 Greetings to all Women In Camp Summit Participants (past and future)!
We know these are very uncertain and trying times. At this time, December feels very far away but we want to be sure you have the most up to date information. We have been making plans for our 2020 Summit for months now but realize that we need to be prepared for other options. These times require an even sharper focus on how we can responsibly serve our community. By creating the Women in Camp Summit, our goal has always been to provide support and professional development to female camp pros. This year will be no different. At this time, we are not sure what international travel and group gatherings will look like by year's end. We ARE sure that, no matter what restrictions will be in place come December, we will be together. Our "gathering" may look very different from the first 2 Summits but "gather" we will. So save those dates (December 2-4, 2020) and we'll keep you updated as we monitor the COVID-19 situation. We hope you know how much we care about each of you and the Women in Camp community. Please reach out to us or to one another if you'd like to chat or need any help or support during these challenging times. We look forward to staying in touch and to welcoming you to a spectacular Women in Camp Summit in December...no matter what it looks like. Our thoughts are with you all. Women In Camp Summit Leadership Team: Beth, Gabz, Ruby, Allie, Kim, Stacy, & Colette
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 Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy, heavy heart that I share that Marcy Brower passed away this morning in her home. In the coming days, we will share an additional tribute to this woman who was remarkable. She was truly remarkable. We wanted to share this news as soon as we were able so that all who knew Marcy could begin to support each other. This time in our world is already not easy. This makes it even harder. I know that those who loved Marcy and continue to love Bob wish we could encircle Bob and his family during this. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and social distancing practices, we will do our part to keep Bob and all people safe by providing thoughtful support in any way we can from afar. Please know that I share in your grief and sadness. The camp community has lost a legend and the world has lost a fierce advocate for social justice. May we all continue to support each other as we work together to continue to change the world through camp. The Brower family has asked in lieu of flowers, to please consider a donation to the Marcy & Bob Brower Campership Fund with the American Camp Association, Illinois. You can read her obituary here. I will share more information on ways we can celebrate Marcy’s legacy as I learn of them and once her family has had some time to grieve together. We send all our love to Bob, his children, and his grandchildren. Sincerely, Colette Marquardt Executive Director American Camp Association, Illinois
Dear Camp Families, We understand this is not an easy time for anyone, especially parents and families with children and youth at home. As we continue to navigate what the remainder of the school year looks like for our youth, many folks are asking: what about summer camp? We are, as well as all of our camps, closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and its impact on our communities, state, nation, and the world. We continue to share in the hope and excitement that summer is coming. Camp is a phenomenal experience that offers people young and old the opportunity to expand and grow in their life skills. Skills that are strengthened organically through camp programs include leadership, adaptability, empathy, teamwork, critical thinking, innovative problem solving, creativity, compassion, patience, and so many more--skills needed to lead successful lives and positively contribute to society. Right now, the mission-driven professionals who run your camps are working diligently behind the scenes to respond, to find solutions, to connect and support their community and, most of all, to ensure the safety and well-being of the campers. We continue to work with the Illinois Department of Public Health and follow all guidelines set by the CDC for any matter related to the safety of children and adults in our camp communities. The camp directors and staff are continuing to plan their best summers ever while monitoring the situation and responding accordingly and as advised by the public health experts. The American Camp Association, Illinois will continue to serve as a leader in the partnership of the camps and the state officials to ensure that all camps have the resources, tools, and access to timely education to help them provide life-changing camp experiences this summer, especially around the subject of Coronavirus. We have always partnered with IDPH to ensure that camps have the ability to prevent and respond to any communicable disease. Your loved one’s safety is our priority. We encourage our community to continue seeking out camp experiences for their loved ones this summer during this difficult time. Families can find access to many different types of camps, several of which are located here in the great state of Illinois! Day and overnight camps that each specialize in different communities, programs, and needs of their campers. Visit findacamp.org to search thousands of camp options! We also encourage you to select an ACA Accredited camp. Accredited camps demonstrate their commitment to the health and well-being of their campers, staff, and community through a peer-review process that requires regular site visits and annual reporting. Learn more about why the Accreditation is a symbol of a camp’s dedication to providing safe and quality camp experiences here. Be well, be kind, & wash your hands,
 To All Our Women in Camp,
You are in our hearts and minds during these uncertain times. We started as one gathering in St. Charles, Illinois. We have now grown into a sisterhood and we need each other more than ever. Our Women in Camp Summit Leadership Team is currently working to provide ongoing opportunities for us to “gather”, share our challenges and concerns, as well as the pockets of joy we find as we work to care for one another and ourselves. Some Ideas to Stay Connected and Cared For:
Let’s find creative ways to connect as a camp community, to lean in to each other, and to support one another. If you need anything from this community or if you have resources to share, we encourage you to join our Women in Camping Facebook group. We are so grateful to be part of this community. Your Women in Camp Summit Leadership Team, Beth Allison, Allie Boyaris, Ruby Compton, Stacy Harper, Colette Marquardt, Gabrielle Raill, & Kim Steiner  Dear Friends,
Each year we hear from members that they desire to visit other camps. We have a secret - okay - it's not a super secret - but.... We have a whole program that allows you to do just that! See other camps in operation! Below I share some details on how you can jump into the number one program ACA offers this summer! The Why & How of Becoming Seeing Other Camps This Summer: The Quick Read Version Why Become an Accreditation Visitor? The benefits include, but are not limited to:
Interested in Learning More & Becoming a Visitor? We have a course scheduled for March 11th, 2020 in Chicago and we would love to help you on your journey to joining the most popular volunteer opportunity within ACA! To be Eligible to become a Visitor, you should:
You do not, I repeat, DO NOT need to be a camp director to be a visitor. Many visitors are program directors, executives, retired, between jobs, teachers, current camp directors, assistant directors, seasonal staff, or just passionate about camp. Ready to Sign Up today?
Thank you! We can’t wait for you to join our team! Kim Steiner Membership & Program Services Director Kim Steiner is the Membership & Program Services Director for ACA Illinois. She loves helping folks become Visitors and all things Accreditation- because she knows that everyone involved in the program does so to create camps that are great places for both campers and staff. |
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