OCTOBERWEST
DIFFERENT. INTENTIONAL. FUN. October 20 & 21
Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center • Orange, CA
• Educational Opportunities • Professional Development • Networking
2014 PROGRAM GUIDE www.acacamps.org/socalhawaii/octoberwest
WELCOME TO OCTOBERWEST!
 
Hello Everyone! My name is Danny Sudman and I am the Event Chair for OctoberWest.I learned a great deal from attending ACA Educational Conferences and Events, and am honored now to build on the progress of my predecessor, Raina Baker.
OctoberWest is: Intentional. Different. Fun. As a former camp director and informal educator, I feel strongly that it takes many different approaches to educate and reach the diverse needs and desires of the camp community. OctoberWest encompasses this idea by incorporating several methods for delivering the information, ideas and tools that will inspire and support camp professionals. The mission and goals that drive each of our camps provide guidance as to what programs and methods will result in the desired outcomes. With these outcomes in mind, participants at OctoberWest are given a range of learning environments and topics to choose from that will allow them to return to their camp with resources that will most directly benefit their unique camp programs. Education sessions are designed to give you more knowledge on important topics in a more formal classroom setting. Brainstorming sessions will give you the opportunity to explore a specific topic with your peers; drill down on the topic to gain greater insight, along with a better understanding of how successful camps operate. Networking sessions are organized by role and type of camp – you will explore a range of topics that relate to this specific role. The Open Air session will bring a group together to determine what critical issues have not been discussed at OctoberWest. The group will then be divided into smaller groups to explore these topics more intimately. If these learning opportunities are to succeed, you will need to be open to the experience, and to communicating with your peers. The more you put into these sessions the more you will get out! Thanks! Danny Sudman OctoberWest Event Chair
TABLE OF CONTENTS OctoberWest Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Breakout Session Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Mardi Gras Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Continuing Education Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Free ACA Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ACA, Southern CA/HI Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Spring Leadership Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Thank Yous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Facility Map . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17
What Makes OctoberWest Different? You will have many opportunities this season to sit in on informational presentations and lectures. OctoberWest, however, may be the only chance you have to be an ACTIVE PARTICIPANT—where YOU guide the conversations and YOU dictate the topics, ensuring that you leave with the tools needed to be successful in your position and you are inspired to start working toward an even better summer next year! 1
OCTOBERWEST SCHEDULE Monday, October 20 8:00 am-9:00 am Registration & Check-In - Dining Hall 9:00 am-9:30 am Welcome & Introduction - Dining Hall 9:45 am - 11:00 am Education Session TITLE PRESENTER ORGANIZATION LOCATION
Story Boarding Your Life Alexis Dascoulias Camp Center Stage/ Maui OnStage Classroom 1B
11:15 am - 12:30 pm Education Session TITLE PRESENTER
ORGANIZATION
LOCATION
Sustainability Session Energy Conservation Kyle Addiss Southern California Edison Trading Post
Sustainability Session
Employment Law
Water Conservation
Michael Sugarman Stephanie Gail Lee
Bill McDonnell Dr. Adrian Hightower Julie Miller Benita Horn Metropolitan Water District
Law Offices of Steven Goldsobel, APC/ Littler Mendelson, P.C. Classroom 1B
Trading Post
Brainstorming Sessions Storytelling 101
Effective Project Management
Classroom 1A
Classroom 2
Brainstorming Sessions Engaging Camper Activities
Classroom 1A
Transitioning Staff Into Leadership Roles
Classroom 2
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch - Dining Hall
Map — page 17
Session Descriptions — pages 5-8 2
OCTOBERWEST SCHEDULE, continued Monday, October 20 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm Education Session TITLE PRESENTER ORGANIZATION
LOCATION
Open the Door Allie Avishai Stephie Daquioag Arthritis Foundation-AZ/ The Irvine Ranch Outdoor Center Classroom 1B
Sustainability Session Healthy Plates Kerri Annick Cacciata Local Tastes Better/ DTSA Certified Farmers’ Market Trading Post
Brainstorming Sessions Bridging the Gap Between Schools & Camp
Classroom 1A
Emergency Plans: Real Time Practice
Classroom 2
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm TITLE PRESENTER ORGANIZATION
Education Session Staff Culture Harold Gordon Nature Watch (formerly Camp Kinneret & Sunny Skies Day Camps)
LOCATION
Classroom 1B
Sustainability Session Farming at Your Camp/Retreat Center Anna Maria Desipris Ryan Wanamake Backyard Bees/ Camp Steven Farm & Garden Trading Post
Brainstorming Sessions International Effective Staffing Needs Meeting Design
Classroom 1A
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Materials Share - Dining Hall 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Mardi Gras Night! - Dinner & Social - Patio Area Outside Dining Hall
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Classroom 2
OCTOBERWEST SCHEDULE Tuesday, October 21 7:00 am - 8:00 am Camp Moves Me 8:00 am - 9:00 am Breakfast - Dining Hall 9:00 am - 10:30 am TITLE PRESENTER ORGANIZATION LOCATION
Standards Update Course Cindy Moore, Cory Jones ACA Classroom 1B
