2015 Spring Leadership Conference Program Book- American Camp Association by American Camp Association

AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA/HAWAII

SPRING LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

APRIL 14-17, 2015

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel Palm Springs, CA

www.ACAcamps.org/socalhawaii

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to SLC 2015! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Conference Center Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Schedule at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Featured Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ticketed Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 SLC Socials: Enchantment on the High Seas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Meet Your ACA Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Camp Moves Me! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Keynotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Preconference Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Sponsors and Vendors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ACA, Southern California/Hawaii Year in Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 New ACA-Accredited Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Save the Date for 2016! Spring Leadership Conference 2016 April 12-15, 2016 Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel Palm Springs, CA

WELCOME TO SLC 2015! Welcome to the American Camp Association, Southern California/Hawaii Spring Leadership Conference (SLC) in beautiful Palm Springs, California! We are thrilled that you are here. During your stay, we hope you take time to soak in all the desert has to offer while also enjoying the conference’s extraordinary educational sessions, social events, professional networking, and team building with your camp staff team. We have worked with an amazing conference committee to create an unparalleled educational opportunity. Michelle Cummings will start our conference out with a bang with her Tuesday afternoon Playnote, followed by a Welcome Reception poolside, complete with snacks, a cash bar, music and games. On Wednesday, we’re pleased to welcome the innovative camp thinker, owner and director Scott Brody, who will share his ideas about building 21st Century Skills in our staff. Denise Pope of ChallengeSuccess and the Stanford Graduate School of Education will expand that theme to our campers with her Thursday keynote, her first-ever ACA appearance! Finally, stick around for Friday’s closing keynote. Our guest will be activist, writer and camp director Prophet Walker, who will share his personal story and inspire us all to reach more youth through the camp experience.

Andy Kimmelman Conference Co-Chair

Beyond the great keynote sessions, we’ve put together an exciting slate of educational sessions covering a wide range of topics. Learn from experts and fellow camp professionals, participate in new activities, and share your OWN cutting-edge ideas! From log rolling to understanding the unique needs of boys, 21st century skills to building camp culture, the SLC program truly has something for everyone. We are honored to be able to hold our conference in such an outstanding hotel. We hope you enjoy the comfortable, trendy atmosphere as well as the largest pool in the desert! Be sure to spend some time poolside, at the hotel gym, in the restaurant or lobby lounge, networking and catching up.

Rasheed Anthony Conference Co-Chair

Don’t spend all of your time inside: the desert’s majesty is calling! At the VillageFest street fair on Thursday evening, you may browse more than 200 booths offering art, handcrafted items and unique foods. Just a few blocks away is the Palm Springs Art Museum, home to a variety of exhibitions and shows. You will find cafes, restaurants and shops, all within walking distance of the hotel. Don’t forget to dress up for our Wednesday night event: the theme is “I’m On a Boat”, so grab those captain’s hats, and polo shirts with the turned up collars and join us in the Grand Ballroom for snacks, a cash bar, a photo booth and a beautiful sit down dinner. The evening will conclude with an “Enchantment At Sea” dance so be sure to wear your dancing/ boat shoes! On behalf of Z, our mascot, and the Spring Leadership Conference committee, welcome to the best conference in the West! We hope you enjoy your time in Palm Springs. Please be sure to say hello this week: we look forward to meeting you or catching up. Andy Kimmelman & Rasheed Anthony Conference Co-Chairs

CONFERENCE CENTER - RENAISSANCE PALM SPRINGS HOTEL

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE MONDAY, APRIL 13 2:00 pm-8:00 pm

Pre-Conference: New Director Orientation, Chino A

TUESDAY, APRIL 14 9:00 am-12:30 pm 9:00 am-2:00 pm 10:00 am-3:00 pm 10:00 am-3:00 pm 10:30 am-12:00 pm 1:00 pm-3:00 pm 2:30 pm-3:45 pm 4:00 pm-5:30 pm 5:30 pm-7:30 pm 7:30 pm

New Director Orientation (NDO) - continued, Chino A Pre-Conference: Camps on Campus, San Jacinto Pre-Conference: New Camps & Individuals Standards Course, Mojave WAIC Board Meeting, Snowcreek Pre-Conference: Standards Update Course, Chino B Pre-Conference: Visitor Update Course, Chino B Kindred/Networking Sessions, various rooms Opening General Session & Playnote with Michelle Cummings, Catalina Reception by the Pool & Trivia Game Dinner & Evening on Your Own

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 8:30 am-5:00 pm 9:00 am-10:15 am 10:15 am-10:45 am 10:45 am-12:00 pm 12:00 pm-1:45 pm 1:45 pm-3:00 pm 3:00 pm-3:30 pm 3:30 pm-4:45 pm 5:30 pm-6:45 pm 7:00 pm-7:45 pm 7:45 pm-8:45 pm 9:00 pm-11:00 pm

Vendor Showcase in Ballroom Foyer Educational Sessions, various rooms Snack Break in Foyer with Vendors Educational Sessions, various rooms Lunch on Your Own Educational Sessions, various rooms Snack Break in Foyer with Vendors Educational Sessions, various rooms Pre-Dinner Cruise Reception, Foyer Keynote with Scott Brody, Madera SLC Dinner “Cruise”, Madera High Seas Dance Party, Madera

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 9:00 am-10:45 am 11:00 am-12:15 pm 12:15 pm-1:45 pm 1:00 am-5:00 pm 1:45 pm-3:00 pm 3:30 pm-4:45 pm 5:00 pm-6:00 pm 5:00 pm-6:00 pm 5:00 pm-7:00 pm 7:00 pm 8:30 pm-10:00 pm

Morning Keynote Session with Denise Pope, Catalina Educational Sessions, various rooms Lunch on Your Own ACA Southern CA/HI LCOL, Snowcreek Educational Sessions, various rooms Educational Sessions, various rooms Legacy Reception/Meeting, San Jacinto Camp Moves Me! Celebration, San Jacinto Meet With Your Leadership Team (space available to plan by camp group) Dinner on Your Own – Enjoy the Palm Springs Street Fair Lip Sync Competition, San Jacinto

Andy Kimmelman Conference Co-Chair Rasheed Anthony Conference Co-Chair Nick Coffing Social Events Patrick Deasy Publicity Erik Ikari Technical Support Elliott Fraughton Logistics Nate Friedman Vendor Support Daniel Hammond Registration & Hospitality Jeff Heiser Speaker Support Diana Huff Program Liz Kimmelman Program Sara Kuljis Program Support Becky Morrow Volunteer Support Rich Rinaldi Marketing Amy Walker Registration & Hospitality ACA Staff: Michele Branconier Outreach & Engagement Professional Rick Garcia Membership & Customer Development Specialist Raina Baker Membership & Customer Development Specialist Katie Johnson Professional Development Specialist Danielle Pinney Standards Specialist

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 9:00 am-10:15 am 10:30 am-12:00 pm

Thanks to the Spring Leadership Conference Committee, the Muscle Behind Our Conference

Educational Sessions, various rooms Closing General Session & Keynote with Prophet Walker, Catalina

Z, Our Mascot

GENERAL INFORMATION Registration

Registration will take place in the Ballroom Foyer. You may also purchase tickets at the registration desk for any special ticketed events (on a space available basis). Registration Hours: Tuesday, April 14 Wednesday, April 15 Thursday, April 16 Friday, April 17

8:00 am – 5:00 pm 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Volunteers

Volunteers are the backbone of our conference, which means we need YOU! Come to a quick volunteer orientation on Tuesday, April 14, immediately following the Opening General Session (meet at the stage of the General Session) to find out ways you can help.

Room Hosts Wanted

It’s easy! Stop by the registration table to sign up as a room host for the sessions you are attending. We’ll give you a few simple instructions and a packet of evaluations to hand out and you’ll be on your way!

Program Session Seating

Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. For safety and comfort, we will not exceed the allowable seating capacity of each program room. Out of courtesy to the speakers and other attendees, do not take a seat in the session unless you plan to stay for its entirety. Also, please do not enter a room if a “session is full” sign is on the door.

Disclaimer

The opinions of speakers are their own and not necessarily the opinions of the Spring Leadership Conference or the American Camp Association, Inc.

Electronic Recordings

Recordings of program sessions require permission of the speaker. Please ask permission of speakers before recording their session.

Internet Access

Complimentary wireless internet is available in the hotel lobby and guest rooms. There is also a business center available west of the lobby if you would like access to a computer.

In Case of Emergency

Meet With Your Leadership Team

If you’ve got your leadership team with you at the conference and you want to have a meeting of minds, or just need to schedule a meeting in a quiet place, we’ve got space for you! Thursday afternoon, 5pm7pm, meeting space is available in our session rooms. Check in at registration to reserve a space, and it’s yours!

We’re Endorsed!

