skills lab
all skills lab courses take place at pheasant run resort unless otherwise specified in the description.
Since its beginning, Mid States has always focused on hands-on, experiential learning for all levels of the camp profession. Last year the planning team excitedly revealed the 2015 Mid States Skills Lab – an interactive, certification and skill development school held before the Mid States Camp Conference.
For 2016, each course has been carefully identified and developed to help meet specific ACA Standards for Camp Accreditation. Every participant will leave with written documentation that they demonstrate proficiency in the skill, pass a certification course/test (if applicable) and/or have the ability to teach and/or train camp staff/campers.
Each course carries its own fee, in addition to the basic conference registration fee. Lunch is not included in fee. Lunch tickets can be purchased for $12 and must be reserved before April 5, 2016.
Registration for the Mid States Camp Conference is not required to attend these courses. We encourage early registration as all courses have limited space.
2016 SKILLS LABS
ACA Associate Visitor Course
Presenter(s): Gordie Kaplan and Dale Adkins; American Camp Association, Illinois
Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Time: 8:30AM-9:00PM
Cost: FREE
Min. of Participants: 5/ Max. of Participants: 30
Description: This course will train you to be an Associate Visitor for the ACA Accreditation Program. Participants must be current ACA members, 21 years of age or older and have attended a Basic Standards Course or the Update Course. To register for this course, please email your application (found at this link) to colette@acail.org.
Outcomes: 11 CECs from ACA, Inc.
Presenter(s) Biography: This course will be led by Dr. Dale Adkins and Gordie Kaplan, two very exoerienced educators and visitors for ACA, Illinois.
Presenter(s): Gordie Kaplan and Dale Adkins; American Camp Association, Illinois
Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Time: 8:30AM-9:00PM
Cost: FREE
Min. of Participants: 5/ Max. of Participants: 30
Description: This course will train you to be an Associate Visitor for the ACA Accreditation Program. Participants must be current ACA members, 21 years of age or older and have attended a Basic Standards Course or the Update Course. To register for this course, please email your application (found at this link) to colette@acail.org.
Outcomes: 11 CECs from ACA, Inc.
Presenter(s) Biography: This course will be led by Dr. Dale Adkins and Gordie Kaplan, two very exoerienced educators and visitors for ACA, Illinois.
ACA Standards Update Course
Presenter(s): Paul Denowski; American Camp Association
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM
Cost: FREE
Min. of Participants: 5/ Max. of Participants: 30
Description: The Standards Update Course is designed for the camp director or staff member who has been actively involved in the preparation of materials and the on-site visit at an ACA-accredited camp in the recent past. A person completing the ACA Standards Course on behalf of a camp is expected to actively assist the camp in preparation for the accreditation visit, be on site a significant amount of time during the camp season, and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
Outcomes: 1.5 CECs from ACA, Inc and participants who complete the update will fulfill the requirement for updated training for their camps, in preparation for an ACA accreditation visit in the summer of 2016.
Presenter(s) Biography: Paul has spent over 20 years in camping and over 15 years presenting at local and regional conferences. He has been an ACA standards instructor since 2004 and has worked with the accreditation process since the late 90’s. Paul has a degree in Natural Resource Management Environmental Education and Camp Management.
American Canoe Association Canoe Courses
BOTH COURSES: $100 ($20 discount for signing up for both courses)
ACA Flatwater Canoe Safety & Rescue
Presenter(s): Brigitta Adkins and Alissa Hollmann
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 8:00AM-12:00PM
Cost: $60 per person
Min/Max of Participants: 6/12
Description:
Course Description: The ACA Flatwater Canoe Safety and Rescue workshop introduces flat water safety practices and rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment, in the first few minutes of an emergency. Course objectives: Understand that prevention is the key to a safe trip, understand how to avoide potential dangers, develop and practice key self-rescue skills, learn to focus on low-risk rescue techniques and develop the skills to manage minor in-water accidents.
**This course can be taken alone. It also covers the safety and rescue portion of Intro To Canoeing- please consider this to be the first portion of Intro To Canoeing.
