This fall, we are making changes to the YP Committee and bringing on a number of new people. So, if you are interested and think you have something to contribute, please let us know by filling out this form: http://acacamps.org/youngpros/yp-form.php. What roles are we looking to fill? Take a look at the “Job Descriptions” on the ACA’s YP web page: http://acacamps.org/youngpros/index.php.

We know that summer is approaching when our focus turns almost exclusively to camp, camp & camp. Before it consumes you completely, we wanted to give you an update on what’s happening with YPs now and starting in the fall:
 
The Young Professionals Initiative was created a few years ago as a “grass-roots” effort of many camp people around the country. They goal was to change ACA into an organization that understands how to communicate with the next generation of camp professionals.
 
And that’s what’s happening! Now the Young Professional Initiative is building an even more solid base for operations in the future. We need the help of people who are ready to volunteer and bring their energy and vision to the ACA Young Professionals.

The National ACA Development Committee focuses on raising money and developing strategies for long-term fundraising. Andy Lilienthal is the Chair of the Development Committee and asked us to send this information out to you in hopes of finding just the right person for the job: He is looking for someone who is fairly young, smart, a go getter, has at least some sense of fundraising and if the person has experience using technology, even better.  Go to http://www.acacamps.org/youngpros and click on the link for the Development Committee.

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.