Upcoming Events & Trainings
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
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.
WHAT WILL THE DFI TITLE XX FALL MEETING COVER?
This meeting will cover upcoming changes, timelines, due dates, and plans for the DFI Title XX Camping Services Program.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Each agency must send at least one (1) person from their agency to attend. Agencies are invited to send as many folks to attend as they would like to register. However, for the Fall Meeting, we encourage the following folks to attend from each agency:
The person responsible for completing the application.
The camp registrar or person responsible for processing the camper registration documents.
Agencies are invited to send as many people to attend from their agency as possible.
HOW WILL THIS MEETING TAKE PLACE?
This meeting will be held over Zoom. Participants must have access to their computers to engage in this training.
I'VE ATTENDED TRAINING IN THE PAST, DO I NEED TO ATTEND THIS?
Yes, this is not a training. This is a meeting designed to share important and timely information.
This session is a live, virtual events and will utilize the Zoom Meeting platform.
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!
Jump into this fast-paced FAQ to learn about the State of Illinois and the nation’s largest, federally funded campership program and see if your camp may qualify!
More than 250,000 clients of IDHS have had the chance to attend camp because of the DFI Title XX Camping Services Program. Each year ACA Illinois works with camps that serve clients of IDHS to pay a portion of their camp fees. Camps apply to join the program to gain access to these funds.
If your agency currently serves, or would like to serve clients of the Illinois Department of Human Services (who are receiving TANF, Medicaid, or SNAP benefits) and are between 5-17 years of age or are adults with special needs, then we invite you to learn how you may be able to access funding to support your campers.
Qualifications for camps and agencies to join the program;
How the finances and match funds work;
Timeline and due dates for the application and billing seasons;
Outcome Goals; and
And other relevant information that will help the participants understand the program.
Sign up today to see if your agency can access these funds.
Please Note: This Information Session is for camps & agencies that are considering joining the DFI Title XX Camping Services Program for the first time.
Whether you are new to ACA accreditation or a seasoned professional needing to ensure 'you've got it', this work day is designed to address your needs.
We want you to be successful and the Fall Accreditation Work Day will give you:
Get one-on-one and small group feedback/support for accreditation.
Receive timely information to set you up for success.
Meet other camp professionals who will expand your network,
Ask questions about how specific standards relate to your camp and situation, and,
Collaborate with ACA Illinois Visitor Crew members, including asking them questions and learning more about the visit and documentation process.
This event is only open to ACA Illinois Accredited Camps. Camps are invited to send multiple people from their camp to participate. This event is FREE.
To register, please email Kelly at registration@acail.org
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
All camps (returning and new) who will be visited onsite in summer 2026.
Directors who are new to working with an Accredited Camp, regardless of next visit year.
Camps interested in Accreditation in the future are also welcome!
9:00am - 10:00am
Updates to the Standards
Timeline for Success, Visit Day Success
10:15am - 11:30am
One on One/Small Group Support:
Discuss & Look at Documentation
Discuss Camp Specific Topics
Direct Access to Answers and Support
11:30am - 12:30pm
Lunch (Included)
12:30pm - 2:00pm
Continue One on One/Small Group Support:
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Review of Most Missed Standards and Other Challenges that Surface
Other Critical Information for Accredited Camps
WHAT TO BRING & HOW TO PREPARE
Accreditation Process Guide v2019
Past Written Documentation or Computer with Access to Files (Downloaded)
Examples of Documentation to bring:
Any documents used in previous visits.
Parent/Caregiver Handbook/Information
Staff Handbook/Information
Health & Wellness related documents and policies
Facility, Food Service, & Transportation related documents.
Something to Take Detailed Notes With/On
Camp shirts/apparel strongly encouraged! Come casual!
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ALL MY WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION IS NOT COMPLETE?
We do not expect you to have final or even started Written Documentation. We encourage you to bring whatever you have from past visits so that the Visitors can help you identify needed updates, reviews, and changes.
If you have never been accredited before, we recommend you bring all your policy manuals, documents, and handbooks for health, staff, parents, activity areas, food service, facility, transportation, and any other documents you use that relates to safety and health in camp.
Just bring what you can but do not fret if you are missing anything!
This live event will take place in-person.
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 relative policies.
This event is only open to ACA Illinois Accredited Camps. Camps are invited to send multiple people from their camp to participate. This event is free. To register, please email Kelly at registration@acail.org
SUMMIT OVERVIEW
Join us at the Women in Camp Summit, where a vibrant community of camp professionals will come together to learn, connect, and grow. This event is crafted to empower you as a woman in the camp industry, providing the space for meaningful conversations, professional development, and new relationships. Whether you're looking to expand your skills, share your experiences, or enjoy the company of others who share your passion, WICS is the place to be.
We’ve structured the event to ensure that pricing remains accessible. The hotel stay is included in your registration, and we’ve given you the freedom to choose meals that align with your budget. Whether you prefer an intimate dinner or something a little more extravagant, you’ll find options that fit your needs.
We invite you to explore the event details below and visit our website for full information.
You can learn more about the summit, including the schedule, hotel information, and more at www.womenincampsummit.com.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Hotel AccommodationsHotel accommodations for Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2025 are included in your registration is your hotel stay, with both double and single room options available. If you already know who you’d like to room with, let us know at registration! If you don’t require a hotel room, please contact us at registration@acail.org for information on alternative pricing.
If you would like to arrive early or stay later, you can add nights at a discounted rate while registering or by emailing registration@acail.org!
Meals
To keep you well-fed and connected throughout the event, we’ve included lunch on Thursday and Friday in your registration. We’ve also curated a variety of dining options at different price points, both within the hotel and nearby, so you can choose what feels right for you.
On Wednesday evening, we’ll offer you the chance to connect with other attendees through a dinner outing. If you choose, you’ll be matched with a small group of participants within the same price range, providing an opportunity for genuine conversation and community building in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
On Thursday, you can purchase a ticket to our special, off-site event at King Pin Bowling. You can find more details on that here!
The Summit centers the voices and experiences of cis and trans women, as well as non-binary people.
This event is a live, in-person event. ACA Illinois will not record this event.
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.
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!
Limited financial assistance is available. Contact us at registration@acail.org to learn more.
MEETING DETAILS
Each agency must send at least one (1) person from their agency to attend. Agencies are invited to send as many folks to attend as they would like to register. However, for the Spring Meeting, we encourage the following folks to attend from each agency:
The person responsible for completing the billing paperwork.
The person responsible for overseeing the outcome development of campers.
I'VE ATTENDED TRAINING IN THE PAST, DO I NEED TO ATTEND?
Mailing Address:
American Camp Association, Illinois I PO Box 5412, Evanston, IL 60204
American Camp Association, Illinois
5 S Wabash Ave
Suite 1406
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-332-0833
Email: info@acail.org
Website: acail.org