The Spring Leadership Conference has Educational Endorsement! This means that the SLC program has been successfully vetted according to recognized criteria and that YOU can get up to 16.5 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) by participating in the conference. For documentation of the CECs that you’ve earned, go to: www.ACAcamps.org/pdc/cecrequests. For more information about Educational Endorsement or to attend more events/online trainings that are educationally endorsed, visit: www.ACAcamps. org/pdc/educational-endorsement-program.

Book Signings

We have fabulous authors at our conference! Buy their books at our onsite bookstore (in the Ballroom Foyer) and take the opportunity to secure a signed copy. Check in with the bookstore regarding signing times.

Vendor Showcase

Throughout the day on Wednesday from 8:30 am 5:00 pm, our sponsors and vendors will be available in the Ballroom Foyer to meet you, highlight their products and services, and answer your questions. We are so grateful that so many vendors attend the SLC. Please be sure to thank them for their support as well as find out what great products and services they can offer to make your job easier and your camp better!

#ACASLC

Make sure you’re part of the conversation that’s happening online about the Spring Leadership Conference! Join us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/acaslc, follow Z at www.twitter.com/Zisforme and use #ACASLC to tweet about what you’re learning and how much fun you’re having!

For emergencies dial 66 from any hotel phone for support from hotel staff. Please alert a member of the ACA staff immediately.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Thanks to our education sponsor!

Opening Playnote with Michelle Cummings Tuesday, April 14th; 4:00 pm

Michelle Cummings, M.S., is the Big Wheel and founder of Training Wheels, a known leader in the Team Development industry. She is an accomplished author and soughtafter speaker and consultant on leadership, teambuilding, and experiential learning. Michelle has created a wide variety of facilitation, debriefing and teambuilding activities that have collectively changed the way trainers and educators work. Michelle has delivered innovative leadership programs for hundreds of camps and non-profit organizations. She works with professional associations, corporations, universities, and non-profit organizations throughout the world.

Evening Keynote with Scott Brody

Wednesday, April 15th; 7:00 pm Scott Brody is an educator and thought leader in the areas of 21st century learning, workforce development and child development. He was recently named the Chairman of the “Beyond School” initiative at the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and co-chairs the Workforce Development initiative of the Alliance for Business Leadership. Scott served six years as the National Vice President of the American Camp Association and was an ACA National Board Member for nine years. He is the author of an award-winning article for Camping Magazine entitled “Teaching the Skills that Children Need to Succeed”. Scott is a partner in IDEAS Education, a fast-growing organization building high quality camp-education programs in China. Scott is also the principal owner & founder of Everwood Day Camp in Sharon, MA, which serves over 1000 children each summer, and the owner and director of Camps Kenwood & Evergreen, a private residential summer program educating 350 children each year. Scott has been interviewed on television, radio and in print media, including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, and serves as a spokesperson and advocate for the Camp experience. He is also the father of A.J. Brody, age 9.

Morning Keynote with Denise Pope, Ph.D Thursday, April 16th; 9:00 am

Denise Pope, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer at the Stanford University School of Education. For the past 15 years, she has specialized in student engagement, curriculum studies, qualitative research methods, and service learning. She is co-founder of Challenge Success, a research and intervention project that provides schools and families with the tools they need to raise healthy, motivated students. Challenge Success is an expanded version of the SOS: Stressed-Out Students project that Dr. Pope founded and directed from 2003-2008. She lectures nationally on parenting techniques and pedagogical strategies to increase student well-being, engagement with learning, and integrity. Her book, “Doing School”: How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students (Yale University Press, 2001) was awarded Notable Book in Education by the American School Board Journal, 2001. Dr. Pope is a three time recipient of the Stanford University School of Education Outstanding Teacher and Mentor Award, and was recently honored with the 2012 Education Professor of the Year “Educators’ Voice Award” from the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences. She has been featured on CNN, World News Tonight, the Today show, NPR, and several other television and radio programs. Prior to teaching at Stanford, Dr. Pope taught high school English in Fremont, CA and college composition and rhetoric courses at Santa Clara University. She lives in Los Altos, CA with her husband and three children.

Closing Keynote with Prophet Walker Friday, April 17th; 10:30 am

When Prophet Walker was an infant, his birth mother succumbed to a heroin addiction, and at the age of seven, he went to live with his father in South Central Los Angeles. At 16, Prophet was sentenced to six years in prison for robbery and great bodily injury, stemming from a fight with other teenagers. What happened next was anything but predictable. While in prison, Prophet said to himself, “I am not a criminal. This is not going to be my life.” And against all odds, vowed to turn his life around. From that point forward, Prophet began a remarkable journey as a leader, role model, and community activist. While still in prison, he helped start a program that gives incarcerated youth the ability to earn a two-year college degree, and became the program’s first graduate. To date, more than 100 graduates have left jail and enrolled in four-year college programs – including Prophet, who attended Loyola Marymount University. Prophet’s commitment to serving his community extends far beyond that. He co-founded the “Watts United Weekend,” which brings together young residents of local public housing projects to prevent them from becoming gang rivals. He serves on the Board of Directors of InsideOUT Writers, which works with juvenile offenders, teaching them to express their emotions through writing. He is a founding member of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, which advocates for prison and sentencing reform and helps young people get a fresh start after incarceration. Most recently, he was appointed to the Board of Kids Progress Inc. (KPI), which supports at-risk young people living in and around public housing projects in Los Angeles. Prophet’s leadership and commitment have earned admiration from hundreds of people from all walks of life, including the young people he has supported, education and foundation leaders, and even his former prison guards and probation officer. Prophet currently works with the Jordan Downs Redevelopment Project, which will transform a major housing development and create jobs in the Watts community. Before that, he was a Project Engineer for Morley Builders, helping to build the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. He has also served as a Project Engineer for Nautilus Group Inc., a development and construction firm. While at Nautilus, Prophet helped lead implementation of the first fully robotic parking structure in the United States.

TICKETED SESSIONS

Thanks to our Ticketed Sessions sponsor — Western Association of Independent Camps

Get extra face time with our keynote speakers with supersized Ticketed Sessions, designed to enhance learning with a small group setting and focused topic. Ticketed sessions are $40 each. Tickets can be purchased at the registration table.

Bob Ditter: Advanced Counseling Skills for Camp Professionals ($40) Wednesday, April 15, 9:00 am -12:00 pm In this skill-intensive seminar Bob will go into the nuances of skillful conversations that make a difference and improve performance. In this seminar you will learn even more powerful methods of validating campers, staff, parents and colleagues while learning key phrases that bring about change. Learn about radical acceptance, shame attenuation, normalization, the role of guilt and shame in communication and other powerful and advanced techniques. Demonstration, role-play and discussion will accompany individual exercises.

Michelle Cummings: Conflict Resolution and Bullying Prevention Activities ($40) Wednesday, April 15, 1:45 pm – 4:45 pm This workshop is based on the book, Setting the Conflict Compass. It is an engaging, highly interactive program focused on conflict resolution and bully prevention. You will leave with a variety of tools and techniques for dealing with conflict, bullying and discipline issues. Apply your learning immediately to help your participants understand that through collaboration, encouragement and an appreciation of differences in one another’s lives we can defuse tense situations and de-escalate conflict.

Joanna Warren Smith: Score with 20 Proven Power Plays! ($40) Thursday, April 16th; 1:45 pm – 4:30 pm Move your total program experience from “Good to Great” by paying attention to the details of execution that engage counselors and resonate with campers. Dissect your daily rituals, program elements, logistics and even ‘scary time’ to deliver a ‘noticeably improved product’ in 2015. Reap the benefits of a more intentional, involved staff and kids who want to return year after year.

SLC SOCIALS: ENCHANTMENT ON THE HIGH SEAS FRIENDS — FUN — NETWORKING — ENTERTAINMENT As expected, our social calendar at SLC is packed with opportunities for everyone! So grab your captain’s hat & life preserver and join us on the high seas! Check out what we’ve got planned to make your conference week even sweeter!

TUESDAY

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Pool Reception & Trivia Pool Reception sponsored by CardFlex Trivia sponsored by Signature Research

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE PAST!

Following the opening keynote, meet us at the pool to make some new friends and catch up with old acquaintances. Bring your swimsuit & take a dip or hang out and enjoy the tasty snacks, music, and trivia that will take this far out reception to the max!

WEDNESDAY

5:30 pm - 6:45 pm: Dinner Cruise Reception Dig out your polo shirts and deck shoes, captain’s hats and life preservers – time to have some fun at our Pre-Dinner Cruise Reception! 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm: High Seas Dance Party Turn on the music and put on your dancing shoes – the High Seas Dance Party will be one to remember!

THURSDAY

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Dinner/Evening Out! Check out the Palm Springs VillageFest! Just two blocks from the Renaissance on Palm Canyon Drive, enjoy great restaurants and more than 200 booths offering beautiful art, handcrafted items and unique food. 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm: Lip Sync Competition Time to reach inside of yourself and find your inner diva (or rockstar as the case may be). Are you the next Juke Box Hero? Do you have Beyonce hidden deep inside your soul? You won’t want to miss this new addition to SLC!

