All Available Sessions

Sponsor Gallery

-1/18/2024

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Sponsor Gallery

01/18/2024 8:00 AM

Thank you to our AMAZING sponsors, check them out.

Click HERE for the Sponsor Gallery

Registration & Continental Breakfast

-1/18/2024

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Registration & Continental Breakfast

01/18/2024 9:00 AM
Welcome and Opening Keynote

-1/18/2024

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Welcome and Opening Keynote

01/18/2024 9:30 AM

Opening Keynote is Kat Shreve

Have an Ace Up Your Sleeve- Building the RIGHT Camp Community from the start!       

Hey, we are camp professionals... we all know that!  In a room full of collective knowledge and wisdom, let's come together and collaborate to increase the odds of a powerful, energizing start to getting ready for our campers by putting a new spin on things and raising the stakes.

We will double down on breaking the ice and gathering together to share activities and narratives on improving staff training.  You'll hit the jackpot with new, fresh ideas to bring back to your program.  Be ready to move around and enjoy!

Location: The Auditorium

About Kat-Just minutes after the Shreve Family station wagon arrived at Camp Meadowlea in Bridgeport, WV Kat’s career path in camp began.  Kat has worn several hats in the professional camp field as a Professional Girl Scout, an Executive with the YMCA, private camps, and, now, in the specialty medical camps space. As an active member of the ACA, Kat serves as an Accreditation Visitor and Instructor Trainer and a volunteer on the local level for several years with ACA Southeast and ACA Evergreen regions. Kat has spoken at several youth professional gatherings from camp professionals to recreation professionals to educators.  She was on the writing team for two books, Creating Positive Youth Outcomes and Designing Quality Youth Program. Kat graduated from the Recreation & Leisure Studies program at the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Education.  In 2007, Kat was honored as the University of Georgia College of Education Professional Alumni of the Year.  ACA, Inc. awarded Kat the National Service Award celebrating her work volunteering for both multiple ACA regions and on the national level. She is a current chair of the ACA National Awards Committee and serves on the Editorial Advisory Committee as both a frequent contributor and reviewer of content of Camping Magazine. Kat is the Associate Executive Director of Camp Kudzu, a program serving the type 1 diabetes community in Georgia.  And, most weekends you can find her cheering on her teenage son who is a travel baseball player.

Unopposed Exhibit Hall Time

-1/18/2024

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Unopposed Exhibit Hall Time

01/18/2024 10:45 AM
Breakout Session 1

-1/18/2024

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Breakout Session 1

01/18/2024 10:59 AM
5 Rules of Effective Conversation for Counselors and Campers

-1/18/2024

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5 Rules of Effective Conversation for Counselors and Campers

01/18/2024 11:00 AM

5 Rules of Effective Conversation | From Curiosity to Questions to Customers

Communication is not optional, yet we do not always give conversation the consideration it deserves to win the hearts and attention of family, friends, and potential customers/clients. The International Conversation Coach for Kids and Adults, Jackie Bailey, has witnessed dynamic shifts in family relationships, friendships, and even business success when five particular rules of effective conversation are applied. These tools are beneficial to adults, teens, and kids because they are simple and practical. Because of Jackie’s engaging style, you’ll not only learn the Five Rules of Effective Conversation, but you’ll also be putting them to use before her presentation concludes. You’ll leave her session a more effective conversationalist.

This session will be led by Jackie Bailey-“Don’t tell anyone” silenced Jackie Bailey at the age of 8. Fifteen years later she saved another child by speaking up. Known as The International Conversation Coach, Jackie inspires clients to break their silence and become victorious over trauma. Today she is the founder and executive director of The Speak Feed Lead Project which has empowered hundreds of children, teens, and adults with confident, courageous voices shared on global stages, competitions, podcasts, and books. Jackie is a 2015 semi-finalist in The World Championship of Public Speaking putting her in the top 98 of 33,000 competitors. She’s a best-selling author of four books on topics ranging from leadership, healing, communication, and parenting. She is co-host of Life Mastery Radio with Todd & Jackie, and an award-winning team-builder, educator, leader, and coach. Jackie has been a featured speaker at corporate events at Microsoft, Smith-Barney, Puget Sound Energy, Fred Hutch Cancer Care Alliance; and at mega events like The Voices of Women Summit, and The Best You Expo where she shared stages with Marissa Peer, Mas Sajadi, Bernardo Moya, Bill Walsh, and Kim Serafini. You can find her at www.JackieBailey360.com

