

Novir

What a Year it Has Been: Supporting the Social-Emotional Health of Your Organization

Lecture -1/12/2021

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What a Year it Has Been: Supporting the Social-Emotional Health of Your Organization

01/12/2021 3:00 PM
What a year—to say the least. You all must be wondering what social- emotional health challenges your counselors will be bringing with them to their job. Additionally, how will your counselors be ready to address some of the challenges their campers will be coming to camp with this upcoming summer. In this interactive presentation, participants will be provided with ideas and knowledge how to address the social-emotional health of their counselors. An example of a quick needs assessment of your counselors will be provided that addresses the above. Additionally, ideas about how to provide professional development to your counselor in the context of mental health protective factors will be shared. This will include ideas about mindfulness training, gratitude practices and other self-care practices will be discussed.

Mark Stevens

Dr. Mark Stevens is a Tenured Professor and Psychologist in the Educational Psychology and Counseling Department at California State University Northridge and teaches in the Marriage Family Therapy program. Previous to this position he was the Director of the University Counseling Services at California State University Northridge (CSUN) and Training Director at University of Southern California. Dr. Stevens has maintained a private practice since 1984.  Most important to his resume and a guiding force in his life is his experience as a camp counselor in 70’s. Mark is married with three adult children and is an avid mountain biker and terrible golfer.

Wednesday all events in Pacific Time

-1/13/2021

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Wednesday all events in Pacific Time

01/13/2021 9:00 AM
Region Meetings

Small Group -1/13/2021

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Region Meetings

01/13/2021 11:00 AM
Join us for updates on all things ACA. We will hear about changes to the accreditation program and then split into Northern California, Southern California and Hawaii groups to discuss what is happening in your area. We will have updates from the Local Council of leaders from each field office.
Wednesday Lunch Roundtables

Networking -1/13/2021

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Wednesday Lunch Roundtables

01/13/2021 12:15 PM
Bring your lunch and join us for a discussion of challenges, successes, pivots, and new business ventures. What are the silver linings from your summer? We will discuss state regulations and our plans for 2021.
Challenges and Opportunities of Current California Public Policy

Lecture -1/13/2021

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Challenges and Opportunities of Current California Public Policy

01/13/2021 1:00 PM
Explore evolving public policy caused by the constantly changing COVID situation. Camps have played an important role with other youth serving organizations creating partnerships collaborations for success in this new age of advocacy. We’ll focus on where we are now and what we need to do next covering the new CAL OSHA rules, current state advocacy efforts concerning camp guidelines and funding, federal advocacy overview, messaging, use of data to help your advocacy, and working as a public health partner with your county health department

Andrew Moeschberger

Andrew Moeschberger, ACA, Southern California/Hawaii Public Policy & Government Regulations

Andy Moeschberger is a Camp Director and the Chief Fun Officer at Gold Arrow Camp, in Lakeshore, California. Prior to working in organized camping full time he was a high school social science teacher for 14 years, specializing in Economics, Government, and Civics. He currently serves as the Government Relations chair for the SoCal/Hawaii LCOL. He is the creator of savenextsummer.com and an avid PEZ collector. During the pandemic he has learned to be a kindergarten zoom teacher and 2nd grade zoom PE teacher for his two daughters. He is a Gryffindor who found himself married to a Slytherin.  

Sharon Kosch

Sharon Kosch, ACA National Government Affairs

Sharon Kosch is the cochair of the ACA National Government Affairs Committee.  She  is also the cochair of the ACA Northern California Council of Leaders and represents ACA Northern California on the California Collaboration for Youth.  She has over 25 year’s experience working with camp related public policy issues.

Catherine Barankin

Catherine Barankin, California Collaboration for Youth

Catherine has been a registered lobbyist for more than forty years and established the firm Sacramento Advocacy in 1977.  She represents the interests of the California Collaboration for Youth before the Legislature and state agencies. She has successfully sponsored dozens of bills to promote the interests of camps and the children and families they serve.

