MetroWest YMCA Camp Leaders Share Regional Expertise at ACA New England Conference
The MetroWest YMCA summer camp leadership team recently joined more than 800 camp professionals from 250+ camps at the American Camp Association (ACA) New England Camp Conference in New Hampshire, where they did more than learn from industry leaders; they helped lead the conversation.
Throughout the three-day conference, MetroWest YMCA staff participated in more than 50 educational sessions, keynote events, affinity spaces, and networking opportunities focused on camper well-being, staff development, inclusion, and program innovation.
Just as importantly, MetroWest YMCA team members were selected to present their own expertise to peers across New England, showcasing the organization’s leadership in food education, farm-to-school programming, camp traditions, and creating spaces where every child feels they belong.
Bringing Fresh Ideas Home for Camp Families
The conference focused on issues that matter deeply to today’s families, including:
- Youth mental health and emotional support
- Staff training, coaching, and leadership development
- Camp safety and operational excellence
- Innovative programming
This professional development helps ensure MetroWest YMCA camps continue to evolve with best practices and provide safe, welcoming, and high-quality summer experiences for children and families.
MetroWest YMCA Leading in Food, Wellness, and Farm-to-School Education
MetroWest YMCA team members Karley Besozzi, Director of Nutrition Education, and Lindsey Bogott, Farm to School and Food Access Coordinator, presented a session titled:“Farm to Camp: Incorporating Gardening and Cooking for Your Campers”
Their presentation highlighted how the Metrowest YMCA integrates gardening, cooking, and nutrition education into camp programs to help children better understand where food comes from and build lifelong healthy habits.
Karley oversees the YMCA’s cooking programs, nutrition education initiatives, and camp meal production, while Lindsey manages the YMCA’s Farm to School program, oversees 32 raised garden beds across multiple sites, and teaches gardening education.
Together, they shared how camps can create engaging, hands-on experiences where children plant, harvest, prepare, and taste fresh foods while learning valuable life skills.
They explained that gardening and cooking experiences help campers become more willing to try new fruits and vegetables, understand the time and energy it takes to grow food, reduce waste, and build skills like patience, critical thinking, and self-regulation through calm, sensory, nature-based learning.
Their leadership in this space reflects the MetroWest YMCA’s broader commitment to youth wellness, food access, and whole-child development.
Sharing the Power of Belonging, Tradition, and Representation
MetroWest YMCA leaders Jesus Addarich and Gabbie Addarich also played a major role at the conference through both presenting and community leadership.
Jesus Addarich, Senior Unit Director at Hopkinton Day Camp, and Colin Dagg were selected as one of only six featured presentations for the full conference audience of 800 attendees. They presented on one of camp’s signature traditions: Empire Flag.
A favorite among campers and staff, Empire Flag is a game originally created by MetroWest YMCA camp counselors. It combines the strategy of the board game Risk with the energy of Capture the Flag, creating a large-scale team competition where every camper can play an important role. Over time, the game has become a cherished camp tradition that builds teamwork, creativity, leadership, and pride.
Jesus explained why traditions like Empire Flag matter so much:
“It’s about ownership, so the counselors and campers feel valued and proud of themselves. I want campers to know - this is your camp. I want them to see that this is their home.”
Jesus also co-led the conference’s BIPOC affinity space, with his daughter, Gabbie Addarich, helping create opportunities for camp leaders from across the region to connect, reflect, and support one another.
“Having a BIPOC Affinity Group in the camp community is so important because it creates a space where campers and staff can just be—without needing to explain or filter their experiences,” said Gabbie.
As Assistant Camp Director for the OCP Summer Program, Gabbie shared her perspective of what belonging means in camp communities.
“When it comes to supporting achievement, relationships, and belonging, I really try to be intentional about creating spaces where every camper feels known and valued,” she said.
Gabbie began attending YMCA camp at age seven, returned year after year as a camper, and now leads and supports a staff team of approximately 30 people. Gabbie’s journey from camper to camp leader reflects the lasting impact of YMCA camps and the leadership pathways they create for young people.
Reflecting on the conference experience, Gabbie said:
“I walked away feeling more confident in my voice and my approach, and I’m excited to bring back more intentional community-building strategies, and staff support ideas to camp this summer.”
Strong Leadership Beyond the Stage
MetroWest YMCA staff also served the conference through volunteer leadership roles, including planning committees and board service.
Steve Lockney, Associate Executive Director of Camping Services, serves on the ACA New England Board of Directors and Conference Committee, helping shape the future of camping across the region.
Lockney emphasized that investing in staff growth directly benefits campers and families: “When our staff continues learning, building new skills, and sharing ideas with peers across the region, it leads to stronger leadership, more innovative programs, and better outcomes for the children and families we serve.”
Looking Ahead to Summer
The MetroWest YMCA team returned from the ACA New England Conference with fresh ideas, stronger regional connections, and renewed energy for the summer ahead. From new strategies to support staff and campers, to innovative food and garden programming, to intentional practices that foster belonging, the learning from this conference will help strengthen the camp experience across all MetroWest YMCA programs.
Just as importantly, the conference showcased what MetroWest YMCA staff already contribute to the field: creativity, leadership, inclusion, and programs that help young people feel connected, confident, and at home at camp.