COCA member camps can easily access the PDLC for their teams. Camp directors can request a unique access link by contacting Callie@cocai.org. This link can be shared with staff and volunteers within the organization.
Through this system, COCA administrators can:
- Track course participation and progress
- Provide updates to camp leadership upon request
If you have questions or would like to get started, please reach out. We’re excited to support your camp’s continued learning and growth.
The Professional Development Learning Center (PDLC) is COCA’s online education platform, designed to provide ongoing, specialized learning opportunities for the staff and volunteers of COCA member camps. Focused on the unique needs of pediatric oncology camping, the PDLC offers accessible, relevant training for the professionals who support this important work.
The PDLC was created to deliver consistent, high-quality education beyond COCA’s annual conference, as requested by COCA members. This virtual learning environment supports COCA member camps by enhancing staff training and strengthening program quality in the pediatric oncology camping industry. Through this platform, users can:
- Access specialized module-based training courses
- Build knowledge and refine skills relevant to pediatric oncology camping
- Earn course completion certificates
While there are organizations that provide robust