Session Location: Multi-Media Room

Beyond Sticker Charts – Behavioral Health Habits and Systems that Work

-1/18/2024

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Beyond Sticker Charts – Behavioral Health Habits and Systems that Work

01/18/2024 11:00 AM

Beyond Sticker Charts – Behavioral Health Habits and Systems that Work

Responding effectively to maladaptive camper behavior takes robust organizational habits and systems. This session will cover three parts of a system in place at Farm and Wilderness to respond to behaviors:

• Behavior Continuum – A system for determining the level of severity and who responses (counselor, mid-level manager, director, professional mental health provider)

• Behavior Board & Meeting – A visual board that shows current behavioral issues at camp and is what centers a daily behavioral meeting to discuss it.

• Camp Behavior Improvement Plans – Inspired by BIPS in special education, these plans can be put in place to help identify the triggers of behaviors and find ways to deescalate them.

These systems are most effective when a camp has an existing behavior management plan, consistent staff training, and families who are willing partners. This presentation will explain the rationale behind each of these tools, when to use them, and a demonstration of their uses.

Session led by Jarod Wunneburger ("W"):  Is the Director of Timberlake (TL), a camp with the Farm and Wilderness Foundation in Plymouth, VT. He’s been with TL since 2007 and is TL’s first BIPOC mixed-race director. He previously worked for the Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ suicide prevention & crisis intervention), taught special education and 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. He sits on the board of an independent school in Vermont and currently training a Samoyed named Atlas to become a therapy dog.

Session Location: International Room

Cultivating Digital Citizenship: A Blueprint to Combat Cyberbullying

-1/18/2024

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Cultivating Digital Citizenship: A Blueprint to Combat Cyberbullying

01/18/2024 11:00 AM

Cultivating Digital Citizenship: A Blueprint to Combat Cyberbullying

Embark on a transformative journey with Sandra as she unveils practical strategies to foster a positive digital culture within camp settings. In this dynamic session, camp professionals will gain insights into the psychological impact of cyberbullying, equipping them with actionable tools to promote empathy, ethical behavior, and resilience among staff. From anti-bullying policies to community-building practices, Sandra provides a blueprint for creating an empowered digital environment that enhances the camp experience. Join us to elevate your leadership, empower your team, and cultivate a digital citizenship that thrives in the 21st century.

Session led by: Sandra Estok, MBA, GIAC-GSLC, CIPM, is the Founder and CEO of Way2Protect®, where she leverages her over 25 years of experience in the Cybersecurity, IT, and Data Privacy industries to empower individuals to take charge of their cyber safety. She is an international bestselling author of the award-winning book series Happily Ever Cyber!® and the Cyber Literacy series for children. With a unique blend of experience and passion, she has held numerous positions in Fortune 500 companies and private and public organizations, providing her unique insights into the world of cyber threats.

Session Location: Gehres Room

In a Post-Virus World, In Emergency Response, Great Plans Are a Smart Thing; Training Is Everything

-1/18/2024

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In a Post-Virus World, In Emergency Response, Great Plans Are a Smart Thing; Training Is Everything

01/18/2024 11:00 AM

In a Post-Virus World, In Emergency Response, Great Plans Are a Smart Thing; Training Is Everything!

Lessons Learned from the pandemic. Smart plans are critical. But, if we don’t get the words off the paper and into staff’s heads, we have failed. COVID 19 and the Sandy Hook active shooter, both reinforce that training is everything given that staff can’t and won’t run to look at binders for response in a real emergency. Your workers have returned traumatized and scared. Have you laid off or furloughed workers? What are the legal requirements for training? What are the current practices and obstacles in organizations regarding training? What are the proven ways to train for emergencies? How does your organization compare?

This session will be led by Bo Mitchell: Bo Mitchell was the Police Commissioner of Wilton, CT for 16 years. He retired to found 911 Consulting which creates emergency, disaster recovery, business continuity, crisis communications, and pandemic plans, plus training and exercises for organizations like GE HQ, Hyatt HQ, H&R Block HQ, MasterCard HQ, four colleges and universities plus 25 secondary schools. He serves clients headquartered from Boston to LA working in their facilities from London to San Francisco. Bo has earned 22 certifications in homeland security, emergency management, disaster recovery, business continuity, safety, and security. He also serves as an expert in landmark court cases nationally.