Catherine’s volunteer activities include board membership on the Drowning Prevention Foundation, and the Wing Institute, a non-profit organization that specializes in research related to children with special needs. She was also a founding board member of the Sacramento Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a program which represents dependent children in the juvenile court system, and the Sacramento Boys and Girls Club.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Empowering Young People, Inspiring Action

Small Group -1/13/2021

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Empowering Young People, Inspiring Action

01/13/2021 1:00 PM
What is Diversity without Equity and Inclusion? Today’s high school and college-age teens are growing up in a culture where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical aspects in creating a better world. With the obvious racial climate in our country, young people are at the forefront of the movement to bring awareness and condemn racism, intolerance, and injustice. This workshop will focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion especially as it relates to High School and College Age workers who are lending their voices and leading the charge in a movement to bring about change. We will engage in thought provoking discussions about the benefits of diversity, the struggle to achieve Equity, and what it means to be truly inclusive. The question becomes, what transformational strategies can we use to empower people to be more empathetic, self-aware, and motivated to act despite systemic policies and practices that create obstacles to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

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Gemini Murray, M.S., Springfield College School of Human Services

Gemini is a Seasoned Educator and Motivational Speaker with thirteen-years experience in academia and an extensive Criminal Justice background. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Services and is a founding member of the University of Saint Joseph Criminal Justice Blue Ribbon Advisory Board; she was actively involved in the design and development of the university’s first Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree Program that successfully launched in September 2016. Gemini has a passion for teaching and for bringing value to people; she has researched, designed, developed and facilitated various programs relating to contemporary issues including but not limited to, Sexual Harassment Prevention, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Multiculturalism, Domestic Violence, Leadership Development, Juvenile Justice and Human Service Administration. 

Effective Virtual Facilitation

Workshop -1/13/2021

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Effective Virtual Facilitation

01/13/2021 1:10 PM
You probably already know that converting regular activities into virtual activities isn’t as simple as just finding an online meeting room to use. There are many additional things to consider and it requires some creativity, re-imagining and redesigning, all while keeping the integrity of the program intact. We have to think about ways to increase engagement in an easily distractible environment as well. As the need for online delivery intensifies, here are a few tips on how to convert your in-person meeting or programs to virtual sessions, as well as some best practices for virtual facilitation.

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Michelle Cummings, Training Wheels

Michelle Cummings is the founder and “Big Wheel” of Training Wheels, a Leadership and Team Development company based in Denver. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Experiential Education. Ms. Cummings speaks at more than 15 local, national, and international conferences each year and writes a monthly newsletter with over 21,000 subscribers in over 100 countries. She has authored six books for the experiential learning field, including A Teachable Moment, Playing with a Full Deck, Setting the Conflict Compass, Bouldering Games for Kids, Facilitated Growth and most recently, Tag, You’re It. Ms. Cummings has also created a wide variety of facilitation, debriefing, and teambuilding activities that have collectively changed the way trainers and teams work.

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Adventure Experiences

Creating a Safe Culture for LGBTQIA+ Staff

Lecture -1/13/2021

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Creating a Safe Culture for LGBTQIA+ Staff

01/13/2021 3:00 PM
All staff deserve the right to be safe and affirmed as their authentic selves at camp. LGBTQIA+ staff face unique barriers, including lack of representation and understanding as well as insufficient support in addressing issues surrounding sexuality and gender identity with campers. Let's examine how you can make a safe(r) space for your staff starting today by learning about the top 5 things that camps are doing that they shouldn’t be- and the top 5 things that they should do that they aren’t.

Chris's photo

Chris Rehs-Dupin spent the majority of his professional career (18 years) in youth development in the outdoors before transferring to a management position with the City of Columbus. Chris is a passionate speaker, trainer, and educator. His crowing camp achievement was acting as a member of the ACA Illinois Mid-states Camp Conference leadership team in 2019.

Chris is an active member in his church community as part of the social justice ministry- including LGTBQ+ advocacy, and homeless outreach. Chris is a father of two children who are the center of his universe and his consistent reason for trying to make the world a better place. When not working he enjoys running, maple syrup production, gardening and wine making.

Opening Your Camp in the Time of COVID…You Can Do It

Lecture -1/13/2021

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Opening Your Camp in the Time of COVID…You Can Do It

01/13/2021 3:00 PM
In this session, Cory will present an overall outline of how Skylemar (a sleep away camp in Maine) chose to open their doors in the time of COVID-19. She will share many of the steps that went into creating a successful summer such as parent communication, staff expectations, and physical adjustments to the camp. Her goal is to present the information in a way that empowers directors to get creative, embrace change, and to open their doors in 2021!

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Cory Urban, Camp Skylemar

Cory Urban is a 6th grade math teacher during the school year, but for the last 12 summers has spent her time at camps across the country. Since 2013 she has served as the Challenge Course and Music Director for an all boys sleep away camp in Maine. This summer, she stepped into the role of COVID director as well.

