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!
WHAT IS THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD?
The Young Professionals Board (YPB) is a volunteer community group of camp pros 35 and under who work together to develop opportunities for growth and leadership within the camp world.
Members of this group have the chance to develop their executive leadership and governance (board) skills, build a stronger network, and provide critical feedback to the ACA Illinois Board of Directors and staff on the needs of emerging professionals. In addition to leadership development, the YPB also plans events and opportunities for the emerging professional!
WHO CAN JOIN THE ACA ILLINOIS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD?
Any person who meets the following criteria is invited to attend meetings, join the board, and volunteer with this group:
Membership with ACA or ACA Illinois is not required. You don’t have to be from Illinois to join.
WHAT'S THE TIME COMMITMENT? WHEN AND HOW DOES THE GROUP MEET?
The YPB meets monthly to network, plan events, participate in career development training, and more! The monthly meetings are held on Zoom for one hour. It is not required to attend every meeting - so please come when you can!
WHY JOIN THE ACA ILLINOIS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD?
It will help your career advancement! Moving up in your career requires skill-building and the YPB is designed to work alongside the ACA Illinois Board of Directors so that members can develop governance and executive-level skills. Additionally, members have access to a stronger network that can enhance their future opportunities for career growth.
Joining will help the camp community! The YPB is seen as the expert on the needs of emerging professionals and the ACA Illinois Board of Directors seeks their engagement and input in the Association’s goals and objectives, to better serve the community. ACA Illinois is a volunteer-driven, grassroots organization that requires the voices of many! This is your chance to give back and lift up your ideas!
These workshops are live, virtual events and will utilize the Zoom Meeting platform.
Please Note: ACA Illinois will not record these events.
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.
This is a per-person fee event. This event requires camera, computer, and audio access for the participants as it’s designed to be interactive. Any user that has additional persons in attendance that are not registered will be automatically removed from the event without a refund.
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.
Get out of the office and in person with other camp pros from the area. We’ll spend our time together networking, enjoying a delicious lunch, and going on a tour of the host camp, Morton Arboretum.
As we welcome fall, now is the perfect time to connect with others who do similar work to seek support, share resources, and debrief your summer experience.
This event is hosted by the ACA Illinois Young Professionals Board. This event is open to all ages 18+. Preregistration is required. ACA Illinois membership or Illinois residency ACA Illinois is not required.
Lunch and parking are included in the fee.
This session is a live, in-person event.
HOW TO PREPARE
This event includes a walking tour of the property. We encourage you to come dressed for a day at camp, with good walking shoes, layers, and rain/cold gear.
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 related policies.
Do you know the number 1-rated volunteer and professional development experience in ACA? Being an Accreditation Visitor! Join us and learn more about this popular volunteer role in ACA Illinois that can increase your professional skills, give you access to new ideas, and provide a critical service to the camp community.
In this short session, we’ll cover:
Why Visitors are essential to the Accreditation program,
The benefits of serving as a Visitor to both your camp and your career advancement,
Qualifications to become a Visitor (we know you probably have them!),
Process and timelines, and
Some time for Q&A!
We look forward to sharing this excellent opportunity that can help your camp continue to excel and your career continue to advance! Jump in and attend a session, and you can walk away with a gift card just for learning about the Visitor Crew!*
Please Note:
1). There is no obligation to become a visitor when you attend to learn more.
2). This session is intended for potential volunteers and future Visitors with ACA Illinois. If you are from outside of ACA Illinois but interested in learning more about how to become a visitor where you live/work/summer locally, please email Colette at colette@acail.org.
*Gift cards are limited to the first 25 registered for each session. Participants must preregister and attend this session in full to access this benefit.
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 as 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.
Summer camp is an amazing opportunity for every family! Summer camp provides children AND adults with a community environment focused on social and emotional development, skill-building, making friends, and so much more.
There are a ton of options, and that’s where we come in! Join us for a digital FAQ for families on how to find, select, and prepare for the right camp for your child. We’ll also cover finding the perfect camp for adults with special needs!
Day vs. Overnight Camp;
Types of camps, such as specific activities or general focus;
Accommodating special, specific, and/or medical needs at camp;
Appropriate ages for going away to camp;
Searching for the best camp for your loved one;
Spotting camps that take health and safety seriously;
What to ask the Camp Director; and
Q&A time for participants!