Certification received upon completion of course: American Canoe Association Flatwater Canoe Safety and Rescue course participation. Please note this is not a certification course and does NOT meet ACA accreditation requirements. You must either complete a skills Instructor course or be a lifeguard and complete a craft specific skills course in order to fulfill the requirements of PA 20.
Eligibility criteria: ACA courses are open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to perform the following essential eligibility criteria.
1. Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
2. Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
3. Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
4. Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
5. Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
6. Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
7. Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket*
8. Get in / out of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance*
9. Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft*
10. Reenter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance*
11. Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities and rescues listed in the appropriate Course Outline, and have the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation*
ACA Introduction to Canoeing
Presenter(s): Brigitta Adkins and Alissa Hollmann
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 12:45PM-4:00PM
Cost: $60 per person
Min/Max of Participants: 6/12
Description:
Assessment course- This ACA course is designed to evaluate a participant’s ability to perform all of the skills listed along with demonstrating an appropriate level of knowledge. This assessment course provides the participant with the opportunity to receive documentation of having achieved a certain level of paddling ability. Skills include: Forward, Forward w/switch, Forward w/stern pry, Forward w/rudder, Back, Draw ( to hip, bow, cross bow, stern), Pry (at hip, stern), paddling forward in a straight line, stopping within 1 boat length, spinning 360, abeam, turns while underway, switch positions in canoe on water, canoe carries (overhead, suitcase), launching/landing, safety (risk/dangers, whistle signals, RETHROG, priorities, responsibilities, cold shock, hyperthermia, emergency procedures, safety equipment, deep water exits), rescue (controlled capsize, self rescue, canoe over canoe, side by side, re-entry). Also includes: environmental issues, paddling environment, personal preparation, canoe types/parts/materials, paddle types/parts/materials, lifejacket types/material/fit, concepts of paddling, group organization, trip planning, knots, federal/state regulations, car topping
** This course is being overlapped with the Flatwater Canoe Safety & Rescue course offered in the morning. You MUST register for the Canoe Safety & Rescue course or have previously taken American Canoe Association Canoe Safety & Rescue course.
Certification received upon completion of course: American Canoe Association Introduction to Canoeing skills assessment record (with successful demonstration of skills) OR Introduction to Canoeing skills participation. Please note this is not a certification course and may NOT meet ACA accreditation requirements depending on level completed. You must either complete a skills Instructor course or be a lifeguard and complete a skills course (such as this) specific to the craft you will be instructing in order to meet the requirements of PA20. The skills course DOES serve as a pre-requisite to the Skills Assessment and/or Instructor course.
Eligibility criteria: ACA courses are open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to perform the following essential eligibility criteria.
1. Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
2. Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
3. Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
4. Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
5. Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
6. Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
7. Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket*
8. Get in / out of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance*
9. Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft*
10. Reenter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance*
11. Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities and rescues listed in the appropriate Course Outline, and have the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation*
Biography:
Brigitta Adkins is an ACA Level II Canoe & Kayak Instructor with 20+ year experience paddling and teaching children and adults. She was in Mariner Girl Scouts, taught at numerous camps, supervised multi-level canoeing program for Alabama B.O.W., and many adventures in the BWCA and on rivers throughout the Midwest.
Alissa Hollmann has been an ACA level 1 canoe instructor since 2008. She has led canoe and kayak trips through camps, university recreation programs, and Girl Scouts Southern Illinois. Paddling experience includes Boundary Waters, Apostle Islands, and Queen Charlotte Sound NZ. She is currently Camping Services Director at Camp Ondessonk.
Aquatics Management
Presenter(s): Sara Shaw and Kaitlin Gosser
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 8:00AM-12:00PM
Cost: $45 per person
Min. of Participants: 10/ Max. of Participants: 25
Description:
Learn the basics involved in managing and supervising the waterfront/pool area of camp.
