ICF Academy Season 6

Episode

Date

Topic

Speaker(s)

S6E1

October 22, 2025 @9am (Melbourne)

Simultaneius translation in Spanish & Mandarin provided!

Peter McDougall – CEO, Australian Camps Association

Leading Forward: ACA’s Progress, Advocacy, and Vision for Camps in Australia

PRESENTATION OVERVIEW:   With almost three years as CEO of the Australian Camps Association (ACA), Peter’s presentation will highlight the key take outs from the recently completed ACA Conference, and an update on the challenges and opportunities that Australian Camps face and how ACA has been working to advocate, support and assist all ACA Members and all camps within Australia. Peter will cover topics such as Government Relations & Advocacy, National Insurance Program, Census, Accreditation, Stakeholder Engagement, ACA Strategic Plan, Resource Support plus other related topics.

Dwight Hulme – Membership and Partnerships Manager, Australian Camps Association

Strengthening Standards: Accreditation, Bunks, Ropes & Operational Updates Across the Camps Sector

PRESENTATION OVERVIEW:   Dwight’s presentation will provide an update on a number of matters around sector standards and projects.

Lizzy Pugh – Senior Manager Educational Delivery, The Outdoor Education Group

The Gift of Feedback: How Leaders Build Culture Through Honest Conversations

PRESENTATION OVERVIEW:   Feedback can be scary! Its connotation is overwhelmingly negative. In her presentation, Lizzy asks us to “turn that around – how can we create a space that encourages positive and constructive feedback to be delivered in a non-contrived way”.

Speakers: Peter McDougall – CEO, Australian Camps Association, Dwight Hulme – Membership and Partnerships Manager, Australian Camps Association, Lizzy Pugh – Senior Manager Educational Delivery, The Outdoor Education Group

@8am ET (Toronto)

Session description:

Join Dan Weir and Jack Schott for a focused analysis of the 2025 Staff Survey results.
This session is designed for camp owners and directors seeking a data-driven approach to their 2026 workforce strategy. By reviewing current trends and best practices, we will provide you with the critical information needed to stabilize and strengthen your camp’s team.
In this episode, we will provide a comprehensive look at three vital areas:
• Hiring & Retention Trends: An objective review of the forces influencing the talent market and effective strategies for staff retention and recruitment velocity.
• Sourcing New Staff: A structured discussion on identifying and accessing diverse talent pools to meet future staffing demands.
• Process Optimization: Guidance on streamlining your hiring and onboarding processes to improve staff engagement and compliance from the initial application.

FOR THE SLIDES, CLICK HERE

Speakers: Dan Weir, Jack Schott

@8am ET (Toronto)

Speakers: TBA

@8am ET (Toronto)

Speakers: TBA

@8:30am ET (Toronto)

Speakers: TBA