ACA Western Region EPIC Retreat
Date
Location
Deckers, CO 80135
Cost
$80 members / $125 non-members
Join us at YMCA Camp Shady Brook for professional development and fun that only Emerging Professionals in Camping (EPIC) can pull off. The EPIC retreat offers in-depth discussion of the camp industry’s most relevant topics to the Emerging Camp Professional in a relaxed and supportive environment. This event is an excellent opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and gaining critical skills in career advancement in camping. Beyond the sessions, there will be time for socializing, networking, a camp tour of Shady Brook, and time spent outdoors!
We are thrilled to share that Tina Harte and Amy Ellisor from The NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative (NESEC) will be with us for the weekend. NESEC joins forces with camps and informal educators in incorporating NASA GLOBE to engage campers in the process of "Doing" STEM investigations to report to NASA scientists while becoming environmental stewards of what is happening in their own communities. Pacing guides and sample activities for the following topics will be featured: clouds, soil, landcover, water, surface temperature, and trees.
Registration includes conference program, 2 nights cabin-style group lodging (Friday and Saturday), and the following meals: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast.
Not an ACA Member? Join today for FREE and get the best rates for this event!
| Type | |
|---|---|
| Member | $80 |
| Nonmember | $125 |
2023 Moving Forward (Survive, Revive, Thrive)
Every camp weathered the pandemic in its own way. Many EPICs were the first to be furloughed or bore a large part of building and inventing creative pandemic programming. Summer 2022, for some, was a summer of returning to normal, while others faced many new challenges. In this session, we will have the space to share some of our professional challenges of the past few summers and look ahead to thriving in 2023.
Managing in the Middle
Learn about vital skills of middle managers, including delegation, setting boundaries, managing up, and managing staff conflict.
Financial Health: Financial Advisor, Salary Negotiations
Let’s talk about money! **Gasp** Take a fun and educational look at your finances, including tips for salary negotiations, prioritizing your retirement when your camp doesn't have a plan and other money-related topics with a camp lens.
Goal Setting, Mentors, and Networking
Building a professional network is about more than connecting on Linked-in. This session combines tips for building your professional network, why it’s essential, and the positive role of mentorship in building a sustainable camp community.
Open space table discussion: come with your great ideas to share and leave with a ton of resources!
Camp Shady Brook is the perfect place for groups to gather and is an ideal location for the EPIC Retreat. Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, there is no shortage of nature, trails, and wildlife. Camp Shady Brook is far enough from the cities to feel like an escape, but close enough for reasonable travel times.
Thanks to our sponsors!