MEET YOUR ACA TEAM Michele Branconier, Outreach & Engagement I have been a youth development professional with a focus on camping for more than 20 years. Working in a variety of roles, from camp director to executive director, has allowed me the opportunity to work with children, youth and adults. I have had the great fortune to develop relationships with a number of organizations, camps and government agencies. In the last few years I have done work at the state level to promote ACA’s positions in supporting youth, while leading a team to develop a comprehensive professional development calendar, growing membership and increased business support. On the personal side, I am married to a high school environmental science teacher, Dave, who is also a summer camp director. We have three wonderful kids, Michael, Tommy, and Bella. Our family resides in the beautiful desert community of La Quinta, California.

I am excited about working hand in hand with volunteers and the ACA staff team to realize the ACA 20/20 Vision!

Rick Garcia, Membership & Customer Development Specialist Hello! My name is Rick Garcia and I have the privilege of working on the ACA team and serving you as a Membership and Customer Development Specialist. I look forward to working with each of you in the field offices of the Western Region. I have worked in the non-profit field for over 15 years in both the camping industry and with grass roots community organizations. Most recently, I was the Executive Director for Graton Day Labor Center and Associate Director of CYO Camp and Retreat Center in the Bay Area. Prior to moving to Northern California, I was the camp director at Circle V Ranch Camp, a program of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Los Angeles. I currently live in Los Angeles with my family. As a family, our hobby is hiking and earning an amazing picnic view.

Danielle Pinney, Standards Specialist

My name is Danielle Pinney and I am excited to continue my journey with ACA as a Standards Specialist. I come from a camp background in Girl Scouts (in Los Angeles as a seasonal resident camp staff, waterfront director; and a professional staff position in membership as well as a resident camp ACD and CD) and Camp Fire (in the Sacramento region as Membership staff, Camp Administrator for facilities and program, product sale manager and finance director). I live in Sacramento, CA with my husband of 20 years, Robert, 16 year old son Nick, and my 4 legged “favorite” son Koa, a 125 lb. Saint Bernard. In my spare time I love to camp with my ‘old’ camp friends, spend time at Lake Tahoe, walk my dog, and my new hobby of training to walk half-marathons. I started attending ACA events in 1989 as a second year resident camp staff member. My experience as an ACA volunteer started in 1997 when I was trained as an Associate Visitor and joined the ACA Northern CA Board of Directors. In 2008, I was hired as the Northern CA Section Executive. The one aspect of my job that I have always enjoyed is the Standards Program so I am quite excited to expand my work with more volunteers and camps in the west!

Katie Johnson, Professional Development Specialist My name is Katie Johnson and I have been working with the Southeastern Field Office of ACA since 2008. Before that, I spent the majority of my career working for Camp Fire camps up and down the west coast. I fell in love with camp at an early age and have been lucky enough to spend my life working or volunteering at camp. With that, I have come to value the education needed to help camp professionals provide quality youth development programs. I am excited to help bring professional development to your area of the world! When I am not working, I am spending time with my family which includes my 5 year old son and the craziest miniature Dachshund you have ever met!

MEET YOUR ACA TEAM, continued Raina Baker, Membership & Customer Development Specialist Hello ACA! My name is Raina Baker and I am so incredibly excited to join you all as a part of the ACA team. I am one of the new Member & Customer Development Specialists for the Western Region. I have been blessed to be a part of the camp world in many capacities. Roles that I have had at camp include camper, CIT, counselor, specialist, program director, equestrian director and camp director. I have been very lucky to work with agency camps, non-profit, for profit, independent, residential, day camp, and outdoor education programs. As an ACA volunteer, I was super involved in SoCal/Hawaii, though I have recently relocated back to my beautiful home state of Washington. I am so dedicated to working with, and for, all of you that are out there making it happen every day for the good of the camp experience. I am incredibly passionate about travel, international staff, music, and horses – among other things. I am a certified Master Instructor and Clinician with the Certified Horsemanship Association and hope that I can bring a resource to your front door for the horse world as well as all things ACA. I have two beautiful fur babies; Wyatt my big beast of a horse and Cricket my cantankerous Corgi, both of whom I love dearly.

CAMP MOVES ME! With over $55,000 raised for campers in October, the nationwide Camp Moves Me fundraising campaign was an immense success in 2014. Together, we biked, hiked, ran and walked over 7000 miles to help more children go to camp. Thank you to all the participants, donors and our corporate sponsors for helping to make this launch so impactful. Big kudos to our local team! ACA Southern California/ Hawaii raised $12,177, with an average pledge of $487 per participant, the highest average in the country. Our group’s success was built on the efforts of local members. Paul Kupferman personally raised $2,502, the second highest amount raised by an individual in the country; he also came in second for recruiting the most personal sponsors by recruiting 58! Additionally, the top fund raisers for Southern California/Hawaii include: Caitlin Latta - $1,780, Erica Carlin - $1,702, Ross - Turner $1,650 and Tom Horner -$1,065. This was the first year for Camp Moves Me. Let’s build on this event and increase our impact! Please make a personal pledge to contribute to Camp Moves Me 2015. Sign up during SLC to participate in the October event. Let’s increase our participants to 100 and raise $60,000 locally!

KEYNOTES Opening Playnote with Michelle Cummings

Leadership at Camp: How Your Actions Affect Others

Tuesday, April 14, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Catalina Ballroom

Join Michelle Cummings in this interactive Playnote to kick off your SLC experience! Positive words and actions are powerful and can make someone’s day. On the flip side, negative words and actions can do the exact opposite. At camp, your leadership affects everyone around you, from your co-workers to the kids. Let’s take a hike down the leadership trail together and take a look at a real life camp experience.

Keynote with Scott Brody

The Camp Experience: How We Teach the Skills that Kids and Staff Need to Succeed Wednesday, April 15, 7:00 pm-7:45 pm Catalina Ballroom This is an incredible moment for our industry and for our profession. The very skills that we have been teaching through the camp experience for over a hundred years are now recognized as the critical skills that employees need to survive and thrive in the workplace and in the world. Let’s seize the day and recognize that we build skills for life, and they are the skills that matter most.

Keynote with Denise Pope

Camp: The Secret Weapon for a Child’s Future Success Thursday, April 16, 9:00 am – 10:45 am Catalina Ballroom In today’s fast-paced culture, kids seem more stressed-out than ever before. Under pressure to excel on all fronts - in school, sports, even community life -- many youth are driven, over-scheduled, anxious, fragile and unhappy. The result of this push for over-achievement is a sharp increase in academic and emotional problems among our nation’s youth. In this session, Dr. Denise Pope will draw from current research to identify the causes of the Stressed-Out Student epidemic and explore how Camp plays a role in creating a healthier and more effective path ONLINE PROGRAM to success in the 21st century. Log-in and Learn Anytime From Anywhere

Closing Keynote with Prophet Walker

Friday, April 17 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Catalina Ballroom Not letting circumstances define him, Prophet Walker shares the power of dreaming and how it, when coupled with compassionate leadership, can give children an ability to see who they really are.

Master of Science in Camp Administration and Leadership

• •

PRECONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIES – MONDAY & TUESDAY New Director Orientation Plus! - Chino A Monday, April 13, 2015, 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Visitor Update Course - Chino B Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

NDO is a special course for seasonal or new camp directors, assistant directors, program directors, or persons that have been in other administrative positions and are considering directing a summer camp. The NDO course helps directors and supervisors develop the skills they need to be effective leaders for their camp program.

The Associate Visitor Update course is required for visitors. Visitors will learn about the newly revised standards, prepare for the 2015 summer and enjoy meeting fellow visitors! If a visitor attends a Visitor Update course, it counts as the Standards Update for the camp or program the visitor is affiliated with. Please remember to bring your updated 2012 Accreditation Process Guide.

Camps on Campus - San Jacinto Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

KINDRED SESSIONS Tuesday, 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm

Join fellow directors and staff from colleges and universities that organize camps on campus. Whether you are running sports camps, general recreation day camps, STEM enrichment camps or outdoor adventure programming, bringing youth on campus has its own challenges and opportunities. Join fellow directors as we learn and discuss: • Integrating best practices into non-traditional camp setting (ACA Standards) • How the camp experience fits with larger academic mission • Bringing the magic of camp into the classroom • Expanding partnerships both on off campus to enhance your program

Start the conference out ahead! Connect with likeminded peers with programs similar to your own to share ideas, resources, and build connections with people that you can continue to network with throughout the week and beyond!

Standards Course - Mojave Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm This Standards course is for individuals or camps who are new to the Accreditation Process. This course is REQUIRED for new staff members who will be directly involved in the Accreditation Process AND all new camps going through Accreditation in 2015.

