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Education and Professional Development

Updated 6/26/09

ACA Virginias Fall Conference
Camp Friendship, Palmyra, VA
October 20 and 21, 2009

Join us for an informative session designed to help all staff reset their personal development compass and chart their course for the future. Sessions will help you learn how to connect with the millennial generation, understand the national ACA 20/20 vision, and network with other camp professionals. Dr. Karla Henderson will present the keynote lecture, “Maintaining Your Mission”. Karla is currently a Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University. She has given numerous presentations about leisure, gender, and camp issues throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia and publishes regularly in a variety of journals in the field. Karla has served two terms on the National ACA Board of Directors. She is currently Chair of ACA’s Committee on the Advancement of Research and Evaluation. Dr. Henderson has been involved with camps throughout her life and enjoys every opportunity to promote the positive outcomes of camp and outdoor programs.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 20
*  TBD Board Meeting
1:00-5:00 PM   Charting a Course to Environmental Stewardship Maile Armstrong, Armstrong Unlimited, and Nancy Ferguson, author and consultant

6:00-7:00 PM Dinner

7:30-9:00 PM Social Event

Wednesday, October 21
8:30 – 9:00 AM Registration, Refreshments

9:00 – 9:15 AM Welcome – Diane Tyrrell, President

9:30 – 10:30 AM Workshops (select one)
1. ACA 20/20 Mission: What Does it Mean To Me? – Diane Tyrrell, Camp Motorsport
2. RU Connected W/UR Staff? – Kim Betts, Camp Horizons
3. How To Connect Children with Nature at Camp – Ray Bivens, Naturalist Ray’s
4. Tour of Camp Friendship - Chuck Ackenbom, Camp Friendship

10:30-10:45 AM Break

10:45 - 11:45 AM KEYNOTE: Maintaining Your Mission     Dr. Karla A. Henderson, North Carolina State University

11:50 – 12:30 Networking – Cracker Barrel Topics
1. Integrating the 20/20 Vision & Benefits – Diane Tyrrell. CampMotor Sport
2. EPIC (Emerging Professionals In Camping) Network - Kim Betts, Camp Horizons
3. College Internships at Camp - Dr. Karla A. Henderson, North Carolina State University

4.  Day Camp Kindred Group - Greg Cronin

12:30 – 1:20 PM Lunch

1:30-2:00 PM Membership Meeting & Drawing For **$500 Camper Scholarship**  (See below)

2:15-3:30 Workshops (select one)
1. Staying In Camp and Out of the Courtroom – Ian Garner, Markel Insurance
2. Telling Ain’t Training – Marcia Meador, Virginia Cooperative Extension
3. Snake identification and Control Around Camp – Mike Clifford, Frog Holler Outdoor Education  (See weblink below)

3:30 - 3:45 PM Evaluations, Drawing for Door Prizes

FEES
Registration will begin August 31 and form will be posted at this site. Conference fee: $40/person for ACA members or staff from ACA Accredited or Affiliated camps.  $50/person for non-members.             Pre-Conference: $20/person for ACA members or staff from ACA Accredited or Affiliated camps; $30/person for non-members. Deadline for registration is October 10. Requests for refund must be made no later than 72 hours prior to the Conference. Participants will be billed if reservations are made by phone and the participant does not attend or cancel within the cancellation period.

OVERNIGHT OPTIONS
Save an early morning drive by arriving on Tuesday and enjoying social time with your colleagues. Overnight accommodations at Camp Friendship: 2-3 per room with restrooms and showers. Provide your own sleeping bags and towels. Fee of $50 per person includes Tuesday dinner, evening snacks, and Wednesday breakfast. Alternate lodging: Best Western Crossroads Inn, Gordonsville, 7 miles from camp. Phone: 540/832-1700

DOORPRIZE DRAWING
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Karla Henderson, has generously contributed her speaker fee to be used for camp scholarships. All ACA Accredited camps registered for the conference by October 1 will be entered into a drawing for a $500 donation to their camp scholarship fund! Other door prizes will also be awarded at the conclusion of the conference.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Linda Pulliam at the ACA Virginias Office, 800-347-7523 or acavirginias@acacamps.

