Pandemic or Not - Supervisors Need Training

When ACA Illinois was challenged to rethink our professional development outside of an in person experience many ideas came to mind. We set our sights on providing great content to support camp pros as they navigate the COVID-19 crisis, but we also wanted to provide some professional development to help our community grow regardless of pandemic status.

We collaborated with Michael Brandwein this spring with 2 different skill building trainings. The first was The Brandwein Step-by-Step System for Planning & Presenting Your Best Staff Training Ever,. The second was Brandwein’s Super Staff SuperVision: The Top Techniques to Lead and Coach Camp Staff to Professional Performance. Michael’s Super Staff SuperVision has been a very popular part of the Mid States Camp Conference Skills Lab for several years, so when we took to the drawing board regarding professional development we knew that Super Staff SuperVision was a must.

Michael spent two action packed afternoons teaching management skills to 80+ new managers all from the safety of their homes. Michael shared with attendees his 6 Paths, which are the six essential things Leadership Team members must do every day when “walking around,” and how to get them done brilliantly. He helped attendees identify the exact behaviors the best staff use, and then talked through ways to motivate and coach staff to do them in a responsible and professional way. He shared techniques on handling tough staff behavior with calmness and confidence. We are excited to grow better managers so that camps can serve more campers, have better retention, and increase program creativity to stand out from the rest.

Here is some feedback from attendees:

“It was evident that I was not only learning from a fellow leader in the camp community, but an expert on working with a team, goal driven mentality.”

“This program made me think deeply about my interactions with campers, and how I can intentionally uplift their experience. It was super helpful and I learned a lot.”

“This event opened my eyes and made me think more deeply as to why I work where I work, and gave me more tools to continue to grow in position.”

We are always grateful for our partnership with Michael Brandwein and the terrific training he provides our membership and camp community. Continue to check our eblast, ACA IlliNOISE, and our website, acail.org/calendar, for more training and professional development.

​We can't wait to have you #joinus next time!

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

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