ACA Focused Topics ACA Hotline Ian Garner, Rick Garcia, Michele Branconier Markel Insurance, ACA Classroom 1A
Open Air Sessions
Trading Post
10:45 am - 12:15 pm NETWORK
Long Time Directors
LOCATION
Classroom 1B
Networking Sessions New Day Directors Camp Classroom 1A
Classroom 2
Resident Camp
Outdoor Education
Trading Post
Dining Hall
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch & Closing - Dining Hall
Map — page 17
Session Descriptions — pages 5-8
NEW! Sustainability Track This year's conference will host a sustainability track to provide education on how to incorporate the benefits of sustainability into a camp program and facility. Camp facilities provide an ideal setting to demonstrate the environmental, educational and economic benefits of sustainable practices. Each of the four sessions will provide engaging and practical information to better inform camp professionals on a variety of sustainability topics. These sessions are outlined in the program: -Southern California Edison -Metropolitan Water District -Local Tastes Better/Santa Ana Farmers’ Market -Backyard Bees/Camp Stevens 4
BREAKOUT SESSIONS EDUCATION SESSIONS Story Boarding Your Life
Choose a goal and work as a film director to create a story board for accomplishing that goal. Visualize your life and goals with images, words, illustrations and even interactive media. Leave this session with a story board and fantastic tools! Alexis Dascoulias Camp CenterStage / Maui OnStage
Employment Laws
This session will address the basics of employment law as they apply to the summer camp environment. Potential topics include: hiring and employment agreements, employee handbooks and policy documents, wage and hour compliance, addressing performance issues, etc. Michael Sugarman, Law Offices of Steven Goldsobel, APC Stephanie Gail Lee, Littler Mendelson, P.C.
Open the Door: The Impact of Universal Access in Camps/Organizations for Those with Special Needs
Learn how to incorporate safe and purposeful activities considerate of medical needs (i.e. universal access) to provide enriching opportunities that enhance the health and well-being regardless of participants medical limitations. By understanding specific medical conditions and afflictions, camps and organizations open the door to incredible experiences, making the impossible a possibility! Allie Avishai, Arthritis Foundation / Arizona Stephie Daquioag, The Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center
Staff Culture – is yours helping or hurting you!
This session focuses on the key elements of creating and maintaining an optimal staff culture. Staff culture impacts every aspect of camp operation and success. Successful camps work diligently to create the staff culture required for success. This session will also focus on identifying key elements in staff culture and the means by which camps can effectively and successfully make changes to their staff culture. Harold Gordon Nature Watch (formerly Camp Kinneret & Sunny Skies Day Camps)
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See pages 2–4 for specific schedule times.
SUSTAINABILITY SESSIONS Energy Conservation with Southern California Edison
This session will explore various energy issues and opportunities facing Southern California. Topics will include ways in which we can better leverage energy efficiency, energy conservation, demand response, solar distributed generation and energy storage to meet our energy needs in a sustainable and cost-effective way. Ways in which consumers can reduce their energy consumption, energy bills and carbon footprint through utility programs and other tools will also be considered. Kyle Addiss, Southern California Edison
Water Conservation with Metropolitan Water District
Learn about rebates and incentives for systems that will reduce your water consumption and save on your utility bill. An education specialist with the MWD will also share activities that will educate your guests on water conservation. Bill McDonnell - Water Use Efficiency Manager Dr. Adrian Hightower - Education Programs Unit Manager Julie Miller and Benita Horn - Education Programs Metropolitan Water District
Farming at your Camp/Retreat Center
For this workshop we will profile the gardens and farm projects of Camp Stevens in the mountains outside of San Diego. We will especially focus on how these operations have enhanced camper/guest experiences and have been integrated into the summer program, outdoor education program, retreat guest experience, as well as food service operations. We believe a garden of any size can be a great addition to a center’s program, facilities, and food service. We hope you will join us for this fun slide show and look forward to your questions. Anna Maria Desipris, Backyard Bees Ryan Wanamake, Camp Steven Farm & Garden Director
Healthy Plates
Join local chef and farmers’ market manager Kerri Annick Cacciata on a discussion to bring sustainability into your camp kitchens. She’ll discuss small changes and easy steps to build relationships with local farmers & ranchers, recipe ideas, implementation and its positive impact and influence on campers, staff and the community as a whole. Kerri Annick Cacciata Local Tastes Better - Chef/Owner DTSA Certified Farmers’ Market - Market Manager 6
See pages 2–4 for specific schedule times.
BRAINSTORMING SESSIONS Storytelling 101
Storytelling engages the imagination of campers. Share and hear stories that teach, inspire and reach campers in a creative and fun way.
Effective Project Management
How do you manage the hundreds of projects at your camp? Share strategies and systems that support the successful outcome of your projects.
Engaging Camper Activities
There are thousands of activities to choose from that teach your staff to be camp leaders. Learn and share activities that have been most successful.