First Time Attendees Chino A Diana Huff, Fairmont Summer Programs and Liz Kimmelman, Tumbleweed Day Camp/ Camp Ursa Major Day Camp Chino B Andy Kimmelman, Tumbleweed Day Camp/ Camp Ursa Major Non-Profit Camps Pueblo A Nick Coffing, Camp Ubuntu Resident Camp Mojave

Standards Update Course - Chino B Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 10:30am – 12:00pm The Standards Update course is REQUIRED for Individuals who have previously been actively involved with the accreditation process. If a visitor attends a Visitor Update course, it counts as the Standards Update for the camp or program the visitor is affiliated with.

NOTE: Most preconference events required pre-registration, however; check at the Registration Desk for any available spaces. 15

SCHEDULE — WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 9:00 am - 10:15 am How to Fire a Friend Andreas Michael Jacobus The Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center Terminating the employment of a camp-friend can be akin to kicking a family member out of the house. How horrible! How could you do such a thing? One of the most wonderful things about working in the camp industry is that we’re one big happy family! Lifelong friendships are often built on the camp foundation. Campers become staff and staffers become directors! What could possibly go wrong? The fact of the matter is that it is often necessary for your program to thrive, for your staff to adjust, and it often offers the departing employee the chance to stretch beyond their comfort zone and grow themselves … but it’s still really HARD.

And the Oscar Goes to . . . Using Movie Clips to Enhance Staff Training Chino A Kathryn “Kat” Shreve & Teresa Tucker YMCA Camp Colman/ Clemson University If a picture is worth a thousand words, a movie clip can speak volumes. Use the power of film to facilitate your staff training. Engage staff on the edge of their seat with illustrations of important training concepts concerning bullying, safety, communication, teamwork, diversity, and more using the big screen. (Bring your own popcorn).

Pace and Space Chino B Sara Kuljius Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp & Emerald Cove Day Camp In today’s culture, children often live fast pace, demanding, and high pressure lives. They race from one activity, lesson, practice or performance to another. Many arrive at camp tired, harried and with cluttered minds: without the ability to be reflective, mindful and fully present. As a result, youth are unable to engage completely in their camp experiences and enjoy the full benefit of their learning and relational opportunities. In this session, we will explore the benefits of a wisely-paced camp program and how staff can lead campers in healthy down time, debriefs of daily learning, and preparation for the next day’s camp adventures.

Training your Counselors to Counsel Pueblo A Dave Brown Mountain Camp Train your counselors to do the most significant work at camp: helping campers grow by overcoming challenges and developing life skills. This happens when counselors actually counsel. They forge relationships with campers and have meaningful conversations in the face of obstacles or problems. This session will provide information and interactive exercises in a format that you can use for your staff training, including a simple acronym to guide staff through those tough conversations with campers.

Follow Z at www.twitter.com/Zisforme and use #ACASLC to tweet about what you’re learning and how much fun you’re having! 16

SCHEDULE — WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, continued New Supervisor Roundtable: Making the Big Transition Sierra Joseph Mondragon Loch Leven

De-Coding the Boy Code Santa Rosa Marah Lyvers BILD: Boys Institute for Learning and Development & Tom Sawyer Camps

Transitioning into a leadership position at camp carries unique challenges. At this session, new (and newish) supervisors can commiserate and celebrate, share defeats and victories, and discuss strategies for success.

Boys have a code. As camp professionals, we work with boys and girls, and often don’t understand why they do what they do. In this session, unpack the “boy code” and explore why boys do what they do, what motivates them and how we can help them be their best selves. Learn from an outsider who has spent over 20 years observing, asking questions and learning what makes boys tick and identify strategies that will help leaders and staff manage the ever elusive “boy code”.

You be the Judge & Jury: Real Camp Lessons in Safety & Risk Management Ventura Ian Garner Markel Insurance Was the camp and/or staff right or wrong? You be the Judge & Jury as we examine real camp injury claims. You’ll determine what happened, how it might have been prevented, what the outcome was and what risk management lessons can be learned from other’s experiences. Participants will be provided with information and actual training activities to utilize in their staff training. This highly interactive session will provide suggestions and activities for increasing camper and staff safety. Participants will take away interactive activities for staff training to help their staff internalize and become more safety conscious.

Helping Our Campers & Staff Develop Growth Mindset & a Positive Personal Narrative San Jacinto Scott Brody Camp Kenwood & Evergreen Without really knowing it, camps have been teaching “growth mindset” to generations of campers & staff, as well as finding their “best selves” at camp. This session will familiarize you with the emerging research about the power of mindset and self-narrative, and the ways in which they can influence lifelong performance. It will also explore a set of practices that camps can use to strengthen the development of growth mindsets and positive personal narratives in our campers and our staff, building their capacities to achieve and find fulfillment in their lives.

SCHEDULE — WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, continued TICKETED SESSION 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Advanced Counseling Skills for Camp Professionals Mojave Bob Ditter Psychologist, Author & Speaker In this skill-intensive seminar, Bob will go into the nuances of skillful conversations that make a difference and improve performance. You will learn even more powerful methods of validating campers, staff, parents and colleagues while learning key phrases that bring about change. Learn about radical acceptance, shame attenuation, normalization, the role of guilt and shame in communication and other powerful and advanced techniques. Demonstration, role-play and discussion will accompany individual exercises.

10:45 am - 12:00 pm The Farm System: A CIT Strategy Andreas Eric Nicastro Camp Max Straus Counselor’s in training are the future of your camp’s staff. How do you develop them into the role models that will fulfill your camp’s mission? How do you equip them with the right tools to succeed? Together we will explore how we train our CITs and how to optimize their development through programming and evaluation.

Everybody Feeds the Pigs: Expectations and Communication at Camp Chino A Erica Jameson Jameson Ranch Camp One of the issues we have as camp professionals is buy-in. How do we get the people who work for us to adopt our mission, utilize our philosophy, and accept our version of reality for the time that they are with us? Come join us in a discussion about expectations; how to communicate them most effectively for millennials, how to make them part of your daily routine, and how to get your point across without sounding like a jerk.

SCLA Seminar Part 1 - Counselor to Career: Understanding Your Professional Options in the Camp Industry Chino B 10:45 am - 3:00 pm Anthony Bates & Jeff Heiser Join us for this double session packed with information and tools designed to help guide you into a year-round job at camp. We will discuss camp related career options, the benefits and challenges surrounding camp professionals, networking strategies, and professional development opportunities. You will also have a chance to put your networking skills to the test over lunch with your colleagues and some established camp staff. We hope that when you leave our session you have a better sense of what type of job is right for you and how to get your foot in the door.

ACA Crisis Hotline Pueblo A Michele Branconier ACA Western Region Outreach & Engagement Professional The ACA Hotline is a year-round, twenty-fourhour-a-day service provided to any ACA camp or member who needs help in a crisis. Each year, ACA analyzes the hotline issues and provides case studies and resources to assist in crisis management, staff training, and preparation for the unexpected, providing valuable lessons every camp can learn. This session explores situations from the ACA Camp Crisis Hotline that arose over the past year. Learn from the experiences of other camps in crisis situations and discuss the situations and how they may apply to your camp’s operations. This year’s topics include issues related to: health/medical, personnel, business operations, abuse allegations (at home and at camp), camper behavior, and other special situations.

SCHEDULE — WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, continued 10 Ways to Rock, Paper, Scissors Sierra Michelle Cummings Training Wheels How do you Rock, Paper, Scissor? Want to learn 10 new ways to RPS? Find your fun self at this creative workshop. Traditional Rock, Paper, Scissors is played when two players substitute the three elements of Rock, Paper and Scissors with representative hand signals. Experience RPS in ways you’ve never thought of! Rock, Paper, Scissors baseball? You bet. Championship RPS? Bring it on. Gather your friends, prepare your strategies, and ready your most intimidating outfits—it’s time once again for a new workshop by Michelle Cummings. Gather for the ‘dance of hands’ and go home with 10 new ways to play the most universal form of hand-to-hand combat. Let’s Rock…

Employee Empowerment: Unlocking Your Staff’s Potential for Excellence Ventura Stephie Daquioag The Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center In this session, explore universally effective approaches to helping staff reach their highest potential, while enhancing professional growth as well. Attain skill and practices that will strengthen staff program performance, professional satisfaction and in turn, organizational success.

Getting Staff to Take Control San Jacinto Ryan Rosen Camp Kinneret Summer Day Camp Most staff come in to camp worrying if their campers will like them and if they will have fun. But when campers inevitably break a rule, staff are hesitant to discipline them because it’s just “kids being kids”. But if they give that camper one more chance, what does it mean for the rest of the group? How will it impact their summer? This session will dive into this concept, how to help staff break past this mindset, and different ways to support a counselor that is struggling with this.

