Upcoming EPIC National Events
November 4, 1:00 pm EST: EPIC Coffee & Chat
Join EPIC (emerging professionals in camping) for a virtual coffee chat about the issues that you are facing at camp and share in connection to other EPICs! It’s a great opportunity to share insights, discuss our roles, and strengthen our professional network. Bring your favorite beverage and some stories to share about yourself and your camp experience.
Registration for the November 4 Coffee Chat
December 2, 1:00 pm EST: EPIC Professional Development
Join EPIC (emerging professionals in camping) for some professional development where we can learn from a subject matter expert who will speak on a relevant topic to EPICs. Stay tuned for speaker details to come!
Registration for the December 2 Professional Development Chat
What Is EPIC?
EPIC provides education, social networking opportunities, and events for emerging professionals in the camp industry.
Are you interested in a career at camp? Perhaps you are ready to make the jump from seasonal/part-time staff to full-time, year-round staff? Or maybe you are new to the camping profession or transitioning from a different career? Are you newly in your leadership position at camp and looking for support resources and to connect with peers? EPIC is for you!
EPIC connects emerging professionals from around the country and strives to provide meaningful opportunities for learning. There are no official EPIC membership requirements; anyone is welcome if the topic and conversations speak to you and can help you on your path to learning! Involvement in EPIC events such as workshops and social networking opportunities give EPICs a chance to meet, exchange ideas, and discuss previous camp successes and challenges.
What do your kindred dues pay for? When you opt to pay the $40/year EPIC kindred group dues, you are supporting the work of that kindred group to host their events (both virtual and in-person) and you are supporting the overall work of the association. There are times when the leadership of this group may determine to spend dues to fund a particular event or project related to the interests of this kindred. Anyone may attend the virtual and in-person events hosted by this group whether you have chosen to pay the elective dues or not. Some in-person events, such as events at the national conference, may have an additional cost. Read more about all the ACA kindred and affinity groups.
EPIC Related Resources
ACA has a variety of online and/or in-person trainings and learning opportunities that can help you build your resume as you follow your journey into camp!
Courses and Trainings
- New Director Orientation (NDO): Virtual training for camp directors, assistant directors, program directors, or persons that have been in other administrative positions and are considering directing a camp. This is an overview of all the aspects of the director's job with the primary focus on the summer operation. This training provides and overview of the core competencies a director needs, and then focuses on leadership, risk management, camper behavior, and staff training and supervision.
- Staff Training Certificate Courses: These intensive online courses are self-directed learning opportunities that help build the added qualifications you and your staff need in today’s world. Each certificate course covers all thirteen core competencies required to run a camp successfully and includes curriculum components suited to a variety of learning styles. Courses range from Entry-Level programs staff to Middle Managers to Camp Directors.
Connect with Other EPIC Members
If you are interested in connecting with someone in your local office or region, please contact the membership representative in your area.
- Gay Bruner — Central Region Membership
- Anna Danila — Western Region Membership
- Kristina Lee — Eastern Region Membership
- Kyle Medeiros — New York/New Jersey Membership
- Bud Copeland — New England Region Membership
EPIC National Committee
View and contact the EPIC National Committee (ACA member login required).