Session Location: Board Room

Property Management Hunting Policy

-1/18/2024

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Property Management Hunting Policy

01/18/2024 11:00 AM

Property Management Hunting Policy

Developing a hunting program as a component of your Forestry Management Plan. Do you need one? Why and How?

This session is led by Carl "Rocky" Wargo: I have worked in camping and outdoor recreation since 2001. I have served in my current role as Executive Director at YMCA Camp Y-Noah since 2015.

Session Location: Eastman Room

Luncheon and Awards

-1/18/2024

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Luncheon and Awards

01/18/2024 12:15 PM
Breakout Session 2

-1/18/2024

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Breakout Session 2

01/18/2024 1:45 PM
Learning to CampWell: Tips to Taking Care to the Next Level

-1/18/2024

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Learning to CampWell: Tips to Taking Care to the Next Level

01/18/2024 1:45 PM

Learning to CampWell: Tips to Taking Care to the Next Level

For camps to be successful, we need to continually strive to improve our communication and caring skills.  While we need our staff to have safety skills like CPR and first aid, more importantly is having good relationship skills that are used every day and in every interaction at camp.  This session will provide ideas and tools to drive more profound connection and support for those in our care.

This session will be led by Tracey Gaslin PhD, CPNP, FNP-BC, CRNI, RN-BC. 

Dr. Gaslin completed her PhD in Educational and Organizational Leadership and taught for 10 years specializing in pediatric development, service leadership, and research on gratitude. Dr. Gaslin publishes the majority of her work in the areas of pediatrics, camp nursing, behavioral health, and service leadership and has co-authored several texts. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Alliance for Camp Health where she travels and trains individuals regarding health services and well-being of youth and young adults. She continues to be an active speaker, writer, and publisher representing the Leading Voice in Camp Health to promote hope and healing in youth serving programs across the US and Canada. 

Session Location: Multi-Media Room

 

 

 

 

Open Space

-1/18/2024

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Open Space

01/18/2024 1:45 PM

Based on our morning activity, join in on some terrific discussions on what you want to talk about with fellow camp professionals. 

Location: Bob Evans Memorial Auditorium 

Successful Integration of International Staff at Camp

-1/18/2024

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Successful Integration of International Staff at Camp

01/18/2024 1:45 PM

Successful Integration of International Staff at Camp

Could your organization do more to support its International Staff? Explore the unique challenges faced by cultural exchange workers and how to alleviate them, resulting in a more inclusive, proactive and culturally diverse program. Leave with the tools to not only integrate staff members from unique cultures, but to celebrate and embrace them! This presentation aims to address various challenges unique to international staff coming to the United States to work in a summer camp setting. Challenges include, but are not limited to financial barriers, language barriers, homesickness, culture shock, and more. This workshop, led by an international staff member working full time, year-round in the USA, will provide actionable strategies for camp directors and organizers to foster a more inclusive and enriching camp experience for all and increase staff retention year after year.

Session led by Alexandra Richardson: I started my camping journey as a J1 international from the UK. I since relocated to the USA to pursue Camping as my career, and have served diverse populations of youth all over the country for the last 7 years. I currently serve as the Director of Camp Programs at Camp Ho Mita Koda in Newbury, OH; a camp primarily for those with T1D. Following years on my own seasonal visas, I have since worked each season to successfully integrate other incoming internationals into the camping community, by providing avenues for cultural exploration, integration, pride and comfort.

Session Location: Gehres Room

What is the Best Way to Predict the Future? Invent It: Activity Design Pathways, 2024 And Beyond!

-1/18/2024

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What is the Best Way to Predict the Future? Invent It: Activity Design Pathways, 2024 And Beyond!

01/18/2024 1:45 PM

What is the Best Way to Predict the Future? Invent It: Activity Design Pathways, 2024 And Beyond!

