Resource Edition Mid May 2011 IT’S ALMOST THAT TIME! Are YOU ready? That’s right folks, believe highlights and links. it or not, camp is right around the corner! IT’S Be sure to have a look at our Resources THE MOST WONDERFUL page (page 8), where you will find links to some TIME OF THE YEAR! The of the most popular and important resources we excitement is brewing. We provide. On our Calendar page (page 9) you will can feel the buzz. You’re all discover information and dates for upcoming events getting ready for the arrival and trainings. We hope that you will find our lead of your eager campers, and story, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting... we hope this will be your a Standards Visit!” (pages 10-11) interesting and best summer yet! helpful in preparing for your visit, either this year or in years to come. Being an ACA-accredited camp or member involves an interest in and commitment to readiness. As always, you will find Member News, State Being ready for anything is no small task. Answers Association News, Standards News, Opportunities, to your questions, best practices, possible solutions, and more. There is no shortage of information in this inspiration, and supportive colleagues are a big part issue of the Communicate to get you all geared up for of your ACA connection. We’re here to back you Summer 2011! up and help you out this summer and year ‘round. To make our resources simple for you to review— We will miss you while you’re off at camp and including some newer materials you may not have look forward to seeing you again when you get back! noticed—you’ll find resource content heavy with Have an incredible summer, and keep in touch! Letter from our President 2 Letter from Bette Bussel 3 State Association News 4 Standards & Fund Development News 5-6 In Memory 6 WHAT’S INSIDE Baby News 7 Resources & Calendar 8-9 How to Prepare for Your Standards Visit 10-11 Notes from ACA 12 Opportunities 13 C OMMU A MESSAGE FROM NAT SALTONSTALL NICATE ACA New England’s President of the Board In a matter of weeks, the 2011 summer camp season will be upon us as camps all over New England will be opening their doors to eager campers young and old. For camp professionals, that means an increasing list of May 2011 preparation tasks including staff training design, transportation routes, and cabin assignments. One annual priority for me during the month of May is to set aside time to review the many resources I’ve collected over the past year and make sure that each of them is incorporated into my final planning. Whether it’s the detailed conference notes about an updated risk management plan, stacks of ideas about new rainy day activities, or preparing my new system for sharing news and photos of camp life with families, I am always eager to act upon new ideas that can elevate the quality of our camp program. ACA New England has always been my primary resource for ongoing education and access to relevant information. This issue of Communicate provides a reminder of where to access the many resources that you may need in the coming months. As you engage in your final camp preparations this spring, I would like to share with you my five hopes for a successful summer season at camp: Safety – May you and your campers experience a safe season, both physically and emotionally. Growth and Development – May your programs offer rich and rewarding experiences that challenge children to push just beyond their comfort zone, resulting in personal growth and greater self awareness. Deepened Relationships – May you and your campers find new friendships at the same time as you rekindle the old. Seek to learn from each other as you lend a helping hand or provide a shoulder to lean on. Strength of Community - May the social fabric of your camp community be strengthened by intentional efforts to weave together a diverse group of campers and staff…one that provides a sense of acceptance and belonging. Achieving Goals - Whether it’s launching a new program, achieving new outcomes with your campers, or meeting your enrollment projections, I wish you success in all the ways you would like to measure it. Not surprisingly, these are my identical hopes as a parent on the eve of sending my three children off to their varied camp experiences. I wish for you (and for them) a rewarding and successful summer. It’s truly an uplifting feeling to know that so many children will enjoy the benefits of a camp experience throughout New England. Have a great summer, Nat Saltonstall 2 C OMMU A MESSAGE FROM BETTE BUSSEL NICATE ACA New England’s Executive Director Camp is fast approaching, and I know you’re all gearing up for another great summer season. Before you go, I wanted to share with you my appreciation for all that you do. The following is an excerpt from my remarks at the 90th May 2011 annual ACA New England conference. I came to New England Camping Association in 1990 after the legendary Terry Phinney had been with you for 25 years. I told Terry that I would probably be here for 5 or 6 years. What happened? A very dedicated and committed board of directors happened. From people who have served for many years, like Carol Sudduth, who was President when I was hired, to our younger professionals who are volunteering for the first time and working together, everyone pushing for the notion that a camp experience is a vital component in the development and education of the whole child. A very dedicated and committed professional staff happened. Former staff members and current staff members, some with us for many years, some who have only been with us for a few months, all engaged in supporting your work and assisting the public with their camp questions. And, of course, our members. I feel so at home among you, because no matter what our particular focus is - day camp, sleepaway camp, agency, independent - we are all working together towards a similar vision. For me, like many of you, camp was a life-changing experience. The impact of my years at day camp and sleepaway camp is always in my heart and present in how I live my life. You are incredible! What you do for children every day is inspiring. It is a pleasure and an honor working with you and for you. You all provide amazing summer programs for campers from around the world. I am confident that you will continue to enrich the lives of children through all of your hard work. Have a fantastic summer! Bette Bussel 3 C OMMU STATE ASSOCIATION NEWS NICATE CONNECTICUT (CCA) Steve Connors, for a 3-year term. Lobbyist MAINE (MYCF) Debra Vanderbeek briefed the group on A bill that potentially changes the frequency of camp pending legislation, inspections is working its way through the legislative including an update process in Maine. Maine’s governmental relations on boating speed May 2011 organization, MYCA, submitted the bill, which allows the limits. The group also state licensing agency to waive annual on-site inspections discussed labor laws and the Northern Pass Project. Lt. by considering national certifications, such as ACA Tim Dunleavy and Carolyn Parry from the Marine Patrol accreditation, as acceptable evidence of compliance briefed us on procedures for commercial boat licensing with health and safety standards. The state will have the and inspections for the coming summer. We have made authority to grant waivers on a case by case basis, and some great updates to the NHCDA website, and each still has the ultimate authority to make an unannounced camp should have received information by e-mail about inspection at any time it deems so. The bill received a how to update its information. Contact Linda King at unanimous yes vote out of committee and is expected to [email protected] if you have questions about pass the house and senate. your camp’s website listing. Submitted by Mary Ellen Deschenes. Plan ahead now, and save the date for the 2011 NHCDA MASSACHUSETTS (MCA) fall conference: Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at Camp Squanto in Swanzey, New Hampshire. If you are interested in We had an awesome Spring Workshop with over 80 presenting, or if you have a topic you’d like to see on the attendees. Participants received a detailed overview of agenda, please contact Amanda Zoellner at AZOELLNER@ the Massachusetts Children Cam’s Regulations, CORI MASSAUDUBON.ORG. We want to hear from you and Certification Training, an overview of what MA legislative your camp staff regarding your ideas for conference bills are being monitored, a sample of a comprehensive topics that interest and excite you! This day is a wonderful camper retention plan, and announcements of new camp opportunity to come together to reflect on the past camp program initiatives. Lunch was provided by Thurston season and to anticipate the season to come. Foods, and directors enjoyed networking with each other. Submitted by Amanda Zoellner. Don’t Miss It! Save the Date for the Fall Workshop on RHODE ISLAND (RIAC) Thursday, October 6th, at Cedar Hill in Waltham, MA. VERMONT (VCA) Watch this fall for MA Regional Roundtables. We are seeking camps in Western and Central MA to host an opportunity for area camp directors to get together to CAMP, CONFERENCE/RETREAT network and support each other. CENTER CONSULTATION Submitted by Nancy Hartmann, President.