New ACA Illinois Staff - Meet Allie!

​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

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