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Colette Marquardt is the CEO of the American Camp Association, Illinois. Based in Chicago, Colette is responsible for leading the Illinois camp field and works with over 300 day and overnight camps throughout the Midwest, all of which serve Illinois families. Before joining the association staff, Colette was a camp director and work at camp for over 15 years at several camps around the Midwest. Over her career, she has worked with thousands of camps, families, and professionals by providing training, support, resources, and funding. Colette guides the local camp community in risk management, working closely with the State of Illinois in both health & safety and funding for summer camps that benefit the state of Illinois. Illinois has an incredibly diverse camp community, and Colette believes that there is a camp for every person who wants to attend, and she’s ready to help identify it!
WHO & HOW TO ATTEND
This event is open to the public. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend. This is a FREE event. An option to make a donation is available at registration and is greatly appreciated. Donations help us continue to provide services to the local community and summer camps.
Are you looking to find connection and expand your skills? If so, volunteering for ACA Illinois provides endless benefits! Volunteering for a professional association enhances your resume and allows you access to a network of experts and contacts. Through committee, board, and other volunteer roles, you can expand on your skills while positively contributing to the needs of our camp community.
During this quick-moving session, participants will learn about our committees and boards, including open roles and projects currently needing more support. We’ll also cover serving as an Accreditation Volunteer or event volunteer. Most volunteer roles can be done remotely. Membership and/or Illinois residency is not required to volunteer for ACA Illinois. Join our international volunteer community today!
As a thank you for your time learning about our volunteer opportunities, the first 25 people who register and attend the session will receive a $10 gift card to Target, Starbucks, or Dunkin!*
*Current members of the Board of Directors and Committees do not qualify.
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?
Calling all ACA Illinois Accreditation Visitors: We look forward to seeing the Zoom Room for our annual spring meetings! This meeting is designed to help our volunteers feel prepared and ready for the upcoming visit season.
Topics up for discussion & updates include:
Timeline - the blueprint for setting up Visits
Scoreforms - Tricks, tips, & changes to the Process
ICA, WDR, & the 72-Hour Rule - We’ll review all the things that are difficult to keep track of
Insight - Learn about the most missed standards and how to coach your camp through challenging scoring situations
Visitor Roles - The “who does what” for Lead Visitors, 2nd Visitors, and Associate Visitors
We will have fun and excitement with some prizes for those that attend!
Trained and in-training Visitors who plan to conduct visits for ACA Illinois camps!
To register for this event, please contact Kelly at registration@acail.org.
Camp is ESSENTIAL to Illinois and every state in the country! Help spread the word about how camp impacts the community through providing positive youth development, creating jobs, boosting the economy, offering child care options for working families, building future citizens who will become leaders, and so much more!
Illinois Summer Camp Day is a critical opportunity for the community, camps, the public, and our elected officials to highlight the important work we do. Inviting our elected representatives to learn about our camps and what challenges we face ensures these representatives can make informed decisions at the local, state, and federal levels.
Join us for a rundown on what Illinois Summer Camp Day is all about and how you can participate!
We’ll discuss how to:
Find the right day and way to celebrate.
Invite local elected officials to see your program in action.
Demonstrate your impact on the larger community with tips and activities.
Use our toolkit, including pre-built social media and invitation template.
And any questions you may have about this fantastic celebration of camp!
While this is called Illinois Summer Camp Day, any camp can join us, regardless of the state you operate in! Our materials and content can easily be adapted to any state!
You are in the final stretch before your upcoming visit! This Spring Accreditation Work Day will include:
One-on-one time with a visitor to go over documentation or deep dive into the standards that you choose to explore in more detail.
A rundown on what to expect during the visit on the day of, and how the scoring process works.
Updates on the Accreditation program, including navigating the most common visit challenges.
Networking with other camp professionals who will expand your community,
This event is only open to ACA Illinois-Accredited Camps. We invite you to send multiple people from your camp to participate. This event is FREE.
To register, please email Kelly at registration@acail.org.
9:00am - 10:00am:
Updates on the standards and visit plans.
Pre-summer steps for a successful Accreditation process.
How the scoring system works during a Visit.
The Written Documentation Review, Accreditation Portal, and other resources.
10:15am - 11:30am:
One-on-One/Small Group Support:
Discuss Camp-Specific Topics
11:30am - 12:30pm:
12:30pm - 2:00pm:
Continue One-on-One/Small Group Support:
2:00pm - 3:00pm:
Setting up your visit with your assigned Visitors.
