WHO WE ARE

The Association of Independent Camps serves success oriented camp professionals who together identify emergent issues and develop programs, services, and products to enhance camp business operations. More specifically we are a member-driven kindred group of the ACA that is dedicated to people who own, direct, or work at independent camps, either for-profit or not-for-profit. Because of our similarity, we are able to assist each other and facilitate dialogue pertaining to the opportunities and challenges of operating an independent camp.

WHEN WE GATHER

• THE ANNUAL AIC NATIONAL KINDRED EVENT takes place in conjunction with the ACA National Conference. Continuing education and networking social events focus on areas of special interest to the independent camp industry.
• THE ANNUAL FALL TOUR allows members to visit camps in different sections of the country each year. The 2006 Fall Tour visited the Northwoods of Minnesota. In addition to our hosts providing guided tours of their camps highlighting facilities, programming, etc., participants took part in a colloquium facilitated by Bob Ditter concentrating on current issues facing independent camps and our industry.
• WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS This past fall AIC conducted a Bully-Prevention Workshop with Joel Haber and a MySpace/Facebook Seminar with Bob Ditter.

BUSINESS MEMBER BENEFITS

• National exposure to independent camp owners and directors. AIC is the national association linking all independent camps and independent camp associations
• Increased sales of your product and service
• Use of the AIC Logo
• Listing on the AIC Web site with a link to your business
• Listing in the annual AIC Spring Buyers Guide
• Receive AIC Membership Directory of all Camps and Business Affiliates
• Receiving two times per year, electronic mailing list of AIC Members
• Opportunity to be included in AIC Buyers Group
• Member rates on the ANNUAL FALL TOUR providing networking and sponsorship opportunities
• Sponsorship opportunities available in conjunction with the AIC National Kindred Event
• AIC Inc Link newsletter sent by PDF via e-mail
• Reduced advertising rates in: the AIC Inc Link newsletter, the AIC Buyers Guide, the Annual Kindred Event Program Brochure, on our website: www.aiccamps.org*
• E-mail blasts on emergent issues, trends, and news.
• Camaraderie and support of other camp professionals; Sharing and networking with professionals also dedicated to enhancing the future of organized independent camping

CURRENT AIC PROJECTS YOUR MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS

• LOBBYING FOR INDEPENDENT CAMP ISSUES
• HEALTH INSURANCE: AIC is in the process of developing a National AIC health insurance policy for Directors and Camp Staff. Imagine not having to have your own camp health insurance policy to worry about! Reduce cost and enjoy less headaches with an AIC Member National Health Plan!
• CAMPER/STAFF INTERNET POLICIES: AIC is developing a set of policies in conjunction with Bob Ditter that will cover all things Internet (Myspace, Facebook, online photos, etc.) Included are sections that member camps may integrate into their staff contract, camper/parent codes of conduct, etc.
• IWAM- THE INVENTORY FOR WORK ATTITUDE AND MOTIVATION: We are working with the developers to make this tool available to members of the AIC. It is a 40-question, self-administered (online or paper/pencil) assessment tool that uses 48 distinct filters to measure an applicant’s attitude and motivation patterns. The iWAM creates an overall profile of the individual by comparing the applicant’s responses to national and organizational normative data. Your organization can then use this profile information to screen, select, place, develop and coach the individual to ensure that he or she is contributing at Peak Performance level.
• PDI- STAFF COMPETENCY BASED INTERVIEW KIT: A number of years ago a group of AIC camps worked with a company to come up with a competency based interview process to help camps identify applicants with traits found in great staff members. We are in the process of updating this interview kit. It’s a wonderful tool for your staff hiring process and all AIC member camps have the option to participate in the program and get their own interview kit and training for their staff.
• 2007 FALL TOUR OF CAMPS
• BUYING GROUPS: AIC is currently establishing partnerships/pro-deals with outdoor manufacturers such as Mountain Hardwear, the North face and Lowe Alpine.

AIC is offering a one-time, one-year complimentary membership for first-time members.

AIC’s membership year runs from September 1st to August 31st.  Your AIC complimentary membership will be good until August 31, 2010.

Click here to apply online.

or

Click here to download a printable PDF version of the AIC Business Member application.