American Camp Association - Illinois
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IN THE LOOP

Gather up everyone! Time for the news, resources, and fun!

Camp Spotlight

10/30/2017

 
CAMP - A FASD Community referred to as “CAMP"
Residential Camp
Utilize YMCA Camp Duncan


Tell us a little about your camp? 
We are a camp for children ages 9- 18 affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, known as FASD.  FASD is a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.  These effects can include physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Often, a person with an FASD has a mix of these problems (source https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/facts.html). 

As the parent and my son a sibling of an adoptive child with FASD, it was our vision to establish a camp that serves as a support network for families and individuals affected by FASD. CAMP is supported by a strong team of clinicians and professionals.  We work together to provide a safe structured environment for campers with programs specifically geared to improve their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

What are some things that unique to your camp?
Our camp is unique because all campers have FASD.  They recognize there are other people like them that have “FASD” as well, campers shared with us they are able to communicate and establish friendships better at camp than outside of camp. We also have a staff trained specifically in FASD, including behavioral health professionals, 
medical professionals, and camp counselors. We developed a program for campers, called the “Rock Star” program.  Each day campers are recognized for their contributions at camp, examples include being a good friend to another camper, doing a good job showing a good example, being positive… Each camp counselor will tell a story of the camper and award them their “rock” with an engraving, as a symbol of their good behavior.  

What is a typical day like for a camper?
A typical day for a camper at our camp is like anywhere else, doing the same activities that any other camp will do.  We utilize YMCA Camp Duncan for our week long camp because they have experience working first hand with a special needs population.  They lead the majority of activities, while our camp counselors trained in FASD, provide additional supervision for our campers.  Campers grow in self-esteem and confidence as they try new activities, they do not feel pressure to “fit in”, there is no competition, just kids having fun.  There are times when campers have a difficulty adjusting to camp, but we are there with them to encourage them and listen to them, letting them know that they are very special and we care.

How many staff and campers do you host in the summer?
We hosted 27 campers this year in our second year in operation, up from 13 campers our first year.

What is the philosophy of your camp?
Our philosophy is for campers to enjoy themselves, in a safe, structured environment, while having respect for others.  The benefits of attending camp are:
  1. Building Friendships
  2. Improving Social Communications
  3. Developing Life Skills
  4. Learning Safety
  5. Providing Respite Care

We understand this is sometimes the first time the camper has been away from home for an overnight stay, and the parents many times have not had a break either.  So it is very important to us to be able to provide this opportunity not only for campers but for their families as well.

What are growing challenges of your camp?
Some of the growing challenges of our camp are maintaining funding and retaining staff.  FASD is not well known, and it is difficult to obtain funding as there is not a high population awareness as some other conditions.  We are hopeful to retain much of staff next year, but this is another challenge is maintaining staffing.  

What are some things your camp does really well?
We are fortunate to partner with a great camp, YMCA Camp Duncan. Together we strive to provide the camper with a fun experience.  At CAMP, we understand FASD, and are prepared to deal with the challenges and celebrate the successes.  Our staff are all volunteers and they are here because they care about the campers and it shows.  We do a good job allowing each camper to work to their strengths and learn to work together as a team.  

How long has the camp been with ACA Illinois?
We have been working with ACA Illinois for four years.  ACA Illinois assisted us in getting started if it wasn’t for Gordie we wouldn’t be where we are today.  I still remember the call to Gordie at ACA Illinois, he was in 100% to help us build our camp. 


How long has your camp been accredited?
We completed our first accreditation visit this summer!


Why do you choose accreditation?
It is important to us to operate at the highest standards possible.  We would like to demonstrate to families, that we are serious about camping, and quality, and obtaining the accreditation, shows that our business meets the highest standards in the camping industry.

The Value of sharing ideas

10/29/2017

 
Recently while cleaning out some old camp files at home, I discovered the transparencies from my first ever speaker presentation at Mid States. In case you have no clue what I’m talking about (I’m looking at you millennials,) here’s a photo of the overhead projector:
Picture
Yes; we used to have to copy our presentation onto clear sheets, then place the sheets, by hand, onto the hot glass of this giant, bulky machine. I’m so glad we don’t have to tote them around anymore. I’ve never loved Google Drive more!