1:45 pm - 3:00 pm What is Camp Like for LGBTQ Campers? Andreas Kayla Ryan & Jessica Weissbuch Camp Brave Trails Join us as we take a tour around camp through the eyes of our Trans, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer and Gender Variant campers. We’ll be making stops at the pool, in the sleeping quarters, and many other key camp destinations to discuss what our campers may be experiencing and how to make sure they are safe and supported! Questions and scenarios are welcome.

Camp Programming Roundtable Chino A Curt “Moose” Jackson SummerCampProgramDirector.com Come and join us for some programming collaboration. In small groups we’ll discuss camp themes, activities, traditions, special events and more. Be prepared to share your ideas based on your camp experiences. Everyone will walk away with a ton of new ideas they can implement this summer.

SCLA Seminar Part 2- Counselor to Career: Understanding Your Professional Options in the Camp Industry Chino B 10:45 am - 3:00 pm Anthony Bates & Jeff Heiser Join us for this double session packed with information and tools designed to help guide you into a year-round job at camp. We will discuss camp related career options, the benefits and challenges surrounding camp professionals, networking strategies, and professional development opportunities. You will also have a chance to put your networking skills to the test over lunch with your colleagues and some established camp staff. We hope that when you leave our session you have a better sense of what type of job is right for you and how to get your foot in the door.

SCHEDULE — WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, continued 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm,

continued

Genius Bar: Marketing and Social Media Pueblo A Join us at SLC’s very own genius bar to discuss

and share resources on reaching new families and campers at every price level. Participants of this session will walk away with new resources from online tools to phone apps. Have questions about items you are already using? Stop on by and our experts will walk you through their answers on how to maximize these technologies for summer camp use.

Social Networking Theory and Camp Mojave

Bob Ditter Psychologist, Author & Speaker Recent research in the way social networks operate have produced great insights into how culture spreads. It turns out that the same principles that govern “herd immunity” also dictate what videos go viral and how culture spreads at camp. Come learn about this amazing new understanding and learn how to “seed an idea” at camp!

Camp Admins Unite! We’re All in this Together Sierra Josh Bradshaw (along with Tom Horner, Andy Kimmelman, and Ryan Rosan) Camp Brain What information should I collect on my registration form? How do other camps handle discounts? What kind of reports will I need for the summer? Is there an easier way to collect money from parents? Join this panel of seasoned camp administrators/ directors to tackle these questions and many more. This is a collaborative session for us to discuss and share unique ideas and best practices. Ideal for camp administrators and those involved with the operational aspect of the camp office.

Make Camp a Life Changing Experience for Staff, Too! The Power of Teaching 21st Century Skills Ventura Katie Miesle Outstanding Team & Kingsley Pines Camp Wondering how utilizing 21st Century skills (collaboration, communication, critical thinking, & creativity) might benefit your staff and your entire camp community? We find staff members have a more positive, lasting impact on campers when they improve their life skills. This, in turn, increases the value parents see in camp because of their children’s growth in life skills. We taped our 2014 Kingsley Pines training for ACA’s “Raise the Bar” Initiative. Come see videos of Katie’s innovative training in action, hear about the results, and be inspired to raise the bar at your camp.

TICKETED SESSION 1:45 pm - 4:45 pm

Conflict Resolution & Bully Prevention Activities San Jacinto Michelle Cummings Training Wheels This workshop is based on the book, Setting the Conflict Compass. It is an engaging, highly interactive program focused on conflict resolution and bully prevention. You will leave with a variety of tools and techniques for dealing with conflict, bullying and discipline issues. Apply your learning immediately to help your participants understand that through collaboration, encouragement and an appreciation of differences in one another’s lives we can defuse tense situations and de-escalate conflict.

SCHEDULE — WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, continued 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm Creating a Greenhouse for Staff to Grow Andreas Sara Kuljis Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp & Emerald Cove Day Camp After staff is trained and the campers have arrived, supervisors are still responsible for ensuring that staff members have what it takes to serve well throughout the entire season. This session is designed to help supervisors stay attuned to this task by using the “Analogy of a Greenhouse” to ensure attentiveness to staff guidelines, training, support, and accountability throughout the summer.

Hiring and Managing the Ultimate Camp Staff Chino A Garrett Crosby Sierra Canyon School At the core of every camp is its staff. They are the heartbeat and face of your camp, determining what type of experience your campers and parents will have every day! Whether you are hiring directors, counselors, specialists, lifeguards or CIT’s, effective strategies are vital to creating and maintaining the best camp culture. Sierra Canyon Day Camp’s Garrett Crosby will lead a dynamic and engaging discussion featuring some of today’s best practices in staff recruitment, hiring, training, management, and retention.

Preparing Camp for the Worst Case Scenario Chino B Paul Franklin San Bernardino County Sheriff Department Emergency planners around the country have changed their emergency operations plans to include “all hazards.” The goal of this session is to briefly discuss the “all hazards” approach to camping. Preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery will be addressed using this approach. Special attention will be given to an active shooter situation and how camps need to address this concern in each of the above situations.

Reaching Non-Traditional Camp Families Mojave Bob Ditter Psychologist, Author & Speaker If you are venturing into a more diverse clientele that are not a usual part of your pool of campers, you will want to come to this session. Aimed at helping camp professionals think through ways to approach new camp families in ways that help prepare them for the exhilarating experience camp can be; Bob will share the lessons he learned from his work as Board President at Boston Explorers, an urban day camp for Boston area youth. These ideas will help you prepare your campers and your staff for the most rewarding experience possible

The Case for Camp Sierra Ryan Shorthill Positive Adventures, LLC. How do we as a collective raise the standards to create a safe and truly educational haven for our youth? Ryan will reflect upon the current crisis within our camps and explore ways in which we may raise the bar to promote well rounding learning and “nitty gritty” facilitation.

Fostering Philanthropy and Camp Community through Staff Training Ventura Tom & Maria Horner Catalina Island Camps Come learn how Catalina Island Camps closes our staff training with an exciting celebration that inspires everyone as we anticipate the arrival of campers the next day. Our closing banquet gives staff a chance to dress up, socialize, bid on silent and live auction items to raise money for camperships and enjoy a meal together in anticipation of the campers’ arrival the next day. The first part of the session will be an actual event so come prepared to snack, socialize and bid. If you want to contribute an item to the silent or live auction bring it with you or find us beforehand. It’s simple, fun and we were excited by how well staff respond to it.

SCHEDULE — WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 and THURSDAY, APRIL 16 Intentional Networking: Staff Training and Orientation Pool Patio Andy Kimmelman Tumbleweed Day Camp Curious about how other camps organize and execute their staff training? Looking for fresh ideas to spice up your staff orientation? Join Andy at the Pool Patio for a “show and tell” of different training techniques that will make your staff training and orientation the best it has ever been!

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 11:00 am - 12:15 pm Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite! Andreas Adam Bell New York Life Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite! YUCK! 1:00 am on a Tuesday night in July is not the time to develop your response plan. This session will educate you on how to be prepared for this unfortunate and potentially unpreventable scenario. We will discuss truths and myths about bedbugs, how to detect an infestation, and what to do when they show up.

Using Google Analytics and Proven SEO Tips to Maximize Your Advertising Dollars! Chino A Scott Ertl SummerCampDirectories.com Learn the best ways to promote your camp, while saving money and time. Find out the simple ways to strengthen your online marketing and create an action plan specific to your camp. Learn how to improve your SEO, while maximizing your ROI.

Developing and Designing Nature Activities Chino B Rick Garcia ACA Membership and Customer Development Four Easy Steps to Designing your nature based trail activities. Lessons learned and programs implemented by using author Joseph Cornell’s flow learning philosophy and how you can follow his principles as the framework to putting your great ideas into meaningful successful outcome based trail activities.

A Program/Activity Database for Your Camp Pueblo A Eric Nicastro Camp Max Straus It can be a challenge leaving the creative activities at camp in the hands of seasonal staff. They often don’t have the time to fully develop ideas or the maturity to know what is appropriate for different age groups at camp. Administrative staff often has to spend additional time working on these activities to bring them to a level that they are comfortable with. Come and learn about how to develop an activity database and how you can teach seasonal staff to use it in a way that maximizes quality activities at your camp.

The Psychology of Staff Motivation Mojave Robert Burns Bunk 1 Learn strategies to influence, inspire, and impact your staff. Teach staff to build rapport, communicate effectively, and create an empowering culture that will foster character development in today’s youth. Are you an influencer capable of helping others achieve more than they considered possible? Can you help shape character & inspire the drive for success in others? Learn the subconscious triggers shaping our decisions, behaviors, and reactions to maximize your staff’s potential. This session will help you maximize your leadership potential and maintain a fully engaged staff throughout the summer.

