NEWS TO USE – APRIL 17, 2007

As you read this, chances are you're also thinking of at least 15 other things:  the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech – wondering how this will effect you, your staff, your campers; how to fill those last beds at camp; how to find that qualified program specialist; the end of the semester… the list goes on.  As we create the “News to Use,” we realize how valuable your time is and do our best to make them brief and beneficial.  I hope you’ll take five minutes to review the following… and make sure you take time for yourself, your family and friends!

THE SPRING SUNDIAL is now posted on the web at: http://www.acasoutheastern.org/Spring07Sundial.pdf   Highlights of this addition include: information about the Fall Conference, useful resources available to camps, trainings and meetings being offered, and a list of our many new members!

REGISTER for the Fall Conference on-line at http://www.acasoutheastern.org/conf/2007.php   Check this page often for conference updates and highlights.  Also – if you know of great session presenters, please ask them to complete the “Call for Presenters” available on this site.  Many thanks to our current sponsors:  Morrow Insurance, Markel Insurance, Bunk1, and Camp Register!  These sponsors help us keep the cost of this quality conference low so more folks can attend. 

STAFF TRAINING!  Are you (or your staff) looking for a specific type of staff training (lifeguard, archery, challenge course, etc)?  If so, check out http://www.acasoutheastern.org/trainings.php for a list of trainings being offered in the Section. If you are offering a training you will open to others, PLEASE let the Section office know so we may share it with other camp staff.  We continue to get calls from camp staff asking how/where they might get the necessary training for their job.    

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IDEAS:  As you prepare yourself and your staff for the upcoming summer, if you realize you really could use some additional information about (you fill in the blank), PLEASE let the Section office know. As we work with the Education Task Force, District Chairs and the conference committee, it is important we present workshops on topics of importance to you, our members.  Please drop me a note (a one-liner is fine) when you find one of these “holes.”  Send ideas to: Rhonda@ACASoutheastern.org

YOU EARNED IT! Show it with pride!  Is the NEW Accreditation logo visible when parents/vendors/staff drive into your camp?  If not, this is a great location to post an ACA Accreditation Logo Sign!  If you need a sign, please contact the Section office and we’ll send one your direction.  Check out http://www.acacamps.org/accreditation/marketing.php for additional ways to make sure the public knows you are accredited! 

VOLUNTEERS:  Does your camp use volunteers?  If so, then PROTECTScreen is a great resource for you! For a minimal fee, you are able to obtain an FBI Background check completed on volunteers (this also includes the check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry required by Standards HR-4).  For more complete information, check out:  http://www.acacamps.org/publicpolicy/PROTECTScreen.php

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

Rhonda Mickelson                        Pamela Allen
Executive Director                       Membership Services Coordinator
Rhonda@acasoutheastern.org       Pamela@acasoutheastern.org