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-9/14/2022

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Innovation Showcase Time Zone

09/14/2022 8:55 AM
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-9/14/2022

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Sponsor Gallery

09/14/2022 8:58 AM
Welcome

-9/14/2022

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Welcome

09/14/2022 9:00 AM

Ken Mortensen, Camp Facility Consultant and Mark Pincumbe, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times

Ken Mortensen

Ken Mortensen learned the value of camping and the structured outdoor experience early in life while attending various summer camps and outdoor education camps.  This early exposure set his career path that has included working many summers at Stetson Creek Ranch and study at Cal Poly Pomona.  While at Cal Poly, Ken was introduced to ACA Standards while taking an Introduction to Camp Management class.  Through the years Ken has had the opportunity to be the Camp Director at Camp Nawakwa, Camp Manager at Camp Joan Mier, Director of Camping at Ability First, Facility Director at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, Project Director at Forest Home, Project Director at BneiAkiva/Dovid Oved Retreat Center, Vice President of Properties at Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council and Consutlant to camps for property development and construction.  Through this time, Ken has been active as a Standards Visitor, Co-Chair of the So Cal/Hawaii Standards Committee for a few years and most recently Co-host of the So Cal/Hawaii Site Managers Tour.

Mark's photo

Mark Pincumbe joined the Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times team in 2015 and currently serves as the Operation Associate for Facilities. He works to ensure the campsite grounds and facilities provide a safe, comfortable,  and caring experience for campers and guests. Born and raised in Michigan, Mark has worked as a General Manager for Chipotle and Habit Burger. Mark is a sports fan, his favorite being football, and the Michigan State Spartans. Mark loves spending time with his daughter, Adelyn, and all her adventures. He also enjoys collecting sports cards.      

Building Relationships to Benefit Your Facility

-9/14/2022

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Building Relationships to Benefit Your Facility

09/14/2022 9:05 AM
We often think about relationships that benefit camp in staffing, or nursing, or attracting campers, but how often do we think about building relationships to benefit our facility. Andy will talk about how allowing less than 5 kids to come to camp on trade has allowed Gold Arrow to foster relationships with community members that have helped with issues from trash disposal to water to building new bathrooms.

Andy "Soy" Moeschberger, Gold Arrow Camp

Andy's photo

Andy “Soy” Moeschberger is a Camp Director and the CFO (Chief Fun Officer) at Gold Arrow Camp in Lakeshore, California. He was raised in Indiana and is a proud Purdue Boilermaker. 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. His passion at that time was helping students learn how to productively engage with their elected officials.  Andy currently serves as the host of the Gold Arrow Camp POG-Cast, is an amateur woodworker, and an avid PEZ collector.  He is a Gryffindor who found himself married to a Slytherin. 

Changing Stalls without a New Building

-9/14/2022

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Changing Stalls without a New Building

09/14/2022 9:05 AM
Learn how Skyline designed and built eight changing stalls that offer individual privacy to campers, for a few hundred dollars in lumber and some volunteer labor. Like many camps, Skyline had changing areas that were not private and not numerous enough. This simply constructed project has been an excellent addition to their pool facility.

Matt Henry, Skyline Camp and Retreat Center

Matt is Executive Director at Skyline Camp and Retreat Center, in Almont, MI. As a Standards co-chair and visitor, his favorite thing is to visit other camps and borrow ideas for site improvements, especially those that can be achieved with affordability and ingenuity.

 

Ecological Site Strategies

-9/14/2022

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Ecological Site Strategies

09/14/2022 9:15 AM
Ecological Site Strategies Join Tom for a conversation about new and interesting landscape and site practices that challenge conventional, ‘that’s the way we’ve always done it’ thinking. Specific strategies will be presented with examples from the field including management of native vegetation, addressing invasive plant species, and a zoned approach to landscape management at the property-scale.

Tom's photo

Tom Neppl, Neppl Landscape Architecture

Tom Neppl is a practicing Landscape Architect and faculty member in Landscape Architecture at Iowa State University. In 25 years of professional practice, he’s worked with camps, outdoor, and environmental education centers throughout the U.S. on projects ranging from small gardens to master planning of large-scale properties. Recent projects include site and master plans for outdoor centers and camps in Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. Tom teaches ecological design and co-leads a sustainability-themed learning community that takes students into the field for hands-on and place-based experiences including Monarch butterfly conservation and native vegetation restoration in central Iowa. Personally, he loves traveling with his family, Tricia, Ashlyn and Michael, being one with nature from his tree stand each fall, and working in his woodland garden every chance he gets.