SCHEDULE — THURSDAY, APRIL 16, continued Coaching Counselors from the Digital Generation Sierra Evan Grant Outpost Summer Camps

1:45 pm - 3:00 pm

The world around us is rapidly changing. Technology is playing a larger and larger role in both education and society. As a 4th grade teacher in a 1 to 1 iPad classroom during the school year and camp director during the summer, I truly understand the value in both technology and of course, camp. This movement has affected the camp world in a big way and no group has been affected more than our counselors. Over the last few years we have seen a steady change in skills that our new counselors come to us with. Many “camp skills” that we once took for granted must now be explicitly taught and the approach of the middle management must adapt to the changing times. This session will share experiences and ideas for creating a successful learning environment that quickly meets the needs of today’s counselors.

Join us at SLC’s very own genius bar to discuss and share resources on reaching families, campers, and staff to build hype around your sure-to-be-awesome summer. Draw in new and returning campers during the pre-camp Spring months to optimize communication and community building at camp. Participants of this session will hear about innovative and creative ways to reach families and staff in preparation for the summer, while still delivering crucial pieces of information. Want to spruce up your weekly newsletter? Take a ton of camp photos each day but aren’t sure how to distribute them? Does your Facebook page just drop off when everyone is “busy with camp”? Join us to get answers to these questions and many more from our Communication Genius Bar!

Applying the Research - Make Childhood Well-Being the Hallmark of Your Camp PART 1 Catalina Ballroom Denise Pope Challenge Success With her keynote session as a springboard, Dr. Pope will guide camp leaders to identify and enhance essential elements of their camp philosophy and program that contribute to the long term health and success of children.

Got Tossables? 10 Team Building Games Using Tossable Props You Already Have San Jacinto Michelle Cummings Training Wheels Learn new games with props you already have! The activities in this workshop are team based and suitable for groups ages 12 and above and group sizes of 4 to 50+ players. All of the activities presented are portable in nature requiring tossables or items you already have. This workshop is loaded with useful ideas and resources you can utilize right away.

Genius Bar 2: Communication April-September Pueblo A

How To Mess Up Your Camp Santa Rosa Nick Coffing Canyon Creek Summer Camp Feel like your night activities/themes are the same each year? If so, come join this interactive session where you will be able to leave with not only new activities to bring to your camp, but a new way to look at programming!

How Reality TV Changed Our Programming Chino A Tim Huchton ACA Member and Customer Development Specialist Adventure Races, The Amazing Race, Survivor, and others have become common to the TV listings. In this session we will discuss how we took the concept of an adventure race and adapted it to meet our needs in programming for our camp. We will provide examples of some of the activities and challenges we came up with for our setting and goals, and discuss how you and your staff can implement into your program at home.

SCHEDULE — THURSDAY, APRIL 16, continued 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm Under Construction...Building a Better CIT Program Chino B Savannah Scofield Sierra Canyon Day Camp How will we increase CIT participation? How will we convince our staff to treat them as valued members of the program? In this interactive session, we will not only learn how to help our CITs build positive skills and qualities, but how this will benefit the entire design of our camp, making our CIT program beneficial to everyone. It all starts with our vision. So put on your hard hats and please excuse our mess, while we build better futures for our camps!

NATURE’S THEATER: Make Outside Time Irresistible with Interactive Walking Stories and Exploration San Jacinto Jeff Falyn & Lyndsay Dawkins Nature’s Theater Stories connect! Where are the stories that connect kids to being outside and to Nature? Ok, imagine a group of kids outside by a tree. They’re met by a guide who engages them on a walking quest. During the adventure the kids meet costumed characters, participate in playful activities and eventually become heroes of the story. We’ll take you through the origin and evolution of our story program and highlight how we weave environmental themes into each story. We’ll also focus on the tools you’ll need to make these interactive stories fun for your counselors to run at camp. A NEW CAMP TRADITION ROLLING YOUR WAY The act of spinning on a log in the water captures the imagination and attention of kids and adults alike. Key Log Rolling® makes it easy for you to bring authentic fun and purposeful play to your camp’s waterfront activities. We invite you and your campers to be a part of this historic sport for modern times. Contact us to learn how to introduce Key Log Rolling to your camp this year. Call us at 763-544-0047, email us at info@keylogrolling.com, or visit www.KeyLogRolling.com. ©2014 Key Log Rolling. Key Log Rolling is a registered trademark.

123 N. Third Street

Suite 400

Minneapolis, MN 55401

P: 612-623-8000

www.broadheadco.com

Applying the Research - Make Childhood Well-Being the Hallmark of Your Camp PART 2 Catalina Ballroom Denise Pope Challenge Success With her keynote session as a springboard, Dr. Pope will guide camp leaders to identify and enhance essential elements of their camp philosophy and program that contribute to the long term healthy and success of children. Bring your staff team from your camp to work together with Dr. Pope and her research on honing your program and communicating to families the value of the camp experience.

Transgender Inclusion in Your Camp Sierra Adam Bell New York Life Is your camp prepared to accept transgender campers or staff members? Are you aware of vocabulary to use for comfortable conversations on this topic? Learn how a traditional, overnight, co-ed Catholic camp successfully faced this situation in 2013 and where they are today. We will discuss how your decisions today can make a positive impact on all of your campers, staff members and other stakeholders.

Log Rolling with a Modern Spin - Part 1 Ventura Abby Hoeschler, Key Log Rolling Log rolling is a fun and challenging sport for individuals or groups of all ages. With new synthetic equipment, it is now adaptable to all indoor and outdoor aquatic settings for general recreation, instruction, competition, social activities, team building, and more. This is a unique opportunity to discover how to start a program or to enhance a current activity with a log rolling component. The session will include classroom and in-water instruction. You will learn about the history and development of the sport, best practices for safety and use, and implementation of a variety of programming models. Carry out your new knowledge during the inwater activities taught by a world champion log roller and founder of Key Log Rolling. You will receive a basic log rolling lesson, including tips for leading and sharing the sport with others. It’s fun, safe, and no prior experience is necessary!

SCHEDULE — THURSDAY, APRIL 16, continued TICKETED SESSION 1:45 pm - 4:30 pm

Score with 20 Proven Power Plays! Mojave Joanna Warren Smith President, Camp Consulting Services Move your total program experience from “Good” to “Great” by paying attention to the details of execution that engage counselors and resonate with campers. Dissect your daily rituals, program elements, logistics and even ‘scary time’ to deliver a ‘noticeably improved product’ in 2015. Reap the benefits of a more intentional, involved staff and kids who want to return year after year.

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm Level Up: How to Create or Improve Epic Camp-Wide Games Andreas Curt “Moose” Jackson SummerCampProgramDirector.com Come and learn how to easily create new and exciting camp-wide games, or simply improve your favorite classic camp games, like Capture the Flag, by using story-driven game components (or mechanics) that will ensure all your campers will have a highly enjoyable, fair and consistent experience. Stop running the same old games in the same old way, it’s time to take your programming to the next level.

“Open the Door...”: The Impact of Universal Access in Camps/Organizations for Those with Special Needs Chino A Allie Avishai and Stephie Daquioag Arthritis Foundation Arizona & The Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center

Sustainability Programming at Summer Camp Chino B Danny Sudman Green Camps Initiative From arts and crafts, to meal time, to circle games, there are many opportunities to bring sustainable living lessons to summer camp programming. We will spend the session experiencing fun activities that will engage you to use your critical thinking skills to address topics of environmental and social issues. Return home with lesson plans and resources to bring these activities to your staff training sessions and throughout the summer with campers. Every activity might not be an ideal fit for your program, but you will gain a new perspective on the role sustainability can play in the camp community.

Doggie Treats or Pure Exertion: Intrinsic Motivation for High School and Early College Staff Pueblo A Elizabeth Martinet Outpost Summer Camps The purpose of this seminar is to prevent entitlement, show examples of how to have a conversation with staff to instill intrinsic motivation, and that feeling of the perfect exhaustion. This is pretty much an idealistic and improbable idea, however I do believe that what we do (and say) at camp will enable adolescents, from age 14 through 22 to learn skills that will combat years of entitlement and impart intrinsic motivation. Most all camp directors will acknowledge that we do not like to, but inevitably we do give out “treats” to staff. My idea is that sometimes, even our words are extrinsically motivating. So how do you help someone realize they are doing well (if not outstanding) at their job while not complimenting them? And what are the long term benefits of this? Come and find out!

This session discusses how camps/organizations can accommodate those with special needs, allowing them to participate regardless of their medical limitations. By incorporating safe and purposeful activities and modifications considerate of their specific medical needs (i.e. universal access), one is able to provide enriching opportunities that enhance their health and well-being. Through efforts of understanding specific medical conditions and afflictions, camps and organizations open the door to incredible experiences, making the impossible a possibility!

