Inside ACA — January 2008

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Learning Resources

2008 ACA National Conference in Nashville

Have you registered? Register now!

Program Highlights!
As part of the special educational series on multi-camp management (specifically suited for professionals from organizations that own, operate, oversee, or coordinate multiple camps either on site or on several sites), we're offering four sessions that address the needs of nonprofits, for profits, and others that find themselves looking for the best possible solutions to thrive and improve the lives of children. Plan to attend one or more of the following:

Check out the full program schedule including keynotes, breakouts, research forum sessions, and preconferences.

Keynoter Sally Jewell Writes About Connecting Youth to Nature
Find a full-length feature article entitled, "Connecting Youth to Nature: Preparing our Children for Lifelong Learning and Creating the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards" by Sally Jewell online. Read the entire article.

Make Your Reservations TODAY!  Gaylord Opryland Hotel
If you haven't made your hotel reservations, we encourage you to do so as soon as you can. We are one of three, major groups in the hotel, and we anticipate a sellout. You can register online or by phone. 615-883-2211. Our rate is $160 single or double, excluding state and local taxes. Please identify yourself with the American Camp Association.

Announcing the Warren Brothers and David St. Romain in Concert!
On Wednesday evening beginning at 8:30 p.m., we'll have a great event in store for you with a special concert given by country stars the Warren Brothers. These extremely talented, contemporary singer/songwriters starred in a reality TV show on CMT. David St. Romain, finalist on the CMT talent show, "Nashville Star" will open for us. This concert is open to all conference participants, including exhibitors. We'll transform the Tennessee Ballroom into a concert venue — and enjoy some of the most talented young artists in Nashville. Special thanks to Conference Team members for their work on pulling together this event, through personal relationships.

Night on the Town — Thursday evening, February 14
Plan to join us for this popular, off-site event.  We'll head to downtown Nashville where you can select from three different restaurants – all sure to offer great food and great fun. One fee includes transportation, dinner an tip. Busses will make two scheduled returns for those who want to head back after dinner, and those who want to check out Nashville's downtown music scene.

Operation Camp T-Shirt
Don't forget to pack an extra camp t-shirt or two for the ACA 2008 National Conference Service Project. Plan to drop your t-shirts off near registration and watch the mound of t-shirts grow throughout the week.  Nashville area children in need will appreciate these t-shirts.

The Strength of Many Voices
We are delighted to have talented children from Tennessee included as an integral part of our national conference. These children will share their gifts of music throughout the week in performances by The Trashcan Band from the Knoxville area, and young musicians from the Oak Hill School. In addition, we'll be treated to a performance by the Nashville Children's Choir, and a performance from the Emmy Award winning host and actors from Nashville-based "Janet's Planet."

Morning Wellness Workouts
On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, join us for workouts and start your day feeling refreshed. Details about the workouts will be available in the February Inside ACA.

Preconference Opportunity! New Director Orientation
Welcome, welcome . . . . Is camp somewhat new to you? Are you a supervisor who has just hired a new team member to fulfill a leadership position in your camp? Are you returning to the camp arena again?  This educational opportunity is aimed at seasonal or new camp directors, assistant directors, program directors, or persons that have been in other administrative positions. The course examines several aspects of the director's job with the primary focus on the summer operation.

Employing interactive methods, topics ranging from risk management to camper behavior to staff orientation are covered. Participants will be under the tutelage of seasoned camp professionals with their own experience in day and resident camp operation. Participants will engage in small- and large-group activities throughout the day. Additionally, attendees will have an opportunity to chart out their additional professional development opportunities by discussing the program offerings at the ACA National Conference.

Course will be held at the Opryland Hotel on Monday, February 11, 2008, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. CST. Preregistration is required. costs include materials and $10 lunch voucher. Cost of the course $40 ACA members; $50 nonACA members. Questions? Please contact Kat Shreve, director of education, kshreve@acacamps.org.

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ACA Regional Conferences Listed Online
Check out ACA's Web site for a complete listing of ACA regional conferences with live links to ACA local office Web sites for more information.

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ACA Basic Camp Directors Course (BCDC)
January 11-15, 2008 (post Southwest Conference)
Hoblitzelle Camp & Conference Center – Midlothian, TX

April 6-10, 2008
JCYS Camp Henry Horner – Ingleside, IL

Additional courses will be listed online as details become available.

Registration is available online. You'll need to choose the specific geographic course you would like in order to get the registration form.

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