 

 

Use Digital Forms to Market your Summer Camp to Potential Kitchen Employees

-9/14/2022

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Use Digital Forms to Market your Summer Camp to Potential Kitchen Employees

09/14/2022 9:25 AM
What do chefs want to know about the kitchen they will be working in, the housing they should expect, and the quality of life outside of work hours at summer camp? Dual purpose facility status and inventory forms can be used not only for operations but also to market your facility to potential kitchen employees as well as tracking the conditions of your facility. After recently entering the summer camp market, Campus Cooks learned what chefs are interested in when applying for summer camp positions. Facility information was the top of their list. Anderson will share how Campus Cooks uses digital forms for both operations and HR.

Anderson Dolton, Campus Cooks

Anderson Dolton

Anderson Dolton is the Strategic Partnership Manager for Campus Cooks, a Food Service Management company who recently entered into the Summer Camp market. Anderson has over 20 years of Operations experience in the Hospitality Field. 

Hydrobike Water Sampler

-9/14/2022

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Hydrobike Water Sampler

09/14/2022 9:35 AM
Brad has used a hydrobike to collect water quality samples in his site’s lake for a Citizens Lake Monitoring project. Join Brad to see if this idea has “wheels” for your camp!

Brad Henderson, Wisconsin Farmers Union

Brad serves as the Kamp Kenwood Facilities Manager.  He loves learning about all things site and facilities!

Creative Partnerships in Camp Facility Improvements

-9/14/2022

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Creative Partnerships in Camp Facility Improvements

09/14/2022 9:45 AM
Learn how MedCamps of Louisiana has partnered with Louisiana Tech University's School of Design to improve their facilities over the past 9 years. Projects include: Larkin Gibbs Memorial Pavilion, Hero's Launch - A wheelchair accessible canoe and paddleboat launch, Chiasmus - a modified archery and paintball target range, Pisces - a 300ft floating bridge, Peregrine - a zip line launch and treehouse, Stroud Camp Store and Bell Tower - a concession stand and camp merchandise store, Hero's Origin - A multi staged curated entrance into camp, and Mosaic - a Arts & Crafts center. Caleb and Kacie will explain the origins of the partnership, how the partnership functions, and how it might be replicated at other sites.

Caleb Seney and Kacie Whipple, MedCamps of Louisiana, Inc.

Caleb's photo

Caleb Seney is the Executive Director of MedCamps of Louisiana, Inc - a camping program for children and young adults living with various chronic illnesses and disabilities. Caleb has been Executive Director for 20 summers and has been on staff with MedCamps for 25 summers. Caleb is a 1999 Graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a degree in Business Management. Caleb and his wife Adrian have two daughter, Audrey and Abby, and they make their home in Ruston Louisiana.

Kacie's photo

Kacie Whipple is the Camp Director for MedCamps of Louisiana. Kacie started her career at MedCamps at age 16 as a Camp Counselor. Kacie served as Camp Counselor for MedCamps from 2010- 2013. In 2014, Kacie started full time with MedCamps as their Volunteer and Events Coordinator. In 2016, Kacie was promoted to Camp Director. Kacie graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in May 2016 with her Bachelors Degree in General Studies with a concentration in Social Science, a minor in History, and a minor in Psychology. In 2019, Kacie graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with her Masters Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. Kacie lives in Monroe Louisiana with her husband Patrick.