But let’s get back to the point.

Coming across these materials reminded me of my first time speaking at Mid States. I was so nervous; from the moment I decided to speak until I reviewed my evaluations. Yet somehow, despite my nervousness, Mid States was the perfect place to test the waters. The Mid States community is friendly and kind, just like the camp community. Having had the pleasure of working with many speakers over the years, they relate to finding a similar welcoming environment. Attendees are eager to learn, but also understand that you’re a human being. If you come prepared and focused, attendees will be open to your ideas and ready to learn.

Each camp I’ve worked with and every position I’ve held has benefited from my experience as a presenter. Speaking at a conference provides professional benefits to you AND your camp. When you present, people learn about your organization, and your camp becomes a leader in the community, which makes the camp community stronger. How, you ask? Well, think about it this way. There are two types of camp people: those that focus internally on their job at camp, tasks that contribute specifically to their individual jobs. There are also those camp people that see themselves as part of the greater camp community, the greater mission at hand. These individuals share their ideas, ask questions, generate innovations that not only help make their camp better, but help all camps become better overall. They help make camp current in the 21st century, and relevant in youth development. And perhaps most importantly, these people change the world by bettering it, making the camp community stronger. These camps, and camp people, become known for their cutting-edge innovations. This helps recruit campers and new employees in the future.  There are many ways these camp people help the community, a common way is to present at conferences.

Speaking not only benefits your camp, it grows your professional skills and allows your experience to shine. The challenge of preparing a presentation and sharing your knowledge will strengthen your ability to train your staff next summer. Your supervisor will see that you have creative ideas to share. When it's time for you to take the next step in your career, more people will know who you are, and the skills you bring to whatever camp you are working with.

Finally, the greatest reason to speak is that we need new ideas. Camp is about relationships and strengthening communities. We all share the same mission: to better the world through camp. We cannot do this without constantly evaluating ourselves and how we do things. It’s vital to our survival as the camp community that we continue to ask questions, share ideas and grow. We need you to help us accomplish this. We need your ideas, your solutions.

Submitting a proposal years ago opened doors I never thought possible. I  encourage you to consider submitting a presentation for this year’s Mid States. Show the camp community what you excel at! Give voice to your ideas and strengths. Be part of the larger camp world through this role and make us all stronger professionals. I believe we all have something to share. We all have gifts and strengths. What is yours? I’m excited to learn from you!


Yours in Camping,
Colette M Marquardt
Executive Director
American Camp Association, Illinois
_______

Tips for the New Speaker:
  1. Ask your fellow camp people what you do really well. Ask them what they think you are an expert in. Maybe they will say you are the best camp song leader ever. Or your fundraising efforts really paid off and you have cool tips to share with your camp community. Lean on your co-workers for support in identifying what skills and gifts you have to share. (Pro-Tip: Make sure you speak about something that excites you. Your co-workers may say you are really good at making excel spreadsheets, but if you find zero passion in it, it’ll make presenting on that topic much less fun.)
  2. Narrow down your topic. Do you want to lead a session on new games? Or maybe staff training ideas to promote community? How about marketing? Once you figured out what your best at, narrow down that overall topic to a specific focus. You typically only have an hour for your presentation, so the more specific, the better. (Pro-Tip: If you have more than one specific topic within a theme, consider submitting two session options.)
  3. Prepare the Proposal: You don’t have to have written your entire presentation to apply to be a speaker. You need a title, description and a few goals for the session. Don’t forget to mention the teaching style - will this be hands on, lecture based or discussion? Attendees report appreciating knowing the style of which they will be learning from during a session. The rest can come later. (Pro Tip: Keep your notes about what you plan to speak on. You may not revisit preparing for your session again for a few months. Many speakers report forgetting what they submitted or the goal of their session. Spend time now writing a few notes so you can remember what you were thinking about when you selected this topic. )
  4. Write a Good Bio: This is your chance to sell yourself to the camp world as knowledgeable in your topic area. Highlight the parts of your life that make you an expert in the area you will be speaking about. No need to list every job or camp, just the position or experience that made you knowledge in the focus area. For example, if speaking on marketing, mention your role in marketing for your camp or a degree in that field.  (Pro Tip: Find a balance of fun and professional by inserting an interesting fun fact about yourself such as your favorite camp activity, but make sure to include the important details like your camp background.)

