Upcoming EPIC National Events

April 14, 2pm EST: Lead Like Ted Lasso (and Other Camp Leadership Secrets)

Join EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Camping) for a free virtual professional development opportunity with featured speaker Diana Huff who will talk about the ups and downs of stepping into leadership. She will be sharing some of the biggest lessons learned as a camp director—how to find your footing in a new role, what makes staff training actually stick, and what to watch for as a new leader. Plus, we’ll pull some wisdom from leadership legends like Brené Brown, Simon Sinek, and yes, even Ted Lasso. 

Register here: https://acacamps.zoom.us/meeting/register/6bnqANKoS4idUeU2329ojQ#/registration

 

May 12, 2pm EST: EPIC Summer Send Off

Join EPIC (Emerging Professionals in Camping) for a virtual summer send off before the camp season! We will have time to connect with each other and share about our camp plans, discuss topics important to you and share in some support as everyone heads in to the best and busiest time of year.

Register here: https://acacamps.zoom.us/meeting/register/d3M4rhGVRSyMMXHPJlg70A#/registration

What Is EPIC? 

EPIC provides education, social networking opportunities, and events for emerging professionals in the camp industry.

Are you interested in a career at camp? Perhaps you are ready to make the jump from seasonal/part-time staff to full-time, year-round staff? Or maybe you are new to the camping profession or transitioning from a different career? Are you newly in your leadership position at camp and looking for support resources and to connect with peers?  EPIC is for you! 

EPIC connects emerging professionals from around the country and strives to provide meaningful opportunities for learning. There are no official EPIC membership requirements; anyone is welcome if the topic and conversations speak to you and can help you on your path to learning!  Involvement in EPIC events such as workshops and social networking opportunities give EPICs a chance to meet, exchange ideas, and discuss previous camp successes and challenges. 

What do your kindred dues pay for? When you opt to pay the $40/year EPIC kindred group dues, you are supporting the work of that kindred group to host their events (both virtual and in-person) and you are supporting the overall work of the association. There are times when the leadership of this group may determine to spend dues to fund a particular event or project related to the interests of this kindred. Anyone may attend the virtual and in-person events hosted by this group whether you have chosen to pay the elective dues or not. Some in-person events, such as events at the national conference, may have an additional cost. Read more about all the ACA kindred and affinity groups.

EPIC Related Resources 

ACA has a variety of online and/or in-person trainings and learning opportunities that can help you build your resume as you follow your journey into camp!

Courses and Trainings 

  • New Director Orientation (NDO): Virtual training for camp directors, assistant directors, program directors, or persons that have been in other administrative positions and are considering directing a camp. This is an overview of all the aspects of the director's job with the primary focus on the summer operation. This training provides and overview of the core competencies a director needs, and then focuses on leadership, risk management, camper behavior, and staff training and supervision. 
  • Staff Training Certificate Courses: These intensive online courses are self-directed learning opportunities that help build the added qualifications you and your staff need in today’s world. Each certificate course covers all thirteen core competencies required to run a camp successfully and includes curriculum components suited to a variety of learning styles. Courses range from Entry-Level programs staff to Middle Managers to Camp Directors.


Connect with Other EPIC Members

If you are interested in connecting with someone in your local office or region, please contact the membership representative in your area.

EPIC National Committee

View and contact the EPIC National Committee (ACA member login required).