Break

-9/14/2022

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Break

09/14/2022 9:55 AM
First Impressions Matter

-9/14/2022

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First Impressions Matter

09/14/2022 10:05 AM
You have 60 seconds for a camper or parent to get a first impression of your camp. What things should they see or not see? What should you have at the entrance way? the parking lot? the walkway? Of all that they can see from the parking lot, what is their visual intake and impression of your camp? What are inexpensive, colorful, and creative additions you can add? In 60 seconds, does your camp say, " Wow. This is going to be FUN! "

Winston Marugg, Sonlight Christian Camp

Winston Marugg

In 1973, after graduating from Colorado State University, Winston Marugg went to a Christian youth camp as a full time year round staff member.  In 1979, Winston and his friend Mary Winchester, started Sonlight Adventures as a summer backpacking program. Today, the summer program has grown to a year round youth camp operation. ( Sonlight Christian Camp ) With the initial purchase of 40 acres in the corner of a working cattle ranch, ( ie, no buildings or utilities ) the camp has grown to 167 acres bordered by 6 million acres of National Forest and around 30 buildings. The log buildings were designed, engineered, constructed and maintained by Winston and Mary. Two water systems and a wastewater plant were also constructed.  With 49 years of youth camp operation, Winston and Mary are still learning the ever changing world of camp.

Burns and Beavers

-9/14/2022

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Burns and Beavers

09/14/2022 10:15 AM
Join David to learn about the benefits of controlled burns and to use a "think outside the box" approach to beavers on your site.

David B Auman, Girl Scouts NC Coastal Pines

David Auman

David Auman, 35 years as camp ranger at our Girl Scout Camp Mu-Sha-Ni, located in the Sandhills of NC. Along with "camp life' I enjoy forestry projects, building projects, visiting and working at our other camps. Also enjoy beekeeping, garden and canning, spending time with grandkids. 

Price, Quality, & Service – The Vendor Trifecta

-9/14/2022

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Price, Quality, & Service – The Vendor Trifecta

09/14/2022 10:25 AM
How do you get the products you need from a vendor you trust at a price you can afford? Unless you have a certified purchasing manager on your staff with insights into multiple industries, manufacturing trends, or an intricate understanding of supply chain management, you are probably spending too much on the stuff that keeps your facilities running smoothly. With limited purchasing power and rapid inflation, direct negotiations with vendors can be an uphill battle at times for camp managers. With free membership in Trinity/HPSI, you unlock the entire multibillion-dollar group buying power of an enormous national purchasing organization for your camp. Our large vendor portfolio not only includes discounts with major broadline food vendors, but free membership in Trinity/HPSI also provides access to one of the strongest discount programs with Lowe’s and other top-tier vendor partners like Ferrellgas, Suburban Propane, Grainger, John Deere, Sherwin-Williams, Cushman/EZ-GO, Staples, Office Depot, Ecolab, Guest Supply, Direct Supply, HD Supply, Network Services, FedEx, T-Mobile, Pepsi, and many more! At the end of the day, are you confident that you have hit the vendor trifecta for your camp? We would love to partner with you to help you do just that!

Rich Lowry, Trinity/HPSI

Rich Lowry

Rich Lowry has a background in construction work and management. He started in camping in 1999 as a cowboy on a 1,200-acre horse ranch and youth camp and was later named as the head cowboy/horse trainer. He left camping in 2002 and spent 16 years in law enforcement where he held the rank of Sergeant until he was medically retired due to an injury sustained in the line of duty. Rich joined the team at Trinity/HPSI in 2018 as a Manager of Outreach and Member Services and was later named the Director of Outreach and Communications.  Rich holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business. He also holds an associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies as well as certification in Critical Infrastructure Protection.

Ropes Courses from Old to New on a Budget

-9/14/2022

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Ropes Courses from Old to New on a Budget

09/14/2022 10:35 AM
Old is new when you move things around. Many of us are drawn to the new, big, shiny ropes courses, zip tours, and adventure systems. Many of us also don't have the resources to invest in facilities like this. Have you thought about installing an old school single dynamic element? A balance beam, burma bridge or postperson's walk? Install in trees for even more savings. Just remember to add a maintenance budget! Also, if you have a climbing wall or tower, do you have the skill and/or time to move your climbing holds around? We talk about this often, but after you actually do it, you feel as if your climbing structure is kind of new! Low ropes courses? Do you have portable activities set up outside? Can you move them - try it out. A change of scenery sometimes is the ticket. Small simple fixes: new multi-line on your courses, fresh coat of paint/stain, new harnesses/helmets, logo t's for your course.

Sonny Adkins, Camp Shady Brook

Sonny Adkins

Sonny's professional camping background began over three decades ago at his first camp in Holly, Michigan. He has worked mostly in the Midwest, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Sonny is thrilled to now be in the beautiful Mountain west, specifically in Colorado, working for Camp Shady Brook and the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. 