Visit the timeline from setting the date to when you will receive your results.
We do not expect you to have final Written Documentation. Bring whatever you have completed or are in progress!
Just bring what you can, but do not fret if you are missing anything!
Get out of the office and in person with other camp pros from the area. We’ll spend our time together networking, enjoying a delicious lunch, and going on a tour of the host camp, Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see.
As we inch closer to summer, now is the perfect time to connect with others who do similar work to seek support, share resources, and build stronger connections.
Its almost summer and camp is around the corner! Join Colette Marquardt, CEO of the American Camp Association, Illinois to gain tips and suggestions to prepare your child or loved one for an overnight camp experience. She’ll cover topics such as:
What to expect as first time camp parents and caregivers;
Packing lists;
Forms and communicating medical/specific needs with the camp;
Addressing any questions about safety with the camp;
Homesickness;
Supporting your camper from home; and
Q&A time from participants!
Its almost summer and camp is around the corner! Join Colette Marquardt, CEO of the American Camp Association, Illinois, to gain tips and suggestions to prepare your child or loved one for a day camp experience. She’ll cover topics such as:
What to expect as first-time camp parents and caregivers;
Daily packing lists;
Addressing any questions about safety at the camp;
Homesickness (yes, even at Day Camp);
Supporting your camper at the end of each day to prepare for the next; and,
SEMINAR OVERVIEW
Get your directors, site directors, team leaders, supervisors, and other members of your Leadership Team—new or experienced—trained in one dynamic online seminar! (And it’s also invaluable for those who train the Team.)
Superb training of your Leadership Team is one of the best investments you ever make in camp success. This is the acclaimed, skill-packed, one-of-a-kind training that receives rave reviews and is presented by the award-winning, internationally famous author of the number one national best-selling book that’s considered the “must have” source on the subject, Super Staff SuperVision.
SEMINAR DETAILS
Leadership Team members learn what to say and do every day to be one of the very best leaders at camp, including:
Fast paced, interactive, and highly effective: A total of 5.75 hours taught in Michael’s trademark “use-it-immediately,” fun, and highly energetic teaching style.
SEMINAR REVIEWS
FACILITATOR BIOGRAPHY
Michael Brandwein is one of the most famous names in camp. He is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning staff and Leadership Team trainer who has presented in all 50 states, on 6 continents, and served on the national board of the American Camp Association. He is the number one bestselling author of staff training and leadership books in the camp field, including Training Terrific Staff (Vols. 1 & 2), Skill of the Day: What Great Leaders of Young People Do & Say, Learning Leadership (CIT/LIT), Super Staff SuperVision, and Growing Great Qualities in Kids: The L.A.S.E.R.B.E.A.M. Technique for Bringing Out the Best in Young People. (www.michaelbrandwein.com/store) He does both in-person and online training for camps.
This program is ideal for anyone who leads staff themselves, or who trains members of the Leadership Team on how to supervise others. It will be great for both new and experienced people.
WHY ATTEND
How will your camp benefit from you attending this program?
This course was developed to meet the needs of camp directors and owners who were looking for a place to send Leadership Team members so that they will get and practice the skills necessary for supervision success. A lot of new Leadership Team members get promoted from front-line positions but may not have much if any experience in leading peers and others. Experienced Leadership Team members need fresh, advanced skills to keep them motivated and challenged in positive ways. To train all of these people, you require an excellent curriculum of the skills they’ll need and effective ways to teach them in an effective, motivating, and highly engaging way. This course provides that.
How does your career benefit from you attending this program?
If you’re a director, it gives you a way to support the most important people at camp. The Leadership Team is the engine that drives camp to success. If you’re a member of the Leadership Team, you’ll get specific, practical tools and techniques you can use every day to be one of the stars of your camp and bring out the best in everyone. And these methods will qualify you throughout your life as you develop positive working relationships as a leader and manager of others.
This event is a live, virtual event and will utilize the Zoom Meeting platform. ACA Illinois will not record this event.
This is an interactive training course. Each person should be prepared to have their camera on, access to audio (including ability to speak and hear,) and interact within the Zoom room via a computer. Bring a notebook/paper and pen for activities.
There will be a short break for lunch during the event.
This is a per person fee event. This event requires camera, computer, and audio access for the participants as it’s designed to be interactive. Any user that has additional persons in attendance that are not registered will be automatically removed from the event without refund.
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