DIRECTIONS
Camp Friendship, 573 Friendship Rd, Palmyra, VA 22963

From Charlottesville: Camp Friendship is about 15 miles East of Charlottesville. Take I-64 to exit 136 at Zion Crossroads. Proceed South on Route 15 through Zion Crossroads towards Palmyra. Turn right at the Camp Friendship sign, 7 miles south of Zion Crossroads. Go about 20 yards and bear to the left immediately, follow the camp road through Laurel Ridge Golf Club.
From Richmond, VA: take I-64 West to Exit 136 at Zion Crossroads. Take route 15 South. Turn right at the Camp Friendship sign, 7 miles south of Zion Crossroads. Go about 20 yards and bear to the left immediately, follow the camp road through Rivanna Golf Club. Approximate time driving 1 hour
From Washington, DC (Southeastern areas): Travel South on Interstate 95 to Fredericksburg, VA. Take route 3 West to Wilderness and turn left onto Route 20 at the light. Go 23 miles to Orange and turn left onto Route 15. Proceed South on Route 15 through Zion Crossroads towards Palmyra. Turn right at the Camp Friendship sign, 7 miles south of Zion Crossroads. Go about 20 yards and bear to the left immediately, follow the camp road through Rivanna Golf Club.
Approximate time driving 2 and 1/2 hours.
Alternate route from Washington, DC (Northwestern areas), Take I-66 West past Manassas. Exit on to Route 29 South towards Gainesville. Follow 29 South to Culpeper, where it combines with US Highway 15. Take 15 South for approximately 38 miles towards Palmyra. Turn right at the Camp Friendship sign, 7 miles south of Zion Crossroads. Go about 20 yards and bear to the left immediately, follow the camp road through Rivanna Golf Club.
From South of Richmond and North Carolina:
Take 95 North towards Richmond. Take exit 79 for I-195 S/I-64 W toward Powhite Pkwy/Charlottesville. Merge onto I-64 W. Take exit 136 for US-15 towards Palmyra. Proceed South on Route 15 towards Palmyra. Turn right at the Camp Friendship sign, 7 miles south of Zion Crossroads. Go about 20 yards and bear to the left immediately, follow the camp road through Rivanna Golf Club.


Virginia Snakes: Mike Clifford, Frog Holler Outdoor Education presents an educational video on identification of the snakes of Virginia at the Virginia Herpetological Society’s web page http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/VHS/reptiles/snakes/snakes_of_virginia.htm

There’s also a test for what’s not a copperhead snake that’s good. http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/VHS/venomous-look-a-likes/copperhead-look-a-likes/copperhead.asp  Mike is also author of the book, Snakes of Virginia.

 

STANDARDS AND ACCREDITATION

Standards Orientation:  All courses for camps being visited during the summer of 2009 have been completed.  Course schedule for 2010 will begin in October.  For questions or further information, contact John Edwards, 804-457-4210 wvcampdirector@hughes.net or Rev. Roy Quist, 540-636-6737 deerg8@oregoncoast.com , or the Section Office, 1-800-347-7523 or acavirginias@acacamps.org

 

CONFERENCES

VRPS 2009 Conference, September 12-15, in the beautiful  Roanoke Valley, with the theme of "Destination Green".    Through informational education sessions and top-notch guest speakers, the conference will keep your staff informed about these and other topics affecting our industry. Administrators will learn to Go Green  with the latest ideas on technology, marketing, construction and sustainability.  Recreation professionals will learn how to See Green , by getting more money out of their programs despite a bad economy.  Park staff will better understand how to Keep Green , with new industry tools and standards for keeping park grass and trees healthy.  Full information at http://www.vrps.com


Hotel Information: The Hotel Roanoke 110 Shenandoah Avenue - Roanoke, VA 24016  phone (540) 985-5900 Cost: $120+tax.  For reservations, call (540) 985-5900 or (866) 594-4722 ask for VRPS Conference Room Block.  More information is available at  http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/ROASWDT-RPS-20090908/index.jhtml

Room rate good until Friday, August 18, 2009 or when block is full.

2010 4-H National Camping Institute will be held in Oregon, March 16-20, 2010.  Call for proposals for workshops and posters is on line now at http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/nci.   Deadline has been extended to June 26.  The web site for NCI is http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/national-camping-institute-2010-march-1620. Keynote: Matt Hyde, REI’s Executive VP of Marketing and Merchandising – “Getting More People Outdoors.”  How do we reach out to diverse populations and get more people into the out-of-doors we all love to enjoy its beauty and benefits? Jim Cain will present a pre-conference workshop "One Perfect Day of Team Work and TeamPlay" and lead sessions during the conference.  Direct questions to Virginia Bourdeau at mombear@proaxis.com 
CERTIFICATION AND SKILLS COURSES

This listing is provided as resource information only.  The events listed, with the exception of the ACA Fall and Winter Conferences, are sponsored by the camp or organizationindicated, and that organization assumes full responsibility for course content, injuries, accidents, administration and refund policies.  The American Camp Association, Virginias, hereby expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability related to any courses or events not sponsored by the American Camp Association.   Some events may be full after the time of this posting.

