American Camp Association - Illinois
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IN THE LOOP

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

Dropping in with Cheryle Yallen

6/15/2020

 
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​We have been energized by the engagement around our most active and important membership support program, our daily Drop-Ins. Each day for about an hour, we spend time with our membership unpacking all things surrounding the Coronavirus and its impact on our community. Recently, I asked Cheryle Yallen to Zoom with me and share a little about her experience with the Drop-Ins. Cheryle is the Executive Director of One in a Hundred and has been an ACA Illinois member since 2012.

Kim Steiner
Membership & Program Services Director
American Camp Association, Illinois

An Interview with Cheryle Yallen, ACA Illinois' Most Frequent Drop-In Participant! 

PictureCheryle Yallen
Kim Steiner: What drew you to the drop-ins?
Cheryle Yallen: The nerves, stress, and desperate need for information and needed support.

Kim: Which drop-ins did you engage with?
Cheryle: I had four a week! I was very active from the very beginning in the executive director drop in and was really involved in another one on Thursday mornings as well. I started with those two and the moment you opened up the day camp and the special needs, I joined those. Then when we started to make the serious decision to go virtual, I joined that one as well. I basically was on 4 a week.

Kim: Were the drop-ins a beneficial resource for you? Why?
Cheryle: Absolutely, without question. Even though it was time consuming, it was what I needed. I had all the confidence in the world that you guys had the most up to date information, so it also saved me time googling and searching for information. It was also beneficial to connect with other camp people, and although other attendees were from overnight camps or park districts, which I can't necessarily relate to, it was still being with other camp people. I always walked away with something, it almost became my quiet contemplation time, where my only focus was camp. It was also beneficial because I had a support group. Friends and people close to me listened to what I am going through, but at the same time they don't understand the industry. So I had that comfort level in these Drop-Ins that people understood me. It was just a wonderful support system and exactly what I needed. I wanted to explore every option so I was making an informed decision about camp. It was out of those conversations that would trigger thoughts or ideas or considerations that had not even occurred to me.

There was one meeting where Colette was reminding everyone to make sure you have what we were talking about reviewed with the lawyer. I was all set, but it was those continuous reminders that we need to check with our internal resources throughout this crisis. I was delighted when you introduced this and enjoyed the face to face.

Kim: What would you say to camp professionals considering attending?
Cheryle: Absolutely do it. Because of 3 things. One, the information you are getting, and it’s good information that you can rely on, because you need to be able to rely on something. Two, the ideas. Even if your camp is totally unlike any other camp there you will always walk away with something you haven't thought of; not always earth shattering, but something you had not thought of. Three, the support, and being with like type people. It didn’t matter that they were all over the states - we all had the same issues. I would basically say go. For the most part attending these events worked out well and I would recommend attending more than once, because each time is different, and it's also just comfortable.

We continue to provide these Drop-In meetings as a resource for camp professionals, and we hope that you join us! We will continue to adjust our programming to accommodate the changing needs of our community, so keep an eye out for our emails and website updates.

You can learn more about our Drop-ins at
acail.org/dropins

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CELEBRATING THE DOERS!

2/24/2020

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Join us in celebrating the doers of our Association at the Annual Membership Meeting!

Friday, March 20, 2020 | Naperville, IL | Learn more here!
Membership not required to attend. Everyone is welcome!
Congratulations & Appreciation for the 2020 ACA Illinois Award Recipients!
Emerging Professional Award
Awarded to professionals with 10 or less years of professional level experience within the field of camp that contribute to the advancement of the field of camp through service to the American Camp Association, Illinois and the camp community.​
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SHAUNA GUGLIELMO
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STACY HARPER
Honor Award
Presented to members of the community that contribute significant time and service to the American Camp Association, Illinois that advances the field of camp and/or access to the community. ​
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HANNA O'TOOLE
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MICHAEL SELEP
Special Recognition Award for Advancing the Field of Camp
Presented to an individual within or outside of the direct field of camping, but whose service and support furthers the mission and goals of the American Camp Association, Illinois and the field of camp.​
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MARGY MOORE
Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated deep commitment of service towards the American Camp Association, Illinois and the field of camp over several years and/or long term projects. ​
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MICHAEL BRANDWEIN
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2020 Mid States Chair Announced!

8/15/2019

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Greetings Camp People, 

I hope your summer/camp season is going or went well. I am Gordie Kaplan and I will be serving as your Conference Chair for the 2020 Mid States Camp Conference hosted by the American Camp Association, Illinois.  Mid States will again take place at Pheasant Run Resort, St Charles, Illinois, Monday, March 30th – Wednesday, April 1st, 2020. I was one of the founding members of the Mid States Camp Conference and I have been involved with every conference since 1993 in some leadership capacity.  I’m honored to be your chair for 2020. 

Like many camps, organizations, and events, we have had our successes and challenges.  However, we have always strived to follow the Mission Statement and Operating Principles, which you can read here. Over the past 27 conferences, our commitment to our mission has remained constant. We do make changes every year based on feedback from participants and trends in the camp field nationwide. Our priority is to make Mid States as impactful as possible to our attendees. 

Based on the 2019 Mid States Demographics Survey we learned 39% of the attendees were between the ages of 36-60+ while 57% were 22-35. 77% were employed year-round at their camps and/or agencies. We also discovered that 53% of attendees had been serving camp for between 5-20 years. We found that 58% of Mid States attendees work in day camps, 52% work in resident camps, and some work at both. Therefore, we are planning to continue to meet the needs of camp professionals at all levels, incorporating sessions for day camp professionals throughout the conference and offering plenty of professional development opportunities for executives, managers, and directors. 

