Helen Morales, Director of Outdoor Education and Camp Woodcraft, has over 15 years of experience in afterschool programming with a focus on early childhood and outdoor education and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Family Studies from California State University Long Beach. Helen designs and oversees the agency’s outdoor education and nature-based learning programs, including Woodcraft Rangers American Camp Association (ACA) accredited sleepaway camp, Camp Woodcraft, and year-round day-long and weekend retreats for students and families.
In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations of outdoor education and camp programs, Helen also develops and oversees trauma-informed training and camp mental health training for counselors ensuring high-quality standards through goal setting, monitoring, and evaluation. She is a respected leader within the ACA community, serving on both the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion National Advisory Committee and the National Volunteer Engagement Committee. Her contributions advance inclusive practices and promote excellence in camp experiences nationwide, reflecting her commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within the camping community.
In 2024, Helen was named Outdoor Educator of the Year, Southern California by the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, and Camp Woodcraft was awarded the Eleanor P. Eells Award for Research and Practice, demonstrating excellence in research practices that improve program practice and camper experience, by the American Camp Association.
Affiliations and presentations have included: BOOST Collaborative, American Camp Association (ACA), ACA National and Regional Leadership Conferences, and Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (AEOE).