Pre-Conference
Our pre-conference day takes place on the Monday before the conference begins and allows attendees to focus on a specific topic of interest for an extended amount of time outside of the general conference session blocks. Attendees can take a deep dive into various topics including mental health, camp jobs, being a new director or matters important to EPICs (Emerging Professionals in Camping). They can also take the time to take become an ACA Visitor by taking the Associate Visitor Course.
More information about the 2027 Pre-Conference offerings will be coming soon.
EPIC Pre-Conference
Mastering Managing Up
Elevate your professional relationships by mastering the essential skill of “managing up” in our dynamic pre-conference workshop. Featuring inspirational presentations by seasoned camp professionals and practical sessions, you will discover how to effectively align with your supervisors while honoring your own professional boundaries. Learn how to navigate diverse communication styles, conflict resolution strategies, and authentic self-advocacy. You will leave equipped with tangible takeaways and the confidence to level up your working relationships and unlock your full career potential.
New Director’s Orientation
Are you a new director at camp? This eight hour interactive ACA National course will provide an overview of key aspects of the camp director’s job and is intended for seasoned or new camp directors, assistant directors, program directors, or people who have been in other administrative positions and are considering directing camp in the near future. The course will cover many areas with a special focus offered on leadership, risk management, camper behavior, staff training and staff supervision. Upon completion of this one-day course, the ACA National office will mail you a certificate of completion, suitable for framing. Join Jackie Brethel and several experienced camp directors for this informative course.
Due to mandatory pre-work the NDO registration will close one week before it starts. Any question about this policy please email samara@acanynj.org
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is a public education program that introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds an understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions, and provide initial help and connect young people to professional, peer, social and self-help care.
Associate Visitor Course
Becoming an ACA Standards Visitor is one of the best ways to give back to ACA and the camp community! It also allows you the opportunity to see other camps and gain new ideas for your program. We are offering this course in a 1-day in-person format that can easily be added for free to your Tri-State week. In the Associate Visitor Course, participants identify the purpose and structure of ACA’s accreditation program and become familiar with the legal implications of visitor actions, as well as develop skills in information gathering, making compliance decisions and consistently applying the standards in a variety of situations. Attendees must be at least twenty-one years of age, a current ACA member and have completed an ACA Accreditation Process Workshop.
No pre-registration required
First-Timer’s Orientation
First time at Tri-State? Make the most of your conference time by attending the First Timer’s Orientation where you will have a brief overview of Tri-State, Atlantic City and the must-do events of the conference. This program will help you to determine what goals are most important to you and your profession while at the conference and will also give you the opportunity to meet other first timers that you can look forward to seeing around the conference! Don’t miss the opportunity to be in the know before the conference even begins!
FREE TO ATTEND; No Pre-Registration Required
