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Upcoming Events & Trainings


    • Monday, September 01, 2025
    • 10:00 AM
    • Monday, August 31, 2026
    • 10:45 AM
    • Online




    EVENT OVERVIEW

    This training session will help folks who are new to an organization that receives funds from the DFI Title XX Camping Services Program



    EVENT DETAILS

    The #1 reason for camps not receiving partial or full funding that they were allocated is due to incomplete or incorrect documentation and/or missing deadlines. Help yourself by ensuring the people who work directly with registering camps, paying bills, completing the outcomes reports, etc. are properly trained and ready for the billing and application processes. 


    The training will cover:

    • Accessing resources, forms, and information;

    • Timeline and due dates for the program;

    • Processing bills for funds; 

    • Brief overview on how allocations and financing work; and

    • Other pertinent information required to administer the program at your agency.


      To register for this event, please contact campadvocates@acail.org to schedule your training session.



      EVENT AUDIENCE

      It is required that the person with the overall responsibility of the camp attend this training. It is strongly recommended that any new employees who will be assisting in completing the documents, working with the payment process, registering campers, etc., also attend. These folks may include the Registrar, Finance Director, ED/CEO, Camp Director, Program Director, Office Manager, Funds Development Director, etc. 



      WHY ATTEND?

      Develop an understanding and comprehension of the required steps, documents, and policies to receive and/or maintain DFI Title XX Program funding. 



      LOCATION & TYPE OF EVENT

      This event is a live, virtual event and will utilize the Zoom Meeting platform.

      Please Note: ACA Illinois will not record this event.



      WHAT TO BRING TO WEBINAR & HOW TO PREPARE

      This is an interactive training course. Each person should be prepared to have their camera on, access to audio (including the ability to speak and hear,) and interact within the Zoom room via a computer. Bring a notebook/paper and pen for activities.



      THE FINE PRINT

      Please Note: By registering and attending an ACA Illinois event or meeting, virtually or in person you are agreeing to all the event policies listed here. These policies include photo release, refund, link sharing, Code of Conduct, and other relative policies.


      HOW TO REGISTER

      To register for this event, please contact campadvocates@acail.org to schedule your training session.


               


      • Monday, September 01, 2025
      • 10:00 AM
      • Monday, August 31, 2026
      • 10:45 AM
      • Online

                       


      WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

      The DFI Title XX Camping Services Program is a fee-for-service program, not a grant. This program also comes with several requirements and unique terms/rules set by the government. What are the rules around charging additional fees and deposits? What can you do if the funding doesn’t cover the actual cost of camp? How is this not considered a grant and why does that matter to both the camp and ACA Illinois? These questions and more will be addressed in this session.



      WORKSHOP DETAILS

      This session will cover:


      • An overview of how allocations are determined by ACA Illinois and IDHS;

      • Reading the Allocation Memo, including defining the terms;

      • How to properly classify this funding in the agency’s bookkeeping systems (because it's not a grant);

      • Review of how matching funds work, expectations of the agency, and calculating actual new money to the agency;

      • Suggestions on how to offset the additional cost per client when this is only a subsidy;

      • Stacking funding programs to get to the total cost of camp and potential conflicts;

      • Rules on additional fees and deposits for campers/clients; 

      • Implications of overestimating, low billing, and how to plan for future allocations; and

      • Q & A time.



      WORKSHOP AUDIENCE

      Recommended folks to attend:

      • Executive-level employees of agencies such as the CEO, COO, etc.

      • Finance directors, CFOs, etc

      • Fund development directors, grant managers, etc. 

      • Registrars and office managers processing documents and bills.

      • Employees who manage the bookkeeping, record keeping, processing payments, invoices, etc. 

      This session is for camps & agencies that are currently part of the DFI Title XX Camping Services Program.



      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This session is a live, virtual event and will utilize the Zoom Meeting platform. 

      Please Note: ACA Illinois will not record this event.



      WHAT TO BRING TO WEBINAR & HOW TO PREPARE 

      This is an interactive training course. Each person should be prepared to have their camera on, access to audio (including the ability to speak and hear,) and interact within the Zoom room via a computer. Bring a notebook/paper and pen for activities. 