Submit your Call for Proposals today by clicking here! Questions can be directed to kim@acail.org.


​ACA, Inc. Seeks National Award Nominations

10/16/2017

 
ACA, Inc is seeking nominations for the National Awards Program. Do you know a camp professional who has given their time and skill to make our ACA community better? Are you aware of a person who contributes to the field of camp from related professions?  Read more about the different awards offered below and nominate someone you know today!

ACA National Awards Include:

Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is ACA’s highest award. This award honors a lifetime of service to ACA and camp.

National Honor Award
This award is for individuals who have given exemplary service to  ACA; work is regional and national in scope through committees, addresses, or research.

Hedley S. Dimock Award
Awarded to individuals who contribute to the field of camp from related professions, such as outdoor education, medicine, or social sciences.

National Service Award
Given to recognize continued and increasing service to ACA beyond the local level.

Special Recognition Award
Designed to honor groups, organizations, or individuals for their efforts to promote camp.

Jack Weiner Leadership Award
This award is given annually to a young professional who is pursuing a career in camp.

Eleanor P. Eells Award
The Eleanor P. Eells Award will focus on recognizing program excellence as well as research in practice at camps.

J. Wendell and Ruth T. Howe Golden Quill & Golden Lens Awards
These awards—which are funded through a memorial established in J. Wendell and Ruth T. Howe’s name—encourage excellence in writing and photography

The Marge Scanlin Outstanding Research Award
This award recognizes one student each year for his/her research related to the camp experience.

So do you know someone or an organization/camp that fits the above descriptions? If so, make sure they get noticed by nominating them today!
Nominate Now

hip hIp horray!          our 2017 accredited camps!

10/16/2017

 
Congratulations to all the camps who were accredited for 2017! 

It takes a lot of preparation, coordination and well let's be honest,  paper, but we are excited to share with you all the camps who completed and passed their Accreditation visit this summer!

First time Accredited Camps!
Benedictine University-Spring Break Day Camp
CAMP-A FASD Community


Renewed Accreditation
4-H Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See
Buehler YMCA Day Camp
Camp Medill McCormick
Camp Dean
Habonim Camp Tavor
Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts
Improv Playhouse Performing Arts Camp
Irving Park YMCA Day Camp
JCYS Camp Henry Horner
JCYS Camp Red Leaf
Lake View YMCA Day Camp
Lattof YMCA Day Camp
Leaning Tower YMCA Day Camp
Kelly Hall
One in a Hundred
Palos Heights
Rauner YMCA
South Side YMCA
Timber Pointe Outdoor Center
Tri-Town YMCA Day Camp

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American  Camp  ASSOCIATION,  illinois

American Camp Association, Illinois
PO Box 5412
Evanston, IL 60204


Phone: 312-332-0833
Email: info@acail.org


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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Board Members
    • Award Honorees
    • Employment
    • Contact Us
  • What We Do
    • Accreditation
    • DFI Title XX >
      • 2023 Camp Referrals
    • Send a Child to Camp
    • Top 5 Reasons to Send Your Child to Camp
    • Find a Camp
  • Join Us
    • Group Membership
    • Individual Membership
    • Why Accreditation?
    • 4 Reasons to Be Accredited
    • Services Portal
    • Volunteer
  • Learn & Tools
    • Professional Development & Training >
      • Executive Seminar
    • Calendar
    • Resources for Individuals and Families
    • ACA & COVID-19
  • Ways to Give
    • Donate Today!
    • Fresh Start Campership Funds
    • Become a Sponsor or Community Partner
    • Throwing Lids & Helping Kids Fundraiser