Mentorship groups meet monthly and discussion topics will be determined by the group based on needs and interests. Topics will include relevant issues for an emerging camp professional, such as career development, work-life balance, staff development and supervision, staff recruitment and retention, mental health, ACA resources, and more. Review the FAQs below for additional information.

Please note that this program is not intended as a selling opportunity for businesses or consultants.

Questions? Email [email protected].

 

2026 ACA National Mentorship Season Timeline

  • February 17, 2026: Applications open for mentees and mentors
  • March 2026 - April 2026: Screening interviews for mentors
  • April 24, 2026: Applications close 
  • May 8, 2026: Mentorship groups are matched
  • May 14, 2026: 2026 ACA National Mentorship Program Kick Off Call
  • September 2026: First monthly group meetings begin and continue through May 2027

 

Mentor Requirements:

  • Experience at the camp director level or above for more than 5 years (including retired camp professionals)
  • Comfort in speaking to and sharing helpful resources around the areas of ACA's 13 core competencies.
  • Available for one hour per month for a scheduled virtual meeting (May 2026 - May 2027) excluding the summer season (10 meetings total).
  • Ability to manage all logistics of scheduling and communication (Zoom invitations, organizing annual calendar, etc.).
  • The ability to facilitate mentorship conversations with a small group of up to 8 participants, including: identifying relevant topics, responding to group needs, facilitating conversations, and managing goals.
  • Willing to sign the ACA Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct form.

 

Mentee Requirements:

  • Currently work in a year-round camp position (management preferred).  This can include those that are serving in long-term seasonal positions.
  • Self-identify as an emerging camp professional with less than 3 years of camp management experience.
  • Commitment to a virtual check-in once per month (excluding the summer season) with flexibility in scheduling meetings during normal business hours.
  • Willingness to take an active part in virtual conversations with your peers and mentor (camera on, unmuted, prepared with suggested discussion topics, questions for your mentor, etc.).
  • Willing to sign the ACA Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct form.

 

2026 ACA National Mentorship Program Applications

 

Mentorship Frequently Asked Questions

During the application process, mentees and mentors will be able to rank their top choices for group assignments. We will do our best to create assignments based on the top three choices that were provided. Please keep in mind that we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

 

Group size will vary based on the amount of mentee and mentor applications received, but we anticipate between 4-to-8 mentees per group.

Scheduling: Meetings will be virtual. Each mentor group will set the times of their meetings based on group availability. As this is a professional program, these meetings will most likely occur during business hours, unless the group determines otherwise. Groups will likely include mentees from all time zones (PST, MST, CST, EST), and mentees should be prepared to be flexible in finding one hour a month that will work for the meeting. There will be a one-hour meeting per month from May 2026 – May 2027, excluding summer.

Format: Mentors will facilitate conversations among the mentee groups to determine group topics. In addition to group discussion, the mentor group may include discussing a book or article, guest speakers, or other resources shared by the mentor. 

This is a free program, but ACA membership is required. If you are not an ACA member, you may be eligible for your first year for free!

We encourage mentees to connect to upcoming national Emerging Professionals in Camping (EPIC) events – both virtual conversations and the EPIC Preconference event at the ACA National Conference. Learn more about EPIC events and resources here. 

This is not a one–on–one mentor program. This is not an in-person mentor program. The conversation will not be mentor-led; mentees are responsible for actively engaging in virtual meetings and arriving prepared with questions and discussion topics. Mentors will commit to be available for one hour per month of virtual meetings and may have limited time beyond that, although some mentors may choose on their own to provide additional hours of support. Additionally, this program is not intended to provide accreditation education.

The mentorship program is independent of the accreditation program. Volunteer mentors may be familiar with ACA accreditation, but the mentorship program is not the intended space for accreditation discussions. Contact [email protected] for accreditation support.

Yes, mentors and mentees from past seasons are welcome to apply. To ensure equal access, priority will be given to individuals who have not previously participated, as space in the program is limited.