      THE FINE PRINT

      Please Note: By registering and attending an ACA Illinois event or meeting, virtually or in person you are agreeing to all the event policies listed here. These policies include photo release, refund, link sharing, Code of Conduct, and other relative policies. 



      HOW TO REGISTER

      To register for this event, please contact campadvocates@acail.org to schedule your training session.


                


      • Wednesday, September 23, 2026
      • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Frunchroom Collective; 1193 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Meet up with other camp pros from the local area. Colette Marquardt, our CEO will be at each one with special guests from our board and other friends of ACA Illinois. This is your chance to connect with us, network with others, and be in community with other camp pros!


      WHAT TO EXPECT

      You just show up. Everyone pays for their own food and drink then we hang out for a bit. We can network, tackle challenges and questions that you may want to bring up, support each other, and best of all - meet others who understand the power and effort behind our work in camp. 

      No RSVP or registration is necessary. You do not have to be a member to join us at this event.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This live event will take place in-person.



      WHO & HOW TO ATTEND

      This is a FREE  event open to all camp professionals. 



      WANT A REMINDER?

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to receive a reminder for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! If you need help, email Kelly at registration@acail.org.

      • Thursday, October 08, 2026
      • 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
      • Digital
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Gather with other ACA Illinois volunteers as we kick off the year ahead in this meeting and training update. It's important to ACA Illinois that we build a community focused on our values. This meeting is designed to provide transparency, education, and space for feedback.


      EVENT DETAILS

      During this meeting, ACA Illinois volunteers will gain access to updates from the association, what to expect, meet staff they will be interacting with, and a review of policies that ensure that the ACA Illinois volunteer experience remains safe, welcoming, and mission focused for all. 

      There will be space for feedback and networking to get to know your fellow volunteers and the ACA Illinois staff.

      This event is open to active volunteers for ACA Illinois.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This session is a live, virtual events and will utilize the Zoom Meeting platform. 

      Please Note: ACA Illinois will not record this event.


      WHAT TO BRING TO WEBINAR & HOW TO PREPARE 

      Come as you are! We recommend attending via a computer because there will be moments of interactive activities and breakout rooms.


      THE FINE PRINT

      Please Note: By registering and attending an ACA Illinois event or meeting, virtually or in person you are agreeing to all the event policies listed here. These policies include photo release, refund, link sharing, Code of Conduct, and other relative policies. 


      HOW TO REGISTER

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to register for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! 

      • Thursday, October 15, 2026
      • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
      • Digital
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Gather with other ACA Illinois volunteers as we kick off the year ahead in this meeting and training update. It's important to ACA Illinois that we build a community focused on our values. This meeting is designed to provide transparency, education, and space for feedback.


      EVENT DETAILS

      During this meeting, ACA Illinois volunteers will gain access to updates from the association, what to expect, meet staff they will be interacting with, and a review of policies that ensure that the ACA Illinois volunteer experience remains safe, welcoming, and mission focused for all. 

      There will be space for feedback and networking to get to know your fellow volunteers and the ACA Illinois staff.

      This event is open to active volunteers for ACA Illinois.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This session is a live, virtual events and will utilize the Zoom Meeting platform. 

      Please Note: ACA Illinois will not record this event.


      WHAT TO BRING TO WEBINAR & HOW TO PREPARE 

      Come as you are! We recommend attending via a computer because there will be moments of interactive activities and breakout rooms.


      THE FINE PRINT

      Please Note: By registering and attending an ACA Illinois event or meeting, virtually or in person you are agreeing to all the event policies listed here. These policies include photo release, refund, link sharing, Code of Conduct, and other relative policies. 


      HOW TO REGISTER

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to register for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! 

      • Thursday, October 29, 2026
      • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Matari-Peoria: 4100 W Willow Knolls Dr C2, Peoria, IL 61615
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Meet up with other camp pros from the local area. Colette Marquardt, our CEO will be at each one with special guests from our board and other friends of ACA Illinois. This is your chance to connect with us, network with others, and be in community with other camp pros!


      WHAT TO EXPECT

      You just show up. Everyone pays for their own food and drink then we hang out for a bit. We can network, tackle challenges and questions that you may want to bring up, support each other, and best of all - meet others who understand the power and effort behind our work in camp. 

      No RSVP or registration is necessary. You do not have to be a member to join us at this event.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This live event will take place in-person.



