Volunteer Interest Form

Volunteer Committees and Needs

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

Education Sessions at Mid States Committee

The objective of the education committee is to help provide the Mid States Camp Conference with robust educational programming and to guide speakers through the process of speaking at our conference. Some goals of the committee would be to recommend speakers, communicate with speakers before and during the conference to provide support, and find new ways to improve the educational experience.

This committee will meet monthly from October through May, mostly by video/conference call. Committee members should be able to attend and volunteer onsite for the Mid States Camp Conference.

Skills Sets Needed for this Committee:

• Attention to detail and organization
• Creative problem solving    
• Resourcefulness 
• Appreciation for Inclusion, Diversity, and Community Building

Skills Sets to be Gained through Involvement on this Committee:

• A greater understanding of the Education session process
• Project management skills
• Improved communication skills when working with speakers

Community Building at Mid States Committee

The objective of this committee is to elevate the community building throughout the whole conference. This committee will focus on helping attendees form connections and feel welcome. We hope committee members will engage attendees by establishing both active and passive programming centered around equity and inclusion. Examples may include games, an area for crafts,  activities for attendees to participate in during downtime or transitions, new ways to welcome and activate new/first time attendees, program social gatherings, and opportunities for people to connect through special interests or shared interests.

This committee will meet monthly from October through May, mostly by video/conference call. Committee members should be able to attend and volunteer onsite for the Mid States Camp Conference.

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Skills Sets Needed for this Committee:

• Someone who has successfully implemented community-building program elements at their camp
• Diverse knowledge and experience both in camps and programs
• Creative thinking skills to expand the program
• Appreciation for Inclusion, Diversity, and Community Building

Skills Sets to be Gained through Involvement on this Committee:

• Leadership and committee experience
• Learn about the conference planning process
• Project management skills
• Creative large event planning

Super Sessions at Mid States Committee

The objective of the Super Session Committee is to enhance the all-conference gathering times surrounding our Keynote sessions. Our hope is for the committee to work together with the American Camp Association, Illinois staff to provide cohesive programming that meets the needs of the attendees while keeping them informed and engaged. This committee's goal would be to set the tone of Mid States and model the Mid States Mission. This committee could be involved in planning activities including an opening program, welcoming/introducing keynotes, activities during meal times, and whatever else the committee feels would benefit our attendees and keep them engaged.

This committee will meet monthly from October through May, mostly by video/conference call. Committee members should be able to attend and volunteer onsite for the Mid States Camp Conference.

Skills Sets Needed for this Committee:

• Time management
• Creative programming
• Organization of large events/shows
• Appreciation for Inclusion, Diversity, and Community Building

Skills Sets to be Gained through Involvement on this Committee:

• Stage Management
• Stronger public speaking skills
• Problem-solving
• Creative and large scale event planning

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 in-person attendance for events and networking.

Skills Set Needed for this Committee

• Passion for camp and ACA
• ​Cureent 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
• Marketing and sales pitch skills

Accreditation 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
  

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. 
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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
• 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
• Working alongside professional speakers and seasoned professionals

​Office Volunteers

Love hanging out with awesome people while contributing to the organization? We always need help in the office stuffing envelopes, labeling mailings, filing, scanning, organizing, and much more.  This is a great role for the volunteer who has limited or even regular time to give, but maybe doesn't want to sit formally on a committee.  This is a year round need and can work around the volunteer's schedule. 

Mid States Camp Conference - Onsite Volunteer

Information about onsite volunteer roles will be available in March. 

Career Development at Mid States Committee

The objectives of this committee are to help our Mid States attendees gain applicable knowledge, resources, and connections that would assist in the advancement of their careers. We hope that this committee can find creative ways to accomplish this that are not just through an education session. Examples could include mentor sign-up times throughout the conference, resume editing area, interviewing times, mock interviews; all ideas are welcomed! We hope that members of this committee are people who have a passion for career development, have an established career in the field, and have access to resources that could support those interested in career help.
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This committee will meet monthly from October through May, mostly by video/conference call. Committee members should be able to attend and volunteer onsite for the Mid States Camp Conference.


Skills Sets Needed for this Committee:

• Resourceful and connected to the field
• History of helping others develop in their career at various levels
• Experience with developing throughout their own career
• Appreciation for Inclusion, Diversity, and Community Building

Skills Sets to be Gained through Involvement on this Committee:

• Knowledge of new resources and programs to help themselves and others grow in their career(s)
• Practice sharing their knowledge with others.
• Chance to give back to the community

Mid States Conference Leadership Team

For those who are interested in being involved in the year-long planning process of the Mid States Camp Conference. Tasks include program planning, pre-conference setup, networking, publicity, post-conference wrapping up and much more.

This committee meets 12-14 times a year, typically through video/conference calls, and required onsite time before, during and after the Mid States Camp Conference.

Skills Sets Needed for this Committee:

• Strong organizational skills, time management, and task management
  
• Appreciation for Inclusion, Diversity, and Community Building
  
• Strong communication skills
  
• Ability to think out of the box and add creativity to programming pieces within the conference.
  

Skills Sets to be Gained through Involvement on this Committee:

• In-depth understanding of conference and large event planning
  
• Networking with both speakers and other professionals including consultants 
  
• Program and volunteer management
  
• Training, engaging, and providing educational content for adult learners
  

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 also 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 the many 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!

How to Get Involved:

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. Not sure what to sign up for? Have more questions? Email us at volunteer@acail.org or call us at 312-332-0833 x3!