THE-NOT-SO-SECRET-SECRET-TO-SEEING-OTHER-CAMPS!

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:

• Getting to travel and see other camp programs. (We reimburse mileage and expenses!) 
• Expanding your camp knowledge. (Visitors cite that they almost ALWAYS walk out of a visit with NEW ideas to take back to their camp!)
• Discount on membership fees (Active Visitors get access to special rates to show our appreciation for their service!)
• Being an advocate for the Accreditation program. (We all benefit when we share the importance and value of running or choosing an Accredited camp!) 
• Broadening your understanding of the Accreditation program and the standards. (Visitors develop a deeper understanding of not only what the Standards are but also learn a variety of new methods to implement them at their camps - including news ways to think about policies and documentation that make the entire process easier and more attainable.) 

 
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:

• Be At least 21 years old (This is less about years of life and more about years of experience. If you are under 21 and interested, let us know because we have a mentoring option available for you!)
• Basic knowledge of the application of ACA standards.  (Do you currently or have in the past worked at an Accredited camp? Then you likely meet this.)
• Willingness to conduct at least one accreditation visit every other year. (Visitors pick how many visits they are willing to do - most choose one per summer.) 
• Must have completed the Accreditation Process Workshop (APW) prior to Associate Visitor Course (Attended an APW course within the last 18 months. Haven’t done this yet, no worries - we offer it online!)
• Have a current membership on the day of the Accreditation Visit.  (Aren’t a current member, reach out and I’d be happy to talk to you about your options.)

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? 

1. Please register for the course through the link:  http://www.acail.org/avc.html (select the March 11th date)
2. Complete and submit an Associate Visitor Application: https://acacamps.formstack.com/forms/associate_visitor_application  

If you know someone who might be interested or you think they would be a great visitor, feel free to email me at kim@acail.org and I’d be happy to follow up with them. 

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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