Transitioning Staff into Leadership Roles
What are the benefits/challenges of transitioning your staff into leadership roles? Share and learn strategies for developing your staff into your camps future leaders.
Bridging the Gap Between Schools and Camps
Is there a difference in the learning that takes place in the classroom and at your summer camp? How can we facilitate more crossover?
Emergency Plans - Real Time Practice
Share your emergency action plans with fellow camp professionals. Participate in real-time practice drills to ensure your plan will be ready in an emergency.
International Staffing Needs
Let’s talk about international staffing needs. How do we educate, orient and manage international staff to ensure they are comfortable and successful throughout the summer?
Effective Meeting Design
How many meetings do you participate in each year, month, week? Share your successes and challenges in designing a successful meeting schedule.
See pages 2–4 for specific schedule times. 7
ACA FOCUSED TOPICS Standards Update Course The Standards Update Course is for Camp Directors and other camp representatives who are familiar with the ACA Accreditation process. The individual completing the course is expected to assist the camp in preparation for the accreditation visit and participate in the on-site visit. Cindy Moore, American Camp Association Cory Jones, American Camp Association
ACA Hotline This workshop will report on actual calls received by the ACA Camp Crisis Hotline. The ACA Camp Crisis Hotline is a 24 hour a day service to all ACA camps. The Hotline serves as a resource for camps in crisis and provides callers the opportunity to talk through their crisis with a trained third-party. While the hotline is neither a medical nor legal “expert” call line – it can help you think through your issues and discuss options. Ian Garner, Markel Insurance Rick Garcia, American Camp Association Michele Branconier, American Camp Association
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MARDI GRAS NIGHT MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 5:00 pm –9:00 pm
Continuing Education Credits OctoberWest has Educational Endorsement! This means that the program has been successfully vetted according to recognized criteria and that YOU can get up to 8.5 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) by participating in the event. For documentation of the CECs that you have earned, go to www.ACAcamps.org/pdc/cec-requests. 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.
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FREE ACA Membership for You! JOIN NOW. www.ACAcamps.org/membership/free Use This Promo Code at Checkout When You Sign Up Online: SC-2015 Coupon is good for one-year free membership. Coupon is good only for individuals who are not existing or previous ACA members. Coupon must be redeemed by the individual signing up online at www.ACAcamps.org/membership/free and using this code SC-2015 at checkout. Coupon allows individual to join in whichever membership category best fits. Individual must provide a unique e-mail address when signing up (as opposed to the camp’s email). Membership is nontransferrable once individual signs up. After an individual signs up and completes the basic membership form online, he or she will receive another coupon for a free e-Institute course. This offer is valid through October 2015.
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ACA, SOUTHERN CA/HI CALENDAR
www.acacamps.org/socalhawaii 11
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Find The Counselor. Win a gift.
The hunt for The Counselor is on again! Over 100 Counselor cut-outs are hiding around the conference. If you find one, bring it to the Markel booth (or Ian Garner) to receive Dr. Jim Cain’s NEW book, Rope Games!
Follow us on Twitter @MarkelCounselor to gain insider clues about the game. Limit one prize per person
Scan the QR code for clues and details about the “Find The Counselor” game.
Specialty insurance for camps. campinsurance.com
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THANK YOU So Many Thank Yous … So Little Time! Thank you all for giving your time, effort, and positive energy over the past two days to make this conference a wonderful experience! We would also like to thank: The Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center and all their staff for making OctoberWest seamless— we love being at your beautiful facility and appreciate all your hard work helping make this event a great experience. You are a class act! The OctoberWest Committee: You are rock stars! Gabby Coburn, Michael Jacobus, Scottie Roach, Annie Korn and Allie Avishai — thanks for all your hard work to make OctoberWest outstanding! Danny Sudman, Event Chair: Thank you for embracing the leadership of this event. We are so grateful for your hard work, creativity and passion to ensure the success of this event. Thank you! All of our volunteers: Thank you for all your time and effort … and for putting in that little bit extra! All of our presenters and facilitators: Thank you so much for sharing your time and talents — and for constructing your presentations around the concept of this conference. Your expertise and guidance have allowed each of us to grow, and has strengthened our camp community. Lastly, a big thank you to our sponsors: Markel Insurance, Green Camps Initiative, Signature Research, Local Tastes Better and Santa Ana Farmers Market. We could not have made this event what it is without your support! We can’t wait to see you all next year!
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GCI Green Camps Initiative
A project of Community Partners
Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability in the Camp Community
Great Reasons to Join Green Camps Initiative! • Green Camps Accreditation • Education curriculum and programming. • Organized resources for implementing initiatives. • Reduce your energy and water costs. • Reduced cost access to sustainable products and services. • Green Camps Initiative marketing support. • Opportunity to receive grant support to implement sustainable initiatives. • Join the growing community of green camps!
Danny Sudman 704-450-1901 www.greencampsinitiative.org info@greencampsinitiative.org
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Thanks to Our Conference Sponsors!
American Camp Association 5000 State Road 67 North Martinsville, IN 46151-7902 800-428-2267 www.ACAcamps.org