Goals for this Skills Lab is to help camps meet the ACA Standards for how their supervisors and specialized activity leaders need to be trained. Including: 1. Supervising Waterfront Staff 2. In services 3. Classification of Swimmers' skills 4. Emergency procedures 5. Risk Management 6. Equipment maintenance and monitoring 7. Short overview of the Aquatic Standards from the ACA Accreditation Program.
Outcomes: 4 CECs from ACA, Inc.
It's About T.I.M.E.: The True Essentials of Staff Training
Presenter: Beth Allison, Co-Founder of Go Camp Pro
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 8:00AM-12:00PM
Cost: $95 per person
Min. of Participants: 2/ Max. of Participants: 30
Description: As a youth development professional, you understand the importance of making sure every staff member and child feels significant and valued. Learn 4 simple rules to creating an engaging and welcoming community that will make all people involved feel a part of something important and bigger than themselves. These tools will allow your people to focus on the social and emotional learning an intentional camp community can provide.
Experience a session you can take back and lead with your staff during training to lay the groundwork for your best year yet.
Outcomes: 4 CECs from ACA, Inc.
Biography: Beth has an unique mind in the camp industry - she creates a level of purpose for her clients that inspires staff to care for their campers and each other with compassion and intentionality. In addition to creating experiential staff training sessions, Beth also hosts a podcast called "Camp Code."
New Director Orientation
Speaker: Gordie Kaplan
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 8:00AM-4:00PM
Min. of Participants 5/Max. of Participants 25
Description: New Director Orientation (NDO) is a special seven hour course (7 CECs) for seasonal or new camp directors, assistant directors, program directors, or persons that have been in other administrative positions and are considering directing a camp. The NDO course helps directors and supervisors develop the skills they need to be effective leaders for their camp program. The course covers five critical areas: camp management leadership, risk management, camper behavior, staff training, and staff supervision.
Outcomes: 7 CECs from ACA, Inc.
Biography: Gordie Kaplan as served as an instructor of the Basic Camp Director Course and New Director Orientation for over 30 years.
Project Wild and Aquatic Wild
Presenter: Patricia Brown
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 8:30AM-12:00PM
Cost: $40 per person (includes both books!)
Min. of Participants: 3/ Max. of Participants: 25
Description: At this lively and engaging professional workshop, participants are introduced to Project WILD/Aquatic WILD materials, activities, and strategies. Through hands-on practice, educators gain the experience and confidence needed to work with their campers and to integrate WILD into their teaching. Two books are part of fee. Free resources!
Outcomes: 3.5 CECs from ACA, Inc.
Biography: Patti has been the Education Director for The Nature Institute in Godfrey, Illinois since 2002. She currently creates and implements year round environmental education programs pre-K to adult. Patti also serves as Camp Director for the Institute’s 34 year -old day camp. Patti has been an EEAI member and past-president since 2007. Additional affiliations include, National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG). Facilitator for Project Wild, WET, Learning Tree, Growing up WILD, Flying WILD and Prairie School Project.
Serve Safe Certification
Presenter: Wanda Adkins
Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Cost: $175
Min. 10 Participants/ Max of 30 Participants
The Illinois State Department of Public Health Food Service Sanitation Code requires that all food service establishments that prepare and serve food shall be under operational supervision of a certified manager or supervisor (Section 750.540 IL Food Code) One certified person must be on the premises at all times. All establishments which serve food must complete 8 hours of instruction from a licensed Sanitation instructor and then successfully pass the Illinois State Food Service Sanitation exam.
8 Hour Serv Safe Sanitation Course
Course covers up-to-date information on safe food handling, preparation, food storage, personal hygiene, and the prevention of foodborne illnesses. Successful completion includes certificate issued by the Illinois State Department of Public Health (IDPH) Cost $175.00 includes class & training manual. The IDPH will issue the Certificate for a fee of $35.00 upon the completion of the 8 hours class and passing the IDPH test.
