Professional Development
New Director Orientation
The NDO course materials have been designed to help newer directors and supervisors develop the skills they need to be effective leaders for their camp program.
Course Description
In-Person Course
As an in-person course, this is a full day of learning, typically offered in conjunction with other ACA conferences. Check the events calendar for in-person NDOs.
Online Asynchronous Course
ACA now offers the NDO for single learners online. We recommend this only if you are unable to attend a blended learning event. Purchase the Course. Member rate $75 | Nonmember rate $150.
Online Blended Learning Course
ACA offers the NDO in a blended learning format. In this course, the learner participates in self-study and then attends five one-hour facilitated sessions, five weeks in a row. We typically offer multiple cohorts of learner in the winter and spring. Member rate $100 | Nonmember rate $200. Register for a cohort today!
Course Content
NDO is an interactive course that includes activities, lectures, and discussions in a group problem-solving environment designed to address real-life situations at camp. This course covers five critical areas to help directors and supervisors develop the skills they need to be effective leaders. The core areas covered include:
- leadership and supervision
- camper and staff development and behavior
- staff training
- risk management
- evaluation and assessment
In addition to building skills, this curriculum incorporates introspection, perspective-shifting, and awareness building. This course has been influenced by years of iteration, internal and external research, and feedback from new directors. NDO is designed to be offered at the local or regional level by interested ACA volunteers. Completion of this training results in seven continuing education credits (CECs) for ACA members.
Questions? Contact Us!
- Erin Flores, Professional Development Manager, eflores@ACAcamps.org
ACA Educational Endorsement Program - Information for Applicants
Benefits of ACA Educational Endorsement
- Connects learners to YOU!
- Increases your market reach with ACA's 9,000+ membership and 2,700 camps.
- Allows you to offer continuing education credits to your learners.
Quick Facts About Educational Endorsement
Steps for ACA Educational Endorsement
STEP 1: Review the Educational Endorsement Program Guidelines to determine if educational endorsement is right for your organization, including deciding if you will become an ACA Business Affiliate (BA). (ACA endorses face-to-face conferences/events, webinars, and online courses.) The Guidelines also provide important instructions for completing the educational endorsement application.
STEP 2: Complete the Educational Endorsement Application (PDF version). Programs are reviewed when completed applications and fees are received.
STEP 3: Use the ACA Educational Endorsement Seal. Once a program is approved by ACA, you can use this seal for promotional purposes. See Guidelines for using the EEP Seal.
Examples of Currently Endorsed Programs
- ACA Endorsed Online Courses
- Check out the ACA List of Upcoming Events