Protecting Your Camp’s Bottom Line During the Pandemic

Small Group -1/13/2021

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Protecting Your Camp’s Bottom Line During the Pandemic

01/13/2021 3:00 PM

Rick Benfield, Chief Financial Officer, Mirman School

Brent Wiblin, Senior Managing Director, First Republic Bank

Matt Mishalow, Director of Finance, Guided Discoveries

Eaton Dunkelberger, Chief Executive Officer, Sierra Nevada Journeys

Adam Yarnes, Executive Director, Sierra Nevada Journeys

 

Thursday all events in Pacific Time

-1/14/2021

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Thursday all events in Pacific Time

01/14/2021 9:00 AM
Advertising for Summer 2021

Lecture -1/14/2021

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Advertising for Summer 2021

01/14/2021 11:00 AM
Welcome to the new trendless era of advertising — impossible to forecast sentiment, plan for cultural shifts, or tap into consumer insights. When the house is always on fire, it’s hard to get anyone’s attention. So, let’s walk the line between outright promoting your program like it’s 2019 and being sensitive to the culture of COVID. Let’s forget the hype, lean into market position, connect with consumers digitally, and focus on share of voice.

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Kelley Freridge, the American Camp Association’s Chief Marketing Officer, will talk about what works for promoting your organization and how to connect with your community.

Kelley began her new role as chief marketing officer on January 7, 2019. With ten years of senior leadership roles in the outdoor industry at Eastern Mountain Sports, Patagonia, Chaco, and most recently the Gluten Free Bar, she brings consumer insight and digital savvy to her role with the American Camp Association.

Kelley points to her childhood experiences growing up at Van Buren Youth Camp as the compass she leverages in every business decision. As a National Outdoor Leadership School graduate and mother, Kelley recognizes the essential value of outdoor experience in developing tomorrow’s leaders and is passionate about passing down this cornerstone to the next generation.

Planning for the Unknown: Legal Considerations in the Time of COVID

Lecture -1/14/2021

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Planning for the Unknown: Legal Considerations in the Time of COVID

01/14/2021 11:00 AM
Planning ahead is key to a successful camp program. But what can we do when no one is sure exactly what the future holds? This session will help you think through important legal and risk management issues as you plan for this summer and beyond in our new COVID reality. We will consider topics such as camper enrollment agreements, employee agreements, COVID testing protocols, workplace safety, wage and hour, privacy concerns, and vaccine requirements.

Julie Strom

Julie L. Strom provides representation and legal counsel to Liebert Cassidy Whitmore clients in matters pertaining to education, employment and labor law. Julie works extensively with LCW's private school clients on a wide range of matters, including enrollment agreements, employment contracts, Board and governance matters, investigations, tuition disputes, employee and student/parent handbooks, disciplinary issues, mandated reporting, terminations and severance agreements.

Solutions in a Challenging Coverage Landscape

Panel Discussion -1/14/2021

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Solutions in a Challenging Coverage Landscape

01/14/2021 11:00 AM
Darrow Milgrim and Trip Thomas of Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services help identify pathways to accessing and maintaining insurance coverage during these challenging times.

Darrow's photo

Darrow Milgrim, CIC, AAI, CSRM National Director, Independent Schools and Camp Programs

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrow-milgrim-15a24b112/

Darrow is responsible Nationally for the oversight and development of the Independent School Practice and Camp Programs at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Darrow is licensed as both a Property and Casualty Broker and Employee Benefits Broker. He’s served on the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Education Committee, has been Director of Camping and Outdoor Education, and taught in the Cal State University System, as well as public and private schools. He’s previously served on the ACA Nat’l Board of Directors and been a City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission member.

Trip's photo

William S. (Trip) Thomas III Area Senior Vice President, Regional Director, Independent Schools & Camps Program

Trip Thomas co-leads the Gallagher School & Camp Practice with Darrow Milgrim.  Trip is responsible for thought leadership, services innovation, client relationship development and strategic insurance program design.  Since joining Gallagher in 2003, Trip has designed and negotiated complex insurance portfolios for colleges and universities, independent schools, non-profit agencies, public entities and large real estate development firms.  His extensive understanding of business, construction, legal and insurance principles drive his straightforward approach to problem resolution. Trip has a lifelong love for camps, having attended Camp Deerhorn in Rhinelander, WI (1987-1991) and Summerkids in Pasadena, CA (1984-1986).  More recently, Trip was a lifeguard and swim counselor for Tom Sawyer Camps (1996-1997).

