A link to the recording (Passcode: XSBQ0.s$) of our February conversation with the MSC Ad Hoc Staffing Committee and Kim Aycock, ACA Project Real Job Chair, around where/how young people explore job opportunities, what factors excite them about camp, and how they embark on the path to apply. From there we will collaborate in small groups to share thoughts, questions, and ideas around promising practices that are moving the needle in a positive direction. Leave with renewed energy and ready-to-use PRJ resources for staffing your camp in the remaining months leading into the 2023 camp season! Learning Outcomes: Take a look into the early stages of the staff experience cycle from where they look for a summer job,what attracts them to camp,...

Click HERE for the link to the recording. Passcode: 17Y*HX%x Click Dr. Laura Blaisdell MSC 2023 for the link to Dr. Laura’s slides. As camps pull out of the COVID years, we must now return to a wider lens on infectious disease. This virtual talk will bring camp ‘down’ to speed on COVID best practices and expected guidelines. Additionally, Dr. Blaisdell will speak about the landscape of infectious diseases we have seen this year (including RSV, influenza, Norwalk and others!) and what camps should be doing in preparing for responding to infectious disease this summer.  

The cost for non MSC camps to attend this is fair is $150 or $110 for MSC member camps. As always, we will be doing extensive marketing for both camps. Registration opens February 6th for everyone.

Have you been to the Hall of Flags in Augusta? It is a large open room in the center of the State House underneath the Capitol dome. It is used regularly for press conferences and ceremonies. Additionally, every day when the legislature is in session, the Hall of Flags is reserved by Maine businesses and interest groups as a way to connect legislators with business/organization members who are available to answer questions, speak about key aspects of their industry and showcase their products. MYCA has secured March 9th in the Hall of Flags as a day to showcase the economic value, and emotional/youth developmental benefits, of Maine Youth Camping. Several directors from a wide range of Maine Summer Camps, along...

The Education Committee hosted the annual educational Winter Workshop on January 25, at Portland’s Italian Heritage Center. Click Read More to download handouts and resources. An interactive and in-depth discussion of Camper & Counselor Well-Being in Today’s World featured an all-star speaker team including John Hamilton and Tracey Gaslin of the Alliance for Camp Health, and (coming out of retirement from speaking engagements) camp expert and psychologist Bob Ditter! These speakers addressed recent trends in youth and young adult mental health, well-being, and resilience. The session focused on actionable steps for camp directors and how we can help camp staff process their own challenges and needs, so they in turn can meet the needs of their campers. This event was...

The education committee would like to schedule a webinar for Thursday, Jan 12 at 11 am on TikTok 101 for Camp Directors, by Laura Ordway and Amanda Hatley. Click here to read ACA TicTok Article