In this capacity-building workshop, you will explore a variety of pathways through experiential activity design, including available materials, intended outcomes, clientbase, rules/constraints, and even timeframe. To succeed in this challenge, teams will leverage their shared lived experience, including knowledge, strengths, and new-found skills, to engage in the process of ideation, prototyping, playtesting/iteration, and the presentation of a final deliverable activity. The outcome of this workshop is a learned process by which you can embrace the future of experiential activity design to meet your as-yet unseen and unknown problems that will define our industry in the next decade.

As a result of their participation, the workshop attendees will be able to:

  1. Perfect their personal activity design practice through active engagement and real-time application of newfound processes and skills.
  2. Learn from and apply diverse perspectives and capacities to a real-time project while working as a newly formed team.
  3. Deliver a bespoke experiential activity that will include an original tool, facilitation curricula, and a debriefing process.

This session will be led by our pre-conference leaders, Trevor Dunlap & Matthew Broda.

Matthew Broda is an Associate Professor of adolescent and young adult education and chair of the Department of Education at The College of Wooster. His areas of expertise include instructional technology, curriculum design, and instructional methodologies, teacher leadership, experiential and adventure education, and professional development. He received his B.S. from Kent State University (1999), M.Ed. (2004) from Ashland University, and a Ph.D. (2007) from Kent State University. Prior to his work at the College, Matthew served as a K-12 curriculum and instruction specialist, and middle school science, social studies, and language arts teacher. Matthew has published and presented in numerous local, state, national and international venues on the use of experiential methodologies in teaching, learning, and student development. If you can't find him, chances are he and his wife Kristin, are out searching for the perfect stretch of gravel to ride.

Trevor Dunlap is a 1997 graduate of Wittenberg University with degrees in Elementary and Special Education. Trevor has published and presented in numerous local, state, and national venues on the use of experiential methodologies in building personal and organizational capacity. As Executive Director of Nuhop, Trevor is an innovative facilitator of experiential methodology who loves fostering creative environments where people can succeed through self-discovery and teamwork. His high energy and zeal creates a contagious atmosphere of transforming fun where people can develop a new appreciation of themselves and their peers. When not "working" Trevor can be found adventuring with his wife, Sarah, and their three amazing children - Ashton, Mattie, and Lydia.

Session Location: International Room

Breakout Session 3

-1/18/2024

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Breakout Session 3

01/18/2024 2:59 PM
And the Oscar Goes To…

-1/18/2024

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And the Oscar Goes To…

01/18/2024 3:00 PM

And the Oscar Goes To…

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a movie clip can speak volumes. Use the power of film to facilitate your staff training... Engage staff on the edge of their seat with illustrations of important training concepts concerning bullying, safety, communication, teamwork, diversity, and more using the big screen.  (Bring your own popcorn).  

This session will be led by our Keynote Kat Shreve.

Session Location: Multi-Media Room

Crisis-It Really Can Happen

-1/18/2024

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Crisis-It Really Can Happen

01/18/2024 3:00 PM

Crisis-It Really Can Happen

ACA, Hotline Session

The ACA Hotline is a year-round, twenty-four-hour-a-day service provided to any camp or individual who needs help in a crisis.  Each year, ACA analyzes hotline issues and provides case studies and resources to assist in crisis management, staff training, and preparation for the unexpected, providing valuable lessons every camp can learn.  This webinar explores situations from the ACA Camp Crisis Hotline that arose over the past year.  This year’s topics will include issues related to: staffing and personnel, health/medical, abuse allegations (at home and at camp), camper behavior, and other special situations.

Through this session participants will learn:

  1. Most common types of hotline calls received and trends in hotline calls.
  2. Specific emerging issues exemplified in select cases discussed.
  3. Resources for responding to crisis situations.

Session led by ACA staff, Vincent Irving and Michele Branconier.

Session Location: Eastman Room

Hook, Line and Sinker: How to Reel in your Campers

-1/18/2024

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Hook, Line and Sinker: How to Reel in your Campers

01/18/2024 3:00 PM

Hook, Line and Sinker: How to Reel in your Campers

Do you ever feel like you are on a sinking ship desperately grasping for a life preserver? Bad behavior can feel like the undertow pulling you and your crew deeper and further away from your collective goals. Children deserve adult leaders who take the time to teach exemplary behavior and hold them to high standards. Adults cannot assume children know how to act without being taught. In this session, learn about the power of explicitly teaching behavior expectations and how relationships strengthen through unconditional positive regard. Take back the time you typically spend on repeated warnings to stop unwanted behaviors and build positive relationships with the children under your supervision.

