Jalisa Danhof Of Camp Newaygo Honored With Leadership Award

Jalisa Danhof Of Camp Newaygo Honored With Leadership Award
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Jalisa Danhof is the 2017 recipient of the American Camp Association (ACA) Jack Weiner Leadership Award. The award was named for a legendary camping professional who had a passion for mentoring young camp leaders and is designed to support a young person who is pursuing a career in the camping field.

The award recipient receives $1,000 to attend and fully participate in the ACA national conference.One honoree receives this particular award annually, and it will be presented, along with seven others, at the ACA National Conference in February in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Ms. Danhof, Assistant Director at Camp Newaygo, was nominated...

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...by her long-time mentor, Neva Baltzell, Florida 4-H Camping Director.

Some individuals find their way to a career in camping. Others, like Camp Newaygo’s Jalisa Danhof, set that goal for themselves at an early age and see it through.
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“Jalisa has always had a passion for camping since her very first week at overnight camp when she was 8 years old,” said Ms. Baltzell when asked about her recommendation. “She has developed into a great camp leader and works tirelessly to develop life skills in the young women that attend her camp.”

“Jalisa believes passionately in the 90 year tradition of Camp Newaygo to help young women develop friendships that last a lifetime.”

A graduate from Florida State University with a degree in Recreation and Leadership Administration, Danhof was hired by Camp Newaygo in 2011, and quickly rose to the position of Assistant Camp Director. She has been instrumental in Camp Newaygo’s current five year streak of increased attendance and staff retention.

During this time, she has racked up an impressive string of Professional Camp accomplishments including; Buckeye Leadership Workshop Committee Member 2010-Present, ACA National Emerging Professionals In Camping Chair 2011-Present, ACA National Conference Program Review Team 2015 and 2016, ACA Michigan volunteer service and conference leadership 2011- Present, Presenter at the ACA National Conference: 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2016, Presenter at the Southeastern ACA Conference 2010, American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, Level 2 ACCT Challenge Course Practitioner.

Ms. Danhof is also a regular contributor to the GoCampPro team through podcasts and blogs.
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“We’re incredibly proud of Jalisa, but not at all surprised that she’s receiving this honor,” said Camp Newaygo Executive Director, Jane Vitek. “She’s done an amazing job here at Camp Newaygo, and has been an integral part of bringing us to where we are today.”

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