Sponsored by

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Thursday Lunch Roundtables

Networking -1/14/2021

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Thursday Lunch Roundtables

01/14/2021 12:15 PM
Bring your lunch and join us for a discussion of challenges, successes, pivots, and new business ventures. What are the silver linings from your summer? We will discuss state regulations and our plans for 2021.
Developmental Decathlon

-1/14/2021

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Developmental Decathlon

01/14/2021 1:00 PM
In this session, we will explore the rising statistics of neuro-divergent youth in our society, especially among communities of color and lower socio-economic levels. We will consider how camps can meet the health and fitness needs of these campers through simple low and no-cost adaptations to existing repertoires of games and activities. We will also examine the "Why" of some common physical-behavioral challenges and discuss feasible workarounds to promote a deeper sense of inclusion. Lastly, we will discuss the role that environment has on influencing the interactions and abilities of all campers.

Jason Foreman

Jason Foreman has been working in youth development and early childhood education for the past 15 years in a variety of leadership positions with both for-profit and non-profit organizations.  His career started at age 16 in a summer day camp. Now an infant educator pursuing a degree in Recreation Management he is involved in consulting for camps as well as ECE and after school programs where his work focuses on program development, organizational development and inclusion. Jason is a Certified Personal Trainer with a specialization in youth fitness with plans to train neuro-divergent youth. 

Insider Tips for Buying and Selling Camp Real Estate

Small Group -1/14/2021

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Insider Tips for Buying and Selling Camp Real Estate

01/14/2021 1:00 PM
Have you always dreamed of owning your own camp but don’t know where to start? Have you considered selling your camp? Are you just curious about the camp real estate market? Attend this session to learn more about the ins and outs of buying and selling camps. Join us for an informative talk about camp real estate. Bring your questions.

Cory Jones

Cory Jones is the Owner/Realtor of California Camp Realty since 2014 and was a Resident Camp Director for 32 years.  As an ACA Certified Camp Director, Cory volunteered for ACA in a variety of roles including Accreditation Visitor and Standards Instructor.  He has experience in camp purchases, camp leases, and camp sales.

Michele Branconier

Michele Branconier, ACA Western Region Director, will facilitate this session. Michele has worked in the camp industry for more than 30 years. She worked in both agency non-profit portions as well as a private independent camp. She has been a leader with ACA as a volunteer prior to becoming a staff member in 2005. Michele is passionate about the work she does with ACA to support the camp experience.

Sponsored by 

California Camp Realty

Making DEI Part of Your Camp Culture for Real

Small Group -1/14/2021

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Making DEI Part of Your Camp Culture for Real

01/14/2021 1:00 PM
The time for DEI work in all kinds of organizations is now – given the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in June 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, increased visibility of BLM and other movements over the past few years, and general increases in the collective social consciousness around equity and justice issues recently, many youth-serving organizations are striving to keep up. DEI work is a journey for both individuals and organizations – and sometimes the levels of urgency and desired timelines don’t line up between stakeholders and members of leadership. So where can Camp Directors start? What resources and support systems should camps work to create or improve so the experience of campers and staff can improve? It can feel overwhelming, and without direction from the right people at the right time, it might seem like you’ll never get off the ground. Remember – any step in any area of DEI will benefit multiple identities, so it’s most important that you start somewhere with small steps, to build momentum and understanding moving forward. Join in the discussion to figure out where and how to get going!

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Jill Steigerwald, Camp Nor’Wester

Jill Steigerwald is the Assistant Director at Camp Nor’wester, a residential camp program focused on community-building and outdoor living in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. She loves how camp gives young people a safe place to learn about who they are and how they can contribute to the common good and the well-being and success of others, while developing their own skills and interests. She believes DEI work is essential for camps to weave into their cultures, missions, and programs as a central focus right alongside all the ways that camps support youth development.

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Erica Jameson, Jameson Ranch Camp

Erica Jameson is a third generation camp owner and director, running the Jameson Ranch Camp program for the past 11 years.  She’s been fighting for justice since grade school, where another student taught her what racism felt like.  Since then she’s been working on creating better relationships with community partners and helping more kids have a camp experience.  She has an M.A. in History, and also teaches at Southern Oregon University.

Closing General Session

General Session -1/14/2021

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Closing General Session

01/14/2021 2:30 PM
Join us for photos from last summer, closing remarks and a final discussion of what’s ahead.