This session will be led by Chelsee Earley. Chelsee is an experienced educator of young learners having spent years teaching, tutoring and coaching youth of all ages. She believes in the power of building positive relationships with youth, leaner-centered education and in offering children dynamic learning experiences. Chelsee earned a master’s degree in education (instruction) from Martin Luther College and is continually pursuing opportunities to challenge herself, students and fellow educators to reach their goals. She is football and golf enthusiast, a naturalist, and her three son’s biggest fan.

Location: Board Room

Ohio Department of Children and Youth Day Camp Overview

-1/18/2024

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Ohio Department of Children and Youth Day Camp Overview

01/18/2024 3:00 PM

Ohio Department of Children and Youth Day Camp Overview

In this session ODJFS will be covering the following topics:

  • Difference between Registered and Approved Camps
  • Resources for Day Camps
  • Background check process
  • Approved Camp process
  • Application process
  • Inspection Process
  • PFCC

The session will end with a Q&A.

This session will be led by Aliceson Downey & Jonni Masters.

Aliceson is the supervisor of the early childhood technical assistance unit with the Department of Children and Youth. The early childhood technical assistance unit develops technical assistance documents, trainings and guidance for Ohio’s regulated child care programs. Aliceson has 22 years’ experience in the health and human services field, including work as county child care specialist, county eligibility specialist, social service coordinator with HeadStart, and with the Ohio Department of Job and family Services in the child care policy technical assistance and training bureau. Aliceson has an undergraduate degree in Human Services and Professional Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College.

Jonni has been with ODJFS, assisting Ohio’s children and families in multiple disciplines, for 14 years. In her early childhood career, Jonni served as a childcare lead teacher, day camp counselor, and as a childcare administrator with the Akron Area YMCA’s. In 2012, Jonni began her career with the Office of Family Assistance (OFA) in Childcare Licensing as a Childcare Licensing Specialist, where she spent 10 years working with providers to maintain childcare licensing compliance and to provide the best care for the children of Ohio. As of 2022, Jonni joined the OFA management team as a Childcare Licensing Supervisor. Jonni has a BA in Educational Studies from Kent State University.

Session Location: International Room

Redefining Camp for Refugee Youth in Northeast Ohio

-1/18/2024

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Redefining Camp for Refugee Youth in Northeast Ohio

01/18/2024 3:00 PM

Redefining Camp for Refugee Youth in Northeast Ohio

Camp Christopher, celebrating its 100th summer, prides itself on helping thousands of people each year grow in community, nature, and spirit. Migration and Refugee Services offers holistic, trauma-informed services for refugees and immigrants that focuses on employment, medical, psychological, social, and legal needs so they can work towards healing from trauma and rebuild their lives in their new home. This past season Camp Christopher and Migration and Refugee Services partnered together to help further the mission of bringing a camp experience to children. With help from the ACA Ohio grant, we reached our goal of sharing the benefits of a summer camp opportunity, and helping develop a positive association with the word ‘camp’. Join us to learn how we started this program, what we learned, and our hopes for the future.

This session is led by Olivia Mackey & MaryKate Blankenship.

Olivia Mackey-is the Camp Director at Camp Christopher. Olivia has a wealth of experience at camp, having been a lifelong camper and progressing to staff in 2015. Olivia was an ACA Ohio Rising Star award recipient for 2023. Olivia has helped rebuild Camp Christopher’s programming since the pandemic, including offseason programs, family camp, programs for children and adults with disabilities, and day and overnight camps. Olivia has her Master’s degree in counseling and currently holds certifications as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and School Counselor.

MaryKate Blankenship-  is a licensed social worker and Program Director at Migration and Refugee Services. MaryKate manages several intensive case management programs, including the Ohio Center for Survivors of Torture, Mary’s House/Refugee Single Mothers Program, Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat, and a medical intensive case management program. MaryKate started her career with Catholic Charities as a Resident Camp Counselor at Camp Christopher and worked alongside Olivia.

Session location: Gehres Room

Thank You for Coming & Safe Travels!

-1/18/2024

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Thank You for Coming and Safe Travels!

01/18/2024 4:00 PM