      WHO & HOW TO ATTEND

      This is a FREE  event open to all camp professionals. 



      WANT A REMINDER?

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to receive a reminder for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! If you need help, email Kelly at registration@acail.org.

      • Wednesday, November 04, 2026
      • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
      • Digital
      Register




      WORKSHOP DETAILS

      Do the phrases of career advancement or career pathway elicit confusion, overwhelm or uncertainty? Developing one’s career path is more than changing jobs, achieving promotions, or making that one single decision that alters your life trajectory. There are many considerations and decisions made over time that direct your career pathway. This session will pull back the curtains on the actual process to developing one’s career path by contemplating needs, wants, interests, and skill development. Attendees will receive and use a workbook to enhance their learning in this session.


      Together we will:

      • Gain a deeper understanding of the process involved in career development.

      • Learn how to identify and address the core competencies needed at different stages of their careers.
      • Learn the process to connecting professional development to a career pathway.



      WORKSHOP HOST

      This event is hosted by the ACA Illinois Young Professionals Board. 

      Are you 35 or younger and want to gain even more executive-level skills? Click here to learn more about the ACA Illinois Young Professionals Board



      ABOUT THE SPEAKER: MEGAN OWENS




      Dr. Megan Owens is the Founder and Principal of BlueSky Recreation Consulting, LLC. With over two decades of experience, Megan’s expertise spans the park, recreation, and camp systems of non-profit, government, and for-profit organizations. What began as a college summer job for an overnight camp led to a career of recreational and educational design, research, and leadership across communities and states. At BlueSky Recreation Consulting, Megan brings a systems approach to supporting organizations and the professionals that provide recreation, nature, and out-of-school time experiences. Providing both organizational alignment and career coaching services, Megan’s wide expertise and unique talents enable professionals to create a more strategic pathway toward achieving their personal, career, and agency goals.



      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This workshop is a live, virtual event and will utilize the Zoom Meeting platform. 

      Please Note: ACA Illinois will not record these events.



      WHAT TO BRING TO WEBINAR & HOW TO PREPARE 

      This is an interactive training course. Each person should be prepared to have their camera on, access to audio (including the ability to speak and hear,) and interact within the Zoom room via a computer. Bring a notebook/paper and pen for activities. 



      THE FINE PRINT

      This event and workshop series must be paid for at the time of registration. If you would like to pay by invoice and/or check, please contact registration@acail.org before registering. 


      Please Note: By registering and attending an ACA Illinois event or meeting, virtually or in person you are agreeing to all the event policies listed here. These policies include photo release, refund, link sharing, Code of Conduct, and other relative policies. 



      HOW TO REGISTER

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to register for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! 


      Financial Assistance is available by emailing registration@acail.org.

      • Thursday, November 05, 2026
      • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      • Digital
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Gather with other ACA Illinois volunteers as we kick off the year ahead in this meeting and training update. It's important to ACA Illinois that we build a community focused on our values. This meeting is designed to provide transparency, education, and space for feedback.


      EVENT DETAILS

      During this meeting, ACA Illinois volunteers will gain access to updates from the association, what to expect, meet staff they will be interacting with, and a review of policies that ensure that the ACA Illinois volunteer experience remains safe, welcoming, and mission focused for all. 

      There will be space for feedback and networking to get to know your fellow volunteers and the ACA Illinois staff.

      This event is open to active volunteers for ACA Illinois.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This session is a live, virtual events and will utilize the Zoom Meeting platform. 

      Please Note: ACA Illinois will not record this event.


      WHAT TO BRING TO WEBINAR & HOW TO PREPARE 

      Come as you are! We recommend attending via a computer because there will be moments of interactive activities and breakout rooms.


      THE FINE PRINT

      Please Note: By registering and attending an ACA Illinois event or meeting, virtually or in person you are agreeing to all the event policies listed here. These policies include photo release, refund, link sharing, Code of Conduct, and other relative policies. 


      HOW TO REGISTER

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to register for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! 

      • Thursday, November 12, 2026
      • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Krema Coffee Roasters; 6700 South St, Tinley Park, IL 60477, USA
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Meet up with other camp pros from the local area. Colette Marquardt, our CEO will be at each one with special guests from our board and other friends of ACA Illinois. This is your chance to connect with us, network with others, and be in community with other camp pros!


