get  Involved

There are many reasons to join ACA but the top rated perk of membership reported by current members is the opportunity to get involved. Members have shared that having the chance to volunteer has furthered their own career through skill development and networking. ACA Illinois is a great place to develop skills in program/professional development event planning/presenting, serving on the Board of Directors, and training to be the #1 rated volunteer position of Accreditation Visitor! 

Volunteering helps your camp! Through skill development and networking while volunteering, camps gain access to new resources, innovations, and top trends. Professionals have the chance to meet others who do similar work and problem solve the toughest challenges of the field. 

Volunteering helps get more kids to camp! Our volunteers help us keep our staff size small, which frees up more operational funds to be used towards sending more economically disadvantaged  children to camp through the DFI Title XX Camping Services Program and our Campership Funds.  
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Check out ways to volunteer below! Have another skill or talent to share that is not on the list below? Need help determining which committee your skills would be best shared with? Call us or email us at anytime!

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interested  in  volunteering?

Interested in applying to volunteer for one the the opportunities below? Go ahead and complete our Volunteer Interest Form below!

Volunteer Interest Form

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Volunteer  Committee  opportunities 

Click on the + or the committee title to expand the section and learn more about our volunteer needs & experiences!

Membership Committee 

​There is nothing better than the feeling of being welcomed into a new group, and we hope to get a few people together to help welcome our new members, get them oriented, and get them engaged in ACA Illinois. This committee will also help us establish the needs of our members and drive increased retention.
This committee would meet 8 times a year, primarily through video/conference calls. There would also be some attendance for events and networking.

Skills Set Needed for this Committee

• Passion for camp and ACA.
• ​Current membership with ACA.
• Ability to connect with Local membership.
• Strong communication skills to reach out to potential new members and camps.
• Appreciation for Inclusion, Diversity, and Community Building.

Skills Sets to be Gained through Involvement on this Committee:

• Stronger networking abilities;
• Recruitment & retention of members, alumni, and customers; and
• Marketing and sales pitch skills.

Standards Committee

Accreditation is the way our camps demonstrate they want to facilitate the safest and highest quality camps they can. The Accreditation Committee provides resources, training/events, and mentorship to the Accreditation program. 
This committee meets 8 times a year, typically through video/conference calls. 

Skills Sets Needed for this Committee:

• Basic knowledge of the Accreditation program.
• Personal experience as a Visitor for Accreditation or as a professional who has prepared the documentation for their camp’s visit.
• Appreciation for Inclusion, Diversity, and Community Building.

Skills Sets to be Gained through Involvement on this Committee:

• A deeper understanding of the Accreditation program.
• Opportunity to work with and learn about several camps, including best practices you can implement at your own camp.
• Involvement in behind the scenes work of a national accreditation program that includes policies, oversight, and more.
• Networking experience and comfort.

Editorial Committee

Through the distribution of resources and communications, this committee helps to shape the way ACA Illinois brings information to its members and community. Tasks include curating and sharing resources on trending topics and current research related to camp, guest blog posting, interviewing members and camps for Q&A style articles, and more. This committee meets 8 times a year from September through April, typically through video/conference call. 

​Skills Sets Needed for this Committee:

• Knowledge of grammar and professional writing.
• A knack for research, especially using online resources.
• Appreciation for Inclusion, Diversity, and Community Building.

Skills Sets to be Gained through Involvement on this Committee:

• Stronger editing skills for professional writing and communication.
• Networking experience and comfort.
• Professional development through researching resources and articles to share.​​

Local Events Committee

​Volunteers work alongside staff to provide high-quality professional development and community-centered events for our members. Committee members help with set up, checking in and welcoming attendees, clean up, assisting speakers, and more. Prior to the events, committee members may help with supply and program development, and they may help wrap up the events by facilitating evaluation and feedback on ways to elevate the quality of our event experience. 

This committee meets 3 times a year, typically by video/conference call. Members are asked to attend a certain number of events to assist in the implementation of the event. Financial assistance for committee members to attend events is included if needed. 

Skills Sets Needed for this Committee:

• Eagerness to greet new people and help them feel at home.
• Willingness to help with set up and clean up as needed.
• Appreciation for Inclusion, Diversity, and Community Building.

Skills Sets to be Gained through Involvement on this Committee:

• Event planning.
• Networking experience and comfort.
• Working alongside professional speakers and seasoned professionals.​​

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next  steps

1. Read about our committee and volunteer needs above

2. Complete this short form to express your interest.
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3. Within a week, a member of the ACA Illinois staff will reach out to you to get you on-boarded and involved! 

4. Have more questions? Email us at volunteer@acail.org or call us at 312-332-0833 x3!