SCHEDULE — THURSDAY, APRIL 16 and FRIDAY, APRIL 17 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm Log Rolling with a Modern Spin - Part 2 Pool Abby Hoeschler, Key Log Rolling

Intentional Networking: Camp Programming & Activities Idea Exchange Lobby Bar Rasheed Anthony Catalina Island Camps

Log rolling is a fun and challenging sport for individuals or groups of all ages. With new synthetic equipment, it is now adaptable to all indoor and outdoor aquatic settings for general recreation, instruction, competition, social activities, team building, and more. This is a unique opportunity to discover how to start a program or to enhance a current activity with a log rolling component. The session will include classroom and in-water instruction. You will learn about the history and development of the sport, best practices for safety and use, and implementation of a variety of programming models. Carry out your new knowledge during the in-water activities taught by a world champion log roller and founder of Key Log Rolling. You will receive a basic log rolling lesson, including tips for leading and sharing the sport with others. It’s fun, safe, and no prior experience is necessary!

Feel like you would like to change up your programming but unsure of what to do? All the summer camp activities and programming options out there can be daunting. Join Rasheed and fellow camp professionals at the Lobby Bar to discuss and share resources on activities that are tested, tried, and true!

Staff Development through Performance Evaluations Sierra Alison Moeschberger, Gold Arrow Camp

Who is your customer? Many say it’s the camper who has a wonderful time at camp and wants to come back. Yet, a happy camper is ultimately the result of a happy camp parent…your true customer. It is the camp parent who compares camps and makes the final decision of where their child will go to camp. They are also the people who can make your life as a counselor really easy or really difficult! Explore the world of parents and gain tools to help ensure you create a great experience for everyone in the family, campers and parents alike!

Evaluating staff and providing feedback on their performance can be one of the most difficult tasks for leadership staff at camp. When done incorrectly, evaluations can have a negative impact on staff morale and performance. Come discuss methods for evaluating camp staff that will encourage them to embrace both positive and negative feedback from their supervisors. You’ll leave with the motivation and tools to help you develop an effective evaluation system for your staff.

Sports Psychology for Camp 101 Ventura Eric Wittenberg, Berkshire Soccer Academy Learn how to apply the three most significant theories of motivation from sport psychology to what you do at camp! Empower yourself and your staff to recognize and address motivational “hot buttons” with campers and staff. Session will follow a “think, pair, share” format. We will cover the basics of a modern motivational theory, then conduct an application exercise with a partner and close with a group discussion about camp applications.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17 9:00 am - 10:15 am Think Like a Parent Andreas Michael Jacobus The Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center

Discovering the Leader Within Chino A Ron Quini Kamikaze Consulting There is a leader inside all of us waiting to be discovered! Find out what qualities are desirable in leaders from various fields. Learn which of these desirable traits you currently have and what you can gain from incorporating them into your professional toolbox.

SCHEDULE — FRIDAY, APRIL 17 Hot Trends in Camp Chino B Michele Branconier ACA Western Region Outreach & Engagement Professional This session is dedicated to an open forum discussion related to current topics and issues in camp operations. Bring your challenges, share your ideas and learn from your colleagues. This session will be facilitated by Michele Branconier, who will bring national and regional trends to share with the group.

Staff Training - Engagement and Buy-In from Day One Pueblo A Tim Huchton ACA Member and Customer Development Specialist Each year we start recruiting staff earlier and earlier, yet our training and onboarding doesn’t start until they arrive at camp. Once they arrive, we do the same training we have always done. In this session we will discuss several new ways that camps across the country are engaging staff from the moment of hire to the start of training once on site.

Recruit More Effectively with Focus Group Input Mojave Joanna Warren Smith President, Camp Consulting Services

Filling in the Missing Pieces: How Camp Can Help Our Campers & Staff Become College & Career Ready Sierra Scott Brody Camps Kenwood & Evergreen Following Scott’s Keynote, this session will explore the ways in which camps teach and strengthen “21st Century Skills”, non-cognitive skills, and other life/soft skills, through positive and impactful camp experiences. Come and hear about the latest research in neuroscience, education, and child development which shows that the skills the campers and staff develop through their camp experiences are the very skills that will have a significant impact on their future success and happiness. Scott will also share a model of 21st Century Skill Certification for camp counselors that he is using at his resident camp, which was developed in consultation with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and can provide staff with a credential that they can use to demonstrate their level of competency in these vital skill areas to future employers.

Excellent Team Building Activities for Staff Training Ventura Joseph Mondragon Loch Leven From icebreakers for the first day, to in-depth discussions on the last, teambuilding activities can help energize training and empower session objectives. We will sample a variety of activities, including debriefing strategies and tips. Any props required are simple and readily available.

Parents across the country agree that four factors influence camp selection whether they seek a fullsummer resident experience or a scholarship for a week of day camp. These parents are also clear that the camp must deliver in six areas or their child will not return. Kids can be easily swayed initially, but they will not come back unless five specific things happen to them at camp. Use this critical parent and camper input to inform your decisions regarding marketing for new acquisitions and the methods you utilize to increase retention.

SPONSORS & VENDORS Vendor Showcase: Wednesday, April 15, 8:30 am-5:00 pm Throughout the day on Wednesday, our sponsors and vendors will be available in the Ballroom Foyer to meet you, highlight their products and services, and answer your questions. We are so grateful that so many vendors attend the SLC each year. Please spend time with our vendors on Wednesday to thank them for their support as well as find out what great products and services they can offer to make your job easier and your camp better!

Thanks to Our 2015 Sponsors!

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Tumbleweed TRANSPORTATION

About Our Supporting Vendors: Bunk1.com - Established in 1999, Bunk1 has been sharing your camp memories for 15 years! Check out our All-Inclusive Camp Management Platform and set up a demo today! www.bunk1.com Camp America is a premier provider of qualified, English speaking, international camp counselors and support staff since 1969. Camp America offers the very best service, selection, and international recruitment fairs in the industry. Our staff is experienced, efficient and professional and our online staff search, matching, and management system is state-of-the art. www.campamerica.aifs.com

CampBrain has provided both web-based and locally hosted software and online registration for the camp and conference center industry for over 20 years. Love your Software. www.campbrain.com

CampMinder is a web-based camp management and communication system designed by camp professionals. It is more than just “online registration software”. It’s a fresh perspective; a systematic approach to running a successful business. www.campminder.com

California Camp Realty was established in 1985 with the mission to preserve California’s diverse camp heritage. We only broker camps with existing Use Permits….over 22 camps so far. Whether buying or selling your camp, call (760)703-2681 or corybjones@yahoo.com

SPONSORS & VENDORS , continued CardFlex® is a financial services company dedicated to providing innovative payment solutions for businesses. CardFlex® also has groundbreaking prepaid debit card products, including PayCard, TipCentral™ and Visa U CampusCard. www.cardflexnow.com

Key Log Rolling, founded by world champion log rollers, is revolutionizing this traditional sport with a portable, synthetic Key Log® and Trainer® accessories. Over 40 years of program experience now safely brings this healthy, fun activity to any aquatic setting. www.keylogrolling.com

Liberty Clothing provides innovative branding to camps in North America and abroad. Since 1989, we have been the go-to promotional company for the latest trends and best design, and we are proud to say that we do business with over 400 of the finest camps around the world. www.libertyclothing.com

Markel Insurance Company develops and underwrites specialty insurance products to address the unique risks faced by summer camps. Markel has been an ACA business member since 1977 — demonstrating their commitment to help make camp a better and safer place for all. www.markelinsurance.com

Nature’s Theater offers resources for your staff to lead interactive outdoor walking stories that engage children with humor, activities and play. Choose from many themes – connect kids to Nature! www.naturestheater.org

Progressive Graphics has been serving the camping market since 1989. Choose from our catalog of stock designs or we can put something together based on an idea, theme or photo that you provide. We have a full in-house art department and there are no design or screen charges. We also do embroidery and 1000s of promotional products. www.progressivegraphics.net

Signature Research, Inc. is a full service challenge course and climbing tower company. We design, install, inspect, and train. We construct climbing nets and carry hardware, program equipment and rope. Signature Research has been an ACA Business Affiliate since 1971. www.signatureresearch.com

Touro University-Nevada offers an online Master’s of Science in Camp Administration and Leadership, enabling you to earn an advanced degree in Camp Administration with speed and efficiency. www.tun.touro.edu

Trinity/HPSI offers a free membership that saves you 10% to 50% with vendors such as Sysco, US Foods, Lowe’s, Office Depot, Staples, Ferrellgas, Suburban Propane, HD Supply, Grainger, Sherwin-Williams and many more! www.trinity-usa.net

Tumbleweed Transportation grew from Tumbleweed Day Camp and is uniquely aware of the needs of camps. Let us handle your opening and closing transportation, daily routes or field trips. John@tumbleweedtransportation.com

The Western Association of Independent Camps (WAIC) is a proud sponsor of SLC 2015! As a leading organization in promoting excellence in camps, we invite you to learn more at www.WAIC.org.

