What is a YP?

This seems like such an easy question, but it's not. Here's the most recent description of YP:

There are no set rules on what makes someone a YP. There is no age limit either way! Some YPs have been working in camp full time for a few years, while some are still seasonal. Some are coming from other jobs in other industries. YP is a self-selecting group. If you want resources as you transition into a camp career or want to help ACA create those resources for YPs, then you are in the right place.

FACT: This is still being refined. YPs are filling in opportunities in the organization as opposed to sticking to a clearly defined role or position...

What about SCLA and EPIC? (Skip this part if you are new to YPs!)

Students, Emerging Professionals, YPs - how are they all related? YPs, we feel, overlap significantly with all these groups, and are here to provide support and connections wherever it's needed. Try this out:

What are we talking about? Keep reading or drop the YP Committee an email... (youngprosinfo@acamaillist.org)

Further Discussion

Here's another that was in Camping Magazine:

"The Demographics of a Young Professional: Young Professionals are people who are making the transition to camp as a profession. They are usually in key formal and informal leadership positions in a camp — providing vitality and energy in the day-to-day operations."

Another person described the YPs as participating in:

1. Discovery
2. Fun & Fund Development (Mentorship & Fundraising)
3. Connections / Communications

Tommy Feldman, of the YP Committee, also wrote this recently on an ACA Message Board:

I hear that there was some uncertainty about the YP effort that's going on in ACA and I thought I would try to clarify.

As lil'g says and as we've tried to convey, "YP" is for anyone who feels it might help them out or if they can help. We initially pulled "35" out of the air - and never meant it to be a set age. Of course we'd like to have people new to the industry involved to - regardless of the age. Yeah, it's not the best name in the world.

"YP" is not formal or as official as bylaws or rules for section or national - it's just people contributing for the sake of contribution. ACA, as they say, is a volunteer-driven organization.

Here's the thing about the YP group - and I think it is apparent as you read through the web site or hear us talk - it's really self- selecting. We want young people - in age or experience - who are just taking their first steps in the industry to have available to them opportunities to get involved in helping other YPs get in the business full time.