Bud and John McNair, the Standards Chair for New England, talk about the accreditation process in camping. They discuss the importance of standards, the role of visitors, and how accreditation supports professional growth and program quality.

Bud and Gillian explore the upcoming New England Camp Conference, highlighting its community focus, educational opportunities, and fun activities. Conference Chairs Carly Vargas and Zach D'Arbeloff also stop by. See ya'll in Manchester!

Key Topics

• Community and Networking at the Conference
• Educational Sessions and Program Highlights
• Expo Hall and Vendor Opportunities

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the New England Camp Podcast

02:51 Overview of the New England Camp Conference

10:54 The Importance of Community at the Conference

13:54 Navigating the Conference Experience

16:54 Networking Opportunities and Building Connections

19:51 The New England Camp Expo: A Hub of Innovation

23:06 Fun Activities and Engagement at the Expo

25:45 Keynote Speaker and Conference Highlights

30:33 Engaging with Keynote Speakers

31:08 Introduction to Project PK

32:21 Innovative Program Highlights

33:00 Volunteer Opportunities at the Conference

36:32 Volunteer Incentives and Raffles

39:17 Conference Preparation Tips

41:43 Food and Beverage Options

44:14 Personal Connections and Anticipations

48:26 Looking Forward to Community Engagement

51:56 Upcoming Events and Opportunities

https://acanewengland.org/necc

In this episode of the New England Camp Podcast, Bud Copeland and Ayla Gudelsky discuss the importance of connections made at camp, especially around Valentine's Day. They share stories of how camp experiences have led to lasting relationships. The conversation highlights the significance of community and networking within the camp environment, encouraging listeners to share their own camp stories and connections.-Connections made at camp can last a lifetime.-Valentine's Day is a great time to reflect on camp relationships.-Camp experiences often lead to unexpected friendships and romances.-The ACA New England emphasizes the importance of community.-Sharing stories helps strengthen the camp network.-Camp milestones are worth celebrating, no matter how small.-Personal stories can inspire others to share their own.-Networking at camp can lead to professional opportunities.-The camp experience teaches valuable life skills.-Building connections is essential for a thriving camp community.00:00 Introduction to Camp Connections02:51 Valentine's Day and Camp Relationships05:51 Personal Camp Stories and Experiences09:57 Submissions of Camp Love Stories15:04 Celebrating Camp Friendships and Connections

Summary

In this episode of the New England Camp Podcast, Bud and Kerry Salvo discuss the importance of community in camping, Kerry's journey in the camp industry, and the upcoming New England Camp Conference. They highlight the role of the expo hall in connecting vendors and camps, and introduce the new New England Business Membership aimed at supporting local businesses and consultants in the camping community.

Shoutout to Gillian for her work in updating the sign here at New England HQ. We're closed starting Christmas Day and will return the Monday after New Years. New England Camp Conference registration will remain open along with ACA's CampCounts survey.https://acanewengland.org for more. See you in 2026

In this episode of the New England Camp Podcast, Bud and Michele reflect on the past year in the camping industry, discussing the successful return to normalcy post-COVID, highlights from the New England Camp Conference, and the importance of community engagement and professional development. They emphasize the need for diverse leadership within the organization and the financial support available for members. The conversation wraps up with a look ahead to future plans and a warm holiday message.TakeawaysThis year was a positive year for the camping community.The team has become more stable and effective.The overarching theme was a return to normalcy.The New England Camp Conference is a key highlight.Organizational goals include finding diverse board members.Professional development offerings are expanding.Financial support is available for members in need.Community engagement is crucial for growth.The camping industry is focused on improving experiences.The podcast aims to connect and support camp professionals.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:51 Reflecting on a Successful Year03:55 The New England Camp Conference Highlights08:57 Organizational Goals and Board Development13:58 Professional Development and Member Engagement19:39 Financial Support and Community Growth25:56 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

ACA, New England has two more Coffee & Camp Chats for 2025. Check acanewengland.org/events for the links. Friday 12/12 online at 10am and Monday 12/15 LIVE in Bridgton, ME from 11am - 2:30pm.Also, CampCounts from ACA Inc. is back. Primary Contacts for camps should've received an email Friday with the deets. Get in touch with Bud or any of your friends at ACA Inc. if you have questions.

Last week, 14 dedicated camp pros met at Camp Sunshine on Sebago Lake to complete Part II of the Accreditation Volunteer Course (formerly Associate Visitor Course). Thank you to our partners at ACA Inc. for the materials; Scott Malm and Jo-Ellen Ross for their instruction and education; Haillie, Gillian, Ayla, and Kerry in our office for putting this together and getting the word out; Michele and the Board for their ongoing support (and lunch!); our fourteen NEW New England Visitors; and of course you. Help us help camping, and spread the word or get involved with ACA Accreditation. acanewengland.org for more.

On today's Monday Message, Bud talks about Giving Tuesday goals for ACA, New England including where the money goes. He teases the latest episode of the New England Camp Podcast which features ACA, New England teammate, Gillian Gold. Gillian shares her camp story, and the two of them dive into the New England Camp Conference. What is it? Where is it? What to expect?

In this episode of the New England Camp Podcast, Bud and Gillian discuss the importance of camp experiences, share personal camp stories, and highlight the upcoming New England Camp Conference. Gillian shares her journey through various camps, emphasizing the value of diverse experiences in shaping her love for the camp community. The conversation also includes fun icebreaker questions and a detailed overview of the conference, including the innovative PechaKucha presentation used for Saturday's general session.