Western Association of Independent Camps is a proud sponsor of Join Us... 64 Annual WAIC Conference th

SLC 2015

www.WAIC.org For information about WAIC and the BENEFITS of becoming a MEMBER 30

ACA, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA/HAWAII — 2014 IN REVIEW Education & Professional Development •15+ Educational and Professional Development Opportunities: Serving over

1,500 participants: camp professionals, seasonal and frontline counselor staff in Southern California and Hawaii.

•New Director Orientations continue to grow with new directors gaining valuable information from local experts in the field!

•The Spring Leadership Conference continues to grow:

Every year, participation has increased at the Spring Leadership Conference. This year will not disappoint!

Membership • 632 Individual Members

•165 Accredited Camps •187 Total Camps •Nationwide Free Membership Promotion:

In its fourth year, this campaign helped to grow ACA membership to almost 9,000+ individuals as well as increased participation in professional development by nearly 50% nationwide. This promotion has been renewed for 2015! (www.ACAcamps.org/membership/free).

Standards • 70 Accreditation Visits • 9 New Accredited Camps • 72 Volunteer Visitors Conducted Visits • 9 Standards Update Courses • 5 Standards Courses:

trainings held in various locations throughout Southern California and Hawaii to prepare camps for their accreditation visits

• 3 Associate Visitor Courses • 1 Visitor Update Course (in addition, online update offered) Legislation/Public Policy ACA, Southern California/Hawaii partners with ACA, Northern California on state public policy and government relations.

• Senate Bill 443:

Introduced by Senator Walters, this bill adds day camp to the definition of “Organized Camp” in the state of California. The bill was a 2 year bill and it failed to get out of committee.

• Senate Bill 476: Mendoza has recently been introduced. It is more narrowly focused and concentrates on adding day camps to the organized camp definition.

• Monitoring of Legislation and Regulations:

Staff and volunteers work with the California Collaboration for Youth (CCFY) to continuously monitor legislation and regulations that effect camps in California.

• Efforts at the Federal Level:

ACA continues to advocate for access to criminal background checks with the recently reintroduced Child Protection Improvements Act.

CAMP FOR SALE A 183 acre, 256 bed camp in Big Bear, CA Southern California’s premiere ski destination. PRICED AT $4.45 million Listed by Cory Jones and Michael Jones OWNER WILL CARRY FOR 5 YEARS AT 5%, WITH $1,500,000 DOWN, VERY MOTIVATED SELLER. ALL OFFERS CONSIDERED. APPRAISAL = $4.45 m. California Bureau of Real Estate, 01943556 & 00929625

Chat with Josh about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new in the Web-based version (e.g. the awesome camper medical section)

www.campbrain.com

Software that manages camps, conference centers and donors.

2014 VOLUNTEERS Thank you to the many volunteers who make the work of ACA, Southern California/Hawaii possible!

Local Council of Leaders Chair: Tom Horner, Catalina Island Camps Funds Development: Raul Bustillos, Bank of America Leadership Development: Brian Crater, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times Public Policy & Government Relations: Rick Benfield, The Archer School for Girls Public Policy & Government Relations Elizabeth Kimmelman, Camp Ursa Major and Tumbleweed Day Camp Membership: Michael Jacobus, The Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center Professional Development: Andy Kimmelman, Camp Ursa Major and Tumbleweed Day Camp Standards: Ian Brassett, Pali Mountain Standards: Glenn Robison, Guided Discoveries Volunteer Development: Joyce Knoll, Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council

ACA, Southern CA/HI Committee Chairs Camp Staff Training Day – Hawaii Co-Chair: Randy Miyashiro, Kama’aina Kids Camp Staff Training Day – Hawaii Co- Chair: Diane Tabangay, YMCA of Honolulu Camp Staff Training Day – Los Angeles Co-Chair: Harmony Jackson, Maricopa Integrated Health System Camp Staff Training Day – Los Angeles Co-Chair: Joanna Vance, The Painted Turtle Camp Staff Training Day – San Diego Chair: Charina Cain Layman, Birch Aquarium at Scripps New Director Orientation Coordinator: Cindy Moore Site Manager’s Seminar Chair: Brad Baille, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times Spring Leadership Conference Co-Chair: Andy Kimmelman, Tumbleweed Day Camp & Camp Ursa Major Spring Leadership Conference Co-Chair: Rasheed Anthony, Catalina Island Camps Student Camp Leadership Academy (SCLA) Chair: Chelsey Ayers

Standards Visitors Debbie Alameida Rasheed Anthony Debra Apfel Courtney Baltiyskyy Anthony Bates Elisa Becker Darin Borgstadter David Branconier Ian Brassett Jacki Breger Quinton Buckley Eleanora Burright Frank Cardenas Elizabeth Chadwick John Chakan Ronald Clear Gabrielle Coburn Nick Coffing Theresa Collins Natalie Corrall Brian Crater Jeff Darling Patrick Deasy Margaret Driscoll Chadwick Edwards Sender Engel Christopher Fife Patricia Foltyn

Leonard Fry Jennifer Gaeta Kathleen Garcia Harold Gordon Carolyn Goss Rebekah Granquist Daniel Hammond Catherine Holbert John Horton Joan Horton Diana Huff Eric Ikari Michael Jacobus Ryan James Tom Jenkins Erin Johnson Jolee Jones Clayton Jones William Kaplan Andrew Kimmelman Elizabeth Kimmelman Joyce Knoll Annie Korn Zalmy Kudan Jason Kuiper Kelly Kunsek Tony Lees Jason Liou

Kasandra Lovett Tom Madeyski Alison Mahon Annie Markowitz Audra Martin Patricia Mc Gowan Sean McEnulty Peter Michel Darrow Milgrim Terese Miller Alison Moeschberger Joseph Mondragon Jolie Moniz Steven Monke Darrow Milgrim Terese Miller Alison Moeschberger Joseph Mondragon Jolie Moniz Steven Monke Stephen Morris Ken Mortensen Ian Murray Walt Myers C Robert Niderost Kelly Pacillas Kelly Privitt Yossi Rapoport

Melissa Rector Lupine Reppert Richard Rinaldi Scottie Roach Mathew Russell Sandra Rutherford Jade Sammy Raymond Sanborn Larry Sanford Andrea Sanford Spencer Shambaugh Josephine Stahnke Billy Stempson Mickey Stone Daniel Sudman Michael Sugarman Sandy Sultz Jaculin Taylor Shanna Taylor Zayanne Thompson Susan Thorning Ella Tringale Sarah Trujillo Michael Urbach April Uyehara Diane Vogan Amy Walker Jeanette Walters Nicholas Zielinski

Standards Instructors John Beitner Jami Foster Maria Horner Cory Jones Randy Miyashiro Cindy Moore Harriet Ottaviano Dave Harshman Glenn Robison Noel Torres 35

DONORS Thank you to the following donors for their generous financial contributions! Ability First Annie Korn Anthony Bates Brian Crater Camp Fire Long Beach Area Council Camp Mariastella Inc Catalina Island Camps Chicka Elloy Daniel Sudman Daniel Tobin David Branconier David Petty David Reed Diana Huff Diane Killgore Eleanora Burright Elena Delvac Elisa Becker Erica Jameson

Gold Arrow Camp (Operator) Guided Discoveries Inc Harmony Jackson Harold Gordon Ian Brassett Jade Sammy o-An Turman Joanna Warren Smith Joe Merashe Kamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aina Kids (Operator) Katherine Enney Kelly Kunsek Kelly Privitt Kristi Turner Lions District 46 Lutheran Retreats Camps & Conference Center Mara Lague Michael Horner Michael Richards

Michael Sugarman Michele Branconier Pali Overnight Adventures (Operator) Paul Obrien Raymond Sanborn Ricardo Garcia Ross Turner Ryan Rosen Sara Kuljis Sarah Horner Fish Society of St Vincent de Paul Los Angeles Stephen Sykes Steven Monke Stuart Jones Thomas Horner Tiffany Romero Tom Jenkins Tom Rosebrook Trent Jameson Westmarks Camp Funtime

NEW ACA CAMPS Congratulations to our newly accredited camps! Angeles Crest Christian Camp Big Bear Lake Christian Conference Camp 4 Kids Camp Jak Camp Ursa Major New Worlds Emerge at UCLA Simon Meadow The Horse Camp at Total Equestrian YMCA Camp Ta Ta Pochon 36

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Make sure you’re part of the conversation that’s happening online about the Spring Leadership Conference! Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/acaslc.

Anything else is just a database.

303 444 CAMP

www.campminder.com

Dedicated to Safety and Service

Please contact us for any of your transportation needs including daily routes, start of session and end of session transportation and ďŹ eld trips. (310) 444-3232 38

www.tumbleweedtransportation.com john@tumbleweedtransportation.com

American Camp Association 5000 State Road 67 North Martinsville, IN 46151 (765) 342-8456 phone www.ACAcamps.org/SLC