To determine whether certification courses meet the criteria for ACA Standards, please check the ACA website:

Aquatics:  http://www.acacamps.org/accreditation/aquaticcert.php

First Aid/CPR:  http://www.acacamps.org/accreditation/firstaidcpr.php

Horseback Riding http://www.acacamps.org/accreditation/horsecert.php

Wilderness First Aid.  The Wilderness Safety Council is offering Wilderness First Aid classes from NY to NC this year. The cost for most Wilderness First Aid classes $200.  A complete schedule of class dates and locations is available online at http://wfa.net. Wilderness First Aid is a program of the Wilderness Safety Council and meets ACA standards for 60 minutes or more from definitive medical treatment. It is the responsibility of the attendee/trainee to determine whether certification courses meet the criteria for ACA Standards.  For clarification,please check the ACA website, http://www.acacamps.org/accreditation/hyes.php

 

Archery Instructor Certification Courses -  To find a Basic or Intermediate Level certification course in your area www.worldarcheryforum.com or call the NADA office at 352-472-2388 to find out how you can host a certification course at your camp. To learn more about archery instructor certification visit www.worldarcherycenter.com/instructor_courses.htm.

Formation of an Outdoor Programmers Resource group. On December 4-6, 2009, the first statewide meeting for Outdoor Recreation/Education programmers will be held at Radford University’s Selu Conservancy.  While the agenda for the meeting is still being worked out it will be a chance for professionals in the field of Outdoor Recreation to network and learn. Part of the time will be spent determining if a statewide Outdoor Resource group has support. Also being invited to attend this meeting will be College and University Outdoor programs from across the state. More information will be sent in the future. For immediate information or to Volunteer to assist with this first meeting please contact: Bill Sgrinia from the City of Danville at Sgrinia@ci.danville.va.us.  

 

Playground Safety Inspector Certification Course is being offered in Roanoke, VA September 9-11, 2009.  This is the only national program devoted to playground safety inspector certifications.  Click here for full information. Contact the Virginia Recreation and Park Society at 804-730-9447 or www.vrps.com.



E-INSTITUTE, WEBINARS, WEB-BASED TRAINING

ACA E-Institute: 

ACA's e-Institute is a Web-based professional development and public education system designed for the entire spectrum of child and youth development audiences—from ACA members to afterschool staff to community based program leaders. Current offerings include Designing Quality Youth Programs, Camp Business and Finance, Camp is for the Camper Online Training Program, Injury and  Illness Prevention e-Courses, and Creating Positive Youth Outcomes.  ACA is pleased to announce an educational alliance with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) with Crisis Communications and Camp Administration e-Institute courses debuting in January, 2009. http://www.acacamps.org/einstitute/

VDSS Child Care Provider Training  The Department of Social Services website lists training opportunities offered by private, non-profit, and governmental organizations.  ACA Educational events may be used for contact training hours for licensed day care centers (Day camps) in Virginia.

TRAINING CONSULTANTS
Armstrong Unlimited can help camps with (1) Assistance in planning your staff training schedule, (2) Supplemental workshops to enhance your staff training, (3) In-service training to rev up your program, (4) Risk management assessment and safety planning, (5) Large group programs, (6) Other services crafted especially for your camp. Call or e-mail Maile Armstrong for details mailearmstrong@verizon.net or 540-947-5016.
Greg Cronin Training Solutions Staff training, team building, conference presentations, outdoor adventures.  www.GCTrainingSolutions.com Contact Greg Cronin, 703-395-6661 or Greg@gctrainingsolutions.com
Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has a camp riflery program for camps.  Full information about the program and how to offer an instructors course is found at www.odcmp.com/CRProgram.htm
Medic Response Health and Safety is a Regional Training Center for American Safety & Health Institute and Emergency Care & Safety Institute, conducting programs in Community and Professional Adult, Child, and Infant CPR, AED, Basic First-Aid, First Responder, Haz-com, Blood-Borne Pathogens, Emergency Preparedness and Wilderness First Aid & Wilderness First Responder Training.  They can train and retrain your staff so cards don’t lapse. website:  www.medicresponse.com  For information, contact Tricia Fitzgerald info@medicresponse.com

River Riders is a family-owned and operated outfitter based in Harpers Ferry, WV. We have our own day camp, Outdoor Adventure Camp, therefore we understand the needs of affiliating camps. By partnering with River Riders your company will be able to expand your summer offerings, increase program attendance, and  generate additional income. With several different programs to choose from, participants will be able to enjoy professionally guided white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, biking, and tubing. Contact Matt Knott or Angie Goldizen, 304-535-2663 or angie@riverriders.com

 

To add events to the Training Calendar, contact the Section Office, acavirginias@acacamps.org

More ACA, Virginias Information
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ACA, Virginias Contact Info
P.O. Box 697
Clarksville, VA 23927
Linda G. Pulliam, Executive
acavirginias@acacamps.org
P: 800-347-7523
P: 919-603-0445 (For states outside of VA, WV, MD, DC)
 
 
Education Council (SEIC) at time of certification.

http://www.campbethelvirginia.org/ACACanoeInstructorCourse.