You don’t want to miss this!

So many YPs have already successfully entered the camp profession, but for those of us who haven’t (students, etc.) this is a really useful resource!

In preparation for a Cracker Barrell session at the ACA National Conference in Austin, Diane Tyrrell (ACA Virginias) sent out a survey to camp professionals (particularly directors, executives, etc. who do the hiring for full time positions).  Diane was interested in knowing exactly what skill and experiences these professionals are looking for when hiring camp directors, program directors, and other full time staff.  What she found might come as a surprise to those recreation or child development majors out there (*myself included!)

Attached in the cover letter Diane sent out to these professionals, explaining what she was she was looking for; and also the handout she put together with the information she received back.  Please feel free to look through this and distribute it to people who might benefit from the findings!

Letter to Directors

Balance Your Brillance!

The Young Professionals of the American Camp Association – Illinois Section will be hosting their second annual social event at the Mid-states Camping Conference at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois. The event will begin at 10:00 PM and will include coffee, drinks, and desserts as well as a variety of activities including a Baggo tournament, craft projects, door prizes, and music. The event is open to all conference participants.

Gail Johnson will be the featured speaker at the ACA Illinois Young Professionals meeting on March 22nd, 2007. The meeting will be held at the RAM brewery, www.theram.com, in Schaumburg and will begin at 12:00 PM. To RSVP please contact Graham Little at 847.854.3511 or littleg@ymcaofmchenrycounty.org. All camping professionals are welcomed to attend.

Gail Johnson founded Face to Face Communications, www.face2facetraining.com, and Training in 1997 to fill the need for customized training in the increasingly competitive workforce. Ms. Johnson’s strong communication background gives her a 21st century perspective on training needs:

“Strengthening communication skills between workers and managers, workers and peers, and especially workers and customers is the key to success in this Communications Century. In a strong economy, high turnover or unmotivated employees can turn black ink to red faster than any price war. The company that invests in employee development has the competitive edge.”

Ms. Johnson has designed and delivered hundreds of communication-related workshops throughout the United States. She also taught college-level speech communication courses prior to founding her company. Ms. Johnson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Northern Illinois University. She is a member of the Association for Training and Development. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce has named Face to Face Communications and Training a designated Training Provider for its ITP grant program.

Ms. Johnson’s individualized approach to training has earned her a loyal client base that has grown primarily through referrals. Her client roster spans a broad range of industries, including telecommunications, banking, travel, architecture, legal, health-care, as well as local governments, school and park districts.

The YPs will be there in full force - and the National Conference Team has asked for our help!

• ACA needs dinner ‘hosts’ to take a group to a pizza place (hold the map, play tour guide - even if you’ve never been to Austin!) [Tell us you’ll help]
• Open Mic Night support - it’s like an evening program at camp - help keep things organized, tune a guitar [Tell us you’ll help]
• Open Mic Night acts - sign up here.