Green Camp Needs Assessment

-9/14/2022

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Green Camp Needs Assessment

09/14/2022 10:45 AM
When it comes to taking action, there are a lot of opportunities to model sustainability at your camp, which can be overwhelming. A needs assessment will help you collect data to highlight the low hanging and high up in the tree, fruits. Asking questions about energy, water, waste, and office conservation will help you to establish a baseline of the opportunities for implementing green actions. Join Green Camps founder Danny Sudman, to learn how a needs assessment can support your camp in pursuing sustainable action to model sustainability and inspire green behavior change in your campers and staff.

Danny Sudman

Danny Sudman, Green Camps

Growing up, Danny spent 16 summers at YMCA Camp Hanes in North Carolina – first as a camper and later as a camp counselor. After receiving his BA in Sociology from North Carolina State University, he went on to join the leadership team at Catalina Island Camps where he managed the challenge course program and served as an environmental educator. While on the island, he completed the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program, an initiative of Jean Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society.   Danny Sudman founded Green Camps in 2014, believing 100% in the extraordinary ability of the camp community to inspire and develop the next generation of environmental leaders.

Break

-9/14/2022

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Break

09/14/2022 10:55 AM
Roundtable Discussions

-9/14/2022

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Roundtable Discussions

09/14/2022 11:25 AM

Join us for informal conversations on the following topics:

  • Water, Water, Water
  • Vexing Vermin
  • Working with Volunteers

Come prepared to ask questions, share ideas and resources, and learn from others.

10 Cheap Ideas in 5 Minutes

-9/14/2022

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10 Cheap Ideas in 5 Minutes

09/14/2022 11:45 AM
Join Dave to learn 10 affordable ideas to improve your sight in 5 minutes.

Dave Sherry, The Sherry Group

Dave Sherry

Dave Sherry is the President of The Sherry Group - a consulting firm that works with camps and other nonprofits.  Dave has worked for nearly 30 years in the camping industry being responsible for several properties.  Dave understands the time and financial limits involved in managing camp property and has tips and trick to share that he has learned along the way.  Dave lives in Iowa with his wife, he has three children, a daughter in law and loves to spend time in his shop.

Tearing Down Historic Barns to be More Effective

-9/14/2022

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Tearing Down Historic Barns to be More Effective

09/14/2022 11:55 AM
A few years ago, Cheley decided to tear down their historic barns. It was an emotional decision. The results: better horse health, more efficient labor, less work comp claims, less camper injuries. Maybe you don’t have a barn but is there another area of camp that you just keep it that way because it has always been that way.

Jeff Cheley, Cheley Colorado Camps

Jeff Cheley grew up in the camp industry. As the fourth generation of Cheley’s at Cheley Colorado Camps, he has been involved in camping from many different aspects. After working in the “real world” for six years, Jeff returned to camp full-time in 1999. Since his return, he has been involved in most of the aspects of camp. As the Executive Director of Cheley Colorado Camps, Jeff oversees the financials, strategic planning, and provides guidance for the leadership team. Jeff and his sister, Brooke Cheley Klebe, are humbled to continue their family legacy. Jeff also dedicates time to the camping profession as the Treasurer of the Western Association of Independent Camps, the President of the Colorado Camps Network, and the Chair of the American Camp Association Awards Committee. 

Balancing Revenue with Mission...Finding Capital$$$$

-9/14/2022

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Balancing Revenue with Mission...Finding Capital$$$$

09/14/2022 12:05 PM
Tom will share best practices, learning experiences, and sources for funding major facility projects.

Tom Fraker, Pathways to Learning

CEO and Founder Tom Fraker has worked for more than 35 years in the business and nonprofit sector, focusing his entrepreneurial skills on creating and developing successful organizations by blending the passion of the non-profit sector with the discipline and organizational structuring of the private sector.   His synergistic approach has been enhanced across sectors (private, public and non-profit) by integrating relationships and the development of partnerships. 

Contracts and Contractors

-9/14/2022

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Contracts and Contractors

09/14/2022 12:15 PM
When we engage in work on our camp facilities, we often rely on handshake agreements with local contractors and service providers. That works perfectly fine when things are going smoothly, but it leaves our camps unprotected the moment there's a bump in the road. This session explores why strong contracts are important when engaging in facilities work and considers the essential terms those contracts should contain.