Presenter: Wanda Adkins
Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Cost: $175
Min. 10 Participants/ Max of 30 Participants
The Illinois State Department of Public Health Food Service Sanitation Code requires that all food service establishments that prepare and serve food shall be under operational supervision of a certified manager or supervisor (Section 750.540 IL Food Code) One certified person must be on the premises at all times. All establishments which serve food must complete 8 hours of instruction from a licensed Sanitation instructor and then successfully pass the Illinois State Food Service Sanitation exam.
8 Hour Serv Safe Sanitation Course
Course covers up-to-date information on safe food handling, preparation, food storage, personal hygiene, and the prevention of foodborne illnesses. Successful completion includes certificate issued by the Illinois State Department of Public Health (IDPH) Cost $175.00 includes class & training manual. The IDPH will issue the Certificate for a fee of $35.00 upon the completion of the 8 hours class and passing the IDPH test.
Supervising Your Way (New Supervisor Training)
Presenter: Jolly Corley, Camp Robindel
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Cost: $45 per persson
Min. 6 Participants/ Max. of Participants 75
Description: Being a new supervisor can be daunting regardless if you are returning staff member or brand new to your camp. This workshop will allow participants to explore their strengths and challenges in order to prepare and develop personal and professional guidelines to set staff expectations, provide feedback and implement ongoing professional development during the camp season. Participants completing the workshop will come away with tools to help 1) implement behavior/consequence behavior for staff in order to minimize confusion with expectations, 2) a variety of methods for giving and receiving feedback, 3) ideas and methods for ongoing staff development.
Outcomes: 4 CECs from ACA, Inc.
Biography: Jolly Corley, M.S., is a camp educator with over 20 years experience in camping. She is passionate about leadership development with a specific focus on camp as a means for growing emotional intelligence. Jolly enjoys bringing to life the hidden leadership potential each of us possesses.
USA Archery Level 1 Certification
Presenter: Charlie Qualls,Jason Jones, and Laura Malek
Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Time: 1:00PM - 9:00PM
Cost: $75 per person
Min. of Participants: 5/ Max. of Participants: 24
Description: This is a 8-10 hour course that will begin with the very basics of archery skills and train a participant through the coaching process to facilitate a safe archery program for multiple people on a firing line. Included in this certification, they will be able to teach new archers, coach experienced archers and organize or set up a target archery range.
Outcomes: USA Archery Level 1 Certification.
Biography: Charlie has over 30 years of experience in archery and about 25 in the instruction of youth with the Girl Scout Program. Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois. Jason has about 15 years in archery and 6 year on the instructional side. Laura has 3 years of experience and plans on many more.
USA Archery Level 1 Certification
Presenter: Charlie Qualls,Jason Jones, and Laura Malek
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 8:00AM-2:00PM
Cost: $75 per person
Min. of Participants: 5/ Max. of Participants: 24
Description: See Above
Outcomes: See Above
Biography: See Above
You're Missing out on Campers - A Practical, Intensive Guide to Finding More Great Kids
Presenter: Travis Allison @CampHacker, Founder: Go Camp Pro
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2016
Time: 8:00AM-12:00PM
Cost: $95 per person
Min. of Participants: 2/ Max. of Participants: 12
Description: Come prepared to be guided through layers of the CampHacker Marketing Treehouse. Our time together will include: Setting Your Foundations, Defining Your Audiences, Developing Your Audiences and Tell Your Stories. This training session will include a chance for 5 camps to sit on the Marketing Hot Seat. These five camps (picked from participants interested in sharing a problem with the group) will be asked to present their biggest marketing challenge to the group and the Travis and the group will all work together to give as many ideas as possible in 15 minutes.
Outcomes: 4 CEC’s from ACA, Inc.
Biography: Travis is one of the most popular camp speakers at coast to coast conferences in the US and Canada. He is one of the co-founders of GoCamp.Pro, produces and manages the highly popular CampHacker.TV podcasts and founded the Summer Camp Professionals group on Facebook. His particular expertise is in innovative strategies to use social media and other online marketing tools for camper recruitment and retention.
QUESTIONS about the Skills Lab?
Email Director of Operations, Colette Marquardt, at: Colette@acail.org.