Volunteer support and participation have always been outstanding during Mid States.  We are committed to increasing volunteer involvement from now through the conference.  Are you interested in helping us plan and prepare for Mid States? If so please email: gordiekaplan@acail.org.

Finally, for emerging details and new plans please check in with the Mid States website, acail.org/midstates, like our Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Gordie Kaplan

2020 Mid States Camp Conference Chair

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New ACA Illinois Staff - Meet Allie!

8/14/2019

 
​I am so excited to share with you that we have a new staff member joining the American Camp Association, Illinois (ACA Illinois). We welcome Allie Boyaris as our new Membership and Program Services Specialist. Allie’s work will include helping to develop and support our Professional Development programs including the Mid States Camp Conference and the Women in Camp Summit and support the Accreditation program. Allie has already been acclimated to all things DFI Title XX Camping Services Program. We are over the moon to have Allie join this small, but mighty team! 

Kim Steiner
Membership & Program Services Director
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Hello Everyone!

I’m Allie Boyaris, and I’m delighted to be joining the American Camp Association, Illinois team as Membership & Program Services Specialist! I’ll share a bit about myself and my background so you can get to know me.

I grew up in and around Chicago, and over the last twenty(ish) years I have been a part of camp communities in Michigan, central New York, and Minnesota, as well as all over the state of Illinois. Like many of us, my experiences at camp shaped my worldview in a foundational way. For me, the experiences I had at camp and while volunteering at Mid States contributed to my interest in exploring the different ways people learn and teach emotional regulation. I was inspired to earn my BA in psychology and to work in the field of mental health, investigating the power of experiential education in different contexts. 

A few months ago, I moved back to Illinois from Bend, Oregon, where I had been working as a mentor and guide to teens and adults participating in a residential therapeutic program that takes place in the Oregon wilderness. I thrived in this role using backcountry skills and a love of outdoor tripping, the seeds of which were planted at camp. 

While I’ll miss the mountain access I had in Oregon, I am so excited to become part of the Dream Team here at ACA Illinois! I feel such a strong sense of purpose here because I wholeheartedly believe that quality camp experiences provide a vital opportunity to develop healthy emotional and social skills. I’ve come to this belief by reflecting on my own growth, as well as witnessing the journey of others. I can’t wait to get to work promoting the value of camp experiences, strengthening and supporting the camp community, and expanding access to camp!

When I’m not in the office, you can find me bobbing my head at world music concerts, getting sweaty palms while making rock climbing plans, making friends with retired ladies at yoga classes, biking around the city with my partner, Daniel, and eating ice cream for breakfast. I can’t wait to get to know all of you!

Allie Boyaris
Membership & Program Services Specialist

Allie’s Contact Information:
Email: allie@acail.org
Desk Phone: 312.332.0833 ex. 4
Cell Phone: 312.965.7398

Meet the New ACA Illinois Staff!

6/14/2018

 

From the Executive Director


Dear Members & Friends of ACA Illinois,

Summer is typically a time for new staff at your camps.  Welcoming and training new staff is exciting as you discover all the gifts & talents they will be bringing. Like most of you, ACA Illinois is also welcoming a new staff member this summer! Meet Stacy Harper, our new Associate Director for ACA Illinois. Stacy will be introducing herself below but I wanted to share a little bit more about Stacy, her role on our team and a sample of her many skill sets.
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Many of you know Stacy as an active volunteer and leader of various Mid States Camp Conference projects, including serving as the founding creative force behind Camp Mid States, Mid States’ youth serving day camp. This past year, Stacy led the Registration Team, as well as, served as our tech table pro during the conference.  Stacy has also been an editor for our Mid States publications.

In Stacy’s new role, Stacy will be directing the DFI Title XX billing and documentation processes, co-leading the operations arm of Mid States with our co-worker, Kim and working closely with our financial reporting and systems at the Association. Additionally, Stacy will support our Accreditation & professional development programs, fundraising efforts and more. Stacy comes to us with a toolbox full of useful skill sets including innovative problem solving, attention to detail, great customer service and a deep and rich camp directing background.  I am eager to see the positive impact Stacy will have on our community and the great work she will accomplish during her time here at ACA Illinois.

Please help me in welcoming Stacy to our team by dropping a welcoming comment on our Facebook page!

I wish you all the best for a safe and successful summer!

Happy Camping,
Colette M Marquardt
Executive Director


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Meet Stacy!

ACA Illinois has played an important role in my camp experience since my early days as a counselor in Michigan when I attended my first Mid States conference in 2004. In the meantime, I’ve worked at Girl Scout camps throughout the Midwest and Northeastern United States, most recently directing Camp Bonnie Brae in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts for six summers. I have loved volunteering for Mid States over the years and I’ve taken the lessons I learned there to improve my camp communities. 

I live in Huntington, Massachusetts with my sweet dog Luna and my wonderful partner Sarah, but you’ll see me around Chicago much more frequently these days. I’m thrilled to be part of the ACA Illinois team and share my skills and experiences with other #camppros in a variety of new ways!

Looking forward to working with you all,

Stacy Harper


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American  Camp  ASSOCIATION,  illinois

5 S Wabash Ave, Suite 1406
Chicago, IL 60603 - 3104


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


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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Staff Team
    • 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