      WHAT TO EXPECT

      You just show up. Everyone pays for their own food and drink then we hang out for a bit. We can network, tackle challenges and questions that you may want to bring up, support each other, and best of all - meet others who understand the power and effort behind our work in camp. 

      No RSVP or registration is necessary. You do not have to be a member to join us at this event.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This live event will take place in-person.



      WHO & HOW TO ATTEND

      This is a FREE  event open to all camp professionals. 



      WANT A REMINDER?

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to receive a reminder for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! If you need help, email Kelly at registration@acail.org.

      • Thursday, December 10, 2026
      • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Soul Good Coffee- 4022 Main St, Skokie, IL
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Meet up with other camp pros from the local area. Colette Marquardt, our CEO will be at each one with special guests from our board and other friends of ACA Illinois. This is your chance to connect with us, network with others, and be in community with other camp pros!


      WHAT TO EXPECT

      You just show up. Everyone pays for their own food and drink then we hang out for a bit. We can network, tackle challenges and questions that you may want to bring up, support each other, and best of all - meet others who understand the power and effort behind our work in camp. 

      No RSVP or registration is necessary. You do not have to be a member to join us at this event.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This live event will take place in-person.



      WHO & HOW TO ATTEND

      This is a FREE  event open to all camp professionals. 



      WANT A REMINDER?

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to receive a reminder for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! If you need help, email Kelly at registration@acail.org.

      • Thursday, January 14, 2027
      • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Panera Bread; 855 E Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Meet up with other camp pros from the local area. Colette Marquardt, our CEO will be at each one with special guests from our board and other friends of ACA Illinois. This is your chance to connect with us, network with others, and be in community with other camp pros!


      WHAT TO EXPECT

      You just show up. Everyone pays for their own food and drink then we hang out for a bit. We can network, tackle challenges and questions that you may want to bring up, support each other, and best of all - meet others who understand the power and effort behind our work in camp. 

      No RSVP or registration is necessary. You do not have to be a member to join us at this event.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This live event will take place in-person.



      WHO & HOW TO ATTEND

      This is a FREE  event open to all camp professionals. 



      WANT A REMINDER?

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to receive a reminder for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! If you need help, email Kelly at registration@acail.org.

      • Monday, January 18, 2027
      • Friday, January 22, 2027
      • St. Charles, IL

      SUMMIT OVERVIEW

      The Director’s School (TDS) is committed to developing the current and next generation of camp professionals.


      For over 140 years, the camping movement has grown in complexity yet still serves the basic purpose to engage campers in supportive settings with caring adults. The Director’s School addresses a gap in professional preparation for those individuals developing and leading camp programs. The curricular focus will be administrative operations that are grounded in the understanding, connection, and application to the principles of positive youth development, which are at the heart of camp program design. The Director’s School will become a three-level learning experience so that students will continue to level up their skills as their knowledge and practical skills grow.

      We invite you to explore the website for more information.

      • Thursday, February 11, 2027
      • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Colectivo Coffee; 2261 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Meet up with other camp pros from the local area. Colette Marquardt, our CEO will be at each one with special guests from our board and other friends of ACA Illinois. This is your chance to connect with us, network with others, and be in community with other camp pros!


      WHAT TO EXPECT

      You just show up. Everyone pays for their own food and drink then we hang out for a bit. We can network, tackle challenges and questions that you may want to bring up, support each other, and best of all - meet others who understand the power and effort behind our work in camp. 

      No RSVP or registration is necessary. You do not have to be a member to join us at this event.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This live event will take place in-person.



      WHO & HOW TO ATTEND

      This is a FREE  event open to all camp professionals. 



      WANT A REMINDER?

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to receive a reminder for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! If you need help, email Kelly at registration@acail.org.

      • Wednesday, March 03, 2027
      • 9:00 AM
      • Thursday, March 04, 2027
      • 6:00 PM
      • Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL

      ABOUT THE FORUM

      The ACA Illinois day camp conference experience returns with the Great Lakes Day Camp Forum this March. Join us for education session breakouts, keynotes, networking, and more!


      Centering the voices and experiences of day camp professionals, this event will drive innovation, tackle challenges facing our camp pros, and bring together our remarkable community.

