Learning Resources

Check out the ACA 2007 National Conference Program in Progress!
Take a look at what is in store for you in Austin. We're widening our circle of knowledge by bringing you a blend of experts and providing you with a variety of learning formats.

Read What Youth Development Professionals Are Saying About the Power of Play
The role and value of play is in the news—and on the program at the ACA 2007 National Conference. Prominent child development specialist, Dr. David Elkind, is particularly interested in camp's contribution to play in the lives of children. Plan to attend Elkind's keynote lecture, Wednesday, February 14, 2007, in Austin. 

New Addition to www.CampParents.org
A summary of who Dr. David Elkind is and what he advocates in his new book, The Power of Play, makes a wonderful connection to the recent American Academy of Pediatrics report on the value of free play. Watch for Dr. Elkind's article in the January/February 2007 issue of Camping Magazine.

Kindred Groups, Affiliates and Related Organizations meet in Conjunction with the ACA 2007 National Conference
A variety of groups will hold events in Austin, before, during, and after the ACA 2007 National Conference. Make the most of your trip by participating in a number of events. Learn more about these group's events.

Are You Registered?
Be sure to register by December 12, 2006, to access the best rates for the 2007 ACA National Conference. Special discounts apply for camps registering multiple individuals. Keep your students in mind—full-time student members can attend for free. Register online, or download the form.

Opportunities to Volunteer at the ACA 2007 National Conference
Here is your chance to volunteer and help. Whether you would like to work as a volunteer to help reduce your registration fee or simply to make a contribution to your association, you can help make this an amazing event. For those volunteers making significant commitments (typically one-half-day volunteer/one-half-day registration) in exchange, positions are available. Most volunteers simply like to be involved as both an attendee and a contributor in some way. The cross section and volume of volunteers enriches the event.

We seek volunteers who can commit ahead, and will welcome those who wait until they arrive on site. You may learn more about volunteering online. Assignments will be confirmed back to you prior to the conference. A list of key areas with brief descriptions is available online. Keep in mind the needs for the conference remain fluid. We never turn good help away! On site, you may check opportunities in one of two locations—the Speaker/Session counter and the Hospitality Desk. 

For additional information about volunteering in general, contact Dayna Hardin, ACA 2007 National Conference Team member. For additional information about volunteer opportunities especially geared toward Texoma Section members, contact Danielle Shaw.

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New Director's Orientation (NDO)
A team of volunteers consisting of experienced new director's orientation instructors has been formed to spend time on updating the curriculum. This team will, simply put, address issues and suggest improvements for the materials and curriculum. Working on an aggressive timeline, the group is aiming for the work to be completed by January 15, 2007. 

Members of the team include:

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ACA Training Events
ACA Basic Camp Directors Course (BCDC)
December 2-6, 2006
Calvin Center—Hampton, GA

March 10-14, 2007
Potosi Pines Camp & Conference Center—Las Vegas, NV

April 15- 19, 2007
Camp Henry Horner—Ingelside, IL

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

ACA Evergreen hosted a BCDC in the beginning of October at Camp Huston in Gold Bar, Washington. Eighteen participants from all over the U.S. were in attendance, including a participant from British Columbia. Facilitators included Jan Milligan from Camp Sealth and former national staff member, Cathy Scheder. Bill Tubbs, Huston's camp director, was a guest speaker.

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