Isaac Mamaysky, Camp Zeke and Potomac Law Group PLLC

In addition to being a Partner in Potomac Law Group, which has a practice team focused on the camp industry, Isaac is the founder and director of a large overnight camp in Wayne County, PA. He counsels day camps and overnight camps in a wide range of legal needs.
 

How an Innovative Partnership Provides Multiple Benefits for our Camp

-9/14/2022

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How an Innovative Partnership Provides Multiple Benefits for our Camp

09/14/2022 12:25 PM
Join Brian and hear about Westwind’s partnership with Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical School.

Brian Klippert, Westwind

Brian Klippert

Meet the Ox

-9/14/2022

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Meet the Ox

09/14/2022 12:35 PM
Meet the Ox. In a pinch in 2021 when affordable UTVs were not available in Skyline’s region, Skyline supplemented their "fleet" with an off-road electric scooter. In two seasons it has carried them approximately 200 miles and has been a valuable investment. Join Matt for a virtual test drive!

Matt Henry, Skyline Camp and Retreat Center

Matt is Executive Director at Skyline Camp and Retreat Center, in Almont, MI. As a Standards co-chair and visitor, his favorite thing is to visit other camps and borrow ideas for site improvements, especially those that can be achieved with affordability and ingenuity.

Top 10 Lessons Learned from Implementing a Large Capital Improvement Project

-9/14/2022

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Top 10 Lessons Learned from Implementing a Large Capital Improvement Project

09/14/2022 12:45 PM
Are you considering a large capital project for your facility? Have you ever wondered what you don't even know about taking on such a challenge? Sometimes what we don't know CAN hurt us, but we can also learn pitfalls to avoid by hearing what some of our peers have experienced in similar circumstances. Being forewarned can allow us to be forearmed! Brandon is always happy to share his lessons learned so you don't have to learn them the hard way.

Brandon Briery, Camp CAMP (Children's Association for Maximum Potential)

Dr. Brandon Briery

Dr. Brandon G. Briery is a Clinical Child & Pediatric Psychologist, published researcher, author, and international speaker. Involved in camps for children with medical conditions or disabilities since 1992, he has been employed by Camp CAMP (Children's Association for Maximum Potential) since 2007. Brandon has worked with non-profit organizations as a volunteer, employee, manager, or strategic consultant for more than three decades. He also spins some mean tunes as CAMP DJ. Having worked or volunteered for many organizations and in many facilities over this 30+ year career, he learned a thing or two about facilities management - but always has more to learn.

Closing

-9/14/2022

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Closing

09/14/2022 12:55 PM

Ken Mortensen, Camp Facility Consultant and Mark Pincumbe, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times

Ken Mortensen

Ken Mortensen learned the value of camping and the structured outdoor experience early in life while attending various summer camps and outdoor education camps.  This early exposure set his career path that has included working many summers at Stetson Creek Ranch and study at Cal Poly Pomona.  While at Cal Poly, Ken was introduced to ACA Standards while taking an Introduction to Camp Management class.  Through the years Ken has had the opportunity to be the Camp Director at Camp Nawakwa, Camp Manager at Camp Joan Mier, Director of Camping at Ability First, Facility Director at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, Project Director at Forest Home, Project Director at BneiAkiva/Dovid Oved Retreat Center, Vice President of Properties at Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council and Consutlant to camps for property development and construction.  Through this time, Ken has been active as a Standards Visitor, Co-Chair of the So Cal/Hawaii Standards Committee for a few years and most recently Co-host of the So Cal/Hawaii Site Managers Tour.

Mark Pincumbe

Mark Pincumbe joined the Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times team in 2015 and currently serves as the Operation Associate for Facilities. He works to ensure the campsite grounds and facilities provide a safe, comfortable,  and caring experience for campers and guests. Born and raised in Michigan, Mark has worked as a General Manager for Chipotle and Habit Burger. Mark is a sports fan, his favorite being football, and the Michigan State Spartans. Mark loves spending time with his daughter, Adelyn, and all her adventures. He also enjoys collecting sports cards.