      Included in your fee:

      • Education Sessions on a variety of Day Camp specific topics;
      • Keynotes from experts in field;
      • Networking receptions;
      • Lunch each day;
      • After Party;
      • And More!

      Click here to learn more about the Great Lakes Day Camp Forum, including the schedule, hotel, venue, and other planning details!

      Register before November 1st and receive a stainless steel water bottle!

      Group pricing is available for 5+ participants from the same organization. Contact registration@acail.org to learn more.

      Financial Assistance is available. Reach out to registration@acail.org for more information.

      WHO SHOULD ATTEND

      The Forum is for all who work in the Day Camp space from on the ground staff to seasoned directors and owners.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This event is a live, in-person event. ACA Illinois will not record this event.


      THE FINE PRINT

      You must pay for this event at time of registration. If you would like to pay by invoice/check, please contact registration@acail.org prior to registering. 


      By registering and attending an ACA Illinois event or meeting, virtually or in person, you are agreeing to all the event policies listed here. These policies include the photo release, refund, link sharing, Code of Conduct, and other related policies. 



      HOW TO REGISTER

      You must have a Member Profile to register for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! 

      • Thursday, March 11, 2027
      • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Qahwah House Coffee; 406 E Roosevelt Rd, Lombard, IL 60148
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Meet up with other camp pros from the local area. Colette Marquardt, our CEO will be at each one with special guests from our board and other friends of ACA Illinois. This is your chance to connect with us, network with others, and be in community with other camp pros!


      WHAT TO EXPECT

      You just show up. Everyone pays for their own food and drink then we hang out for a bit. We can network, tackle challenges and questions that you may want to bring up, support each other, and best of all - meet others who understand the power and effort behind our work in camp. 

      No RSVP or registration is necessary. You do not have to be a member to join us at this event.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This live event will take place in-person.



      WHO & HOW TO ATTEND

      This is a FREE  event open to all camp professionals. 



      WANT A REMINDER?

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to receive a reminder for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! If you need help, email Kelly at registration@acail.org.

      • Thursday, April 08, 2027
      • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Rockford Roasting Company; 416 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61101
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Meet up with other camp pros from the local area. Colette Marquardt, our CEO will be at each one with special guests from our board and other friends of ACA Illinois. This is your chance to connect with us, network with others, and be in community with other camp pros!


      WHAT TO EXPECT

      You just show up. Everyone pays for their own food and drink then we hang out for a bit. We can network, tackle challenges and questions that you may want to bring up, support each other, and best of all - meet others who understand the power and effort behind our work in camp. 

      No RSVP or registration is necessary. You do not have to be a member to join us at this event.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This live event will take place in-person.



      WHO & HOW TO ATTEND

      This is a FREE  event open to all camp professionals. 



      WANT A REMINDER?

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to receive a reminder for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! If you need help, email Kelly at registration@acail.org.

      • Thursday, May 06, 2027
      • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Philz Coffee; 1425 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
      Register




      EVENT OVERVIEW

      Meet up with other camp pros from the local area. Colette Marquardt, our CEO will be at each one with special guests from our board and other friends of ACA Illinois. This is your chance to connect with us, network with others, and be in community with other camp pros!


      WHAT TO EXPECT

      You just show up. Everyone pays for their own food and drink then we hang out for a bit. We can network, tackle challenges and questions that you may want to bring up, support each other, and best of all - meet others who understand the power and effort behind our work in camp. 

      No RSVP or registration is necessary. You do not have to be a member to join us at this event.


      LOCATION & TYPE OF WORKSHOP 

      This live event will take place in-person.



      WHO & HOW TO ATTEND

      This is a FREE  event open to all camp professionals. 



      WANT A REMINDER?

      You must have a Member Profile in our registration system to receive a reminder for this event. If this is your first event with us, please click here to create a profile. It's free! If you need help, email Kelly at registration@acail.org.


    Mailing Address:

    American Camp Association, Illinois   I   PO Box 5412, Evanston, IL 60204

    Mailing Address:

    American Camp Association, Illinois

    5 S Wabash Ave

    Suite 1406

    Chicago, IL 60603


    Phone: 312-332-0833

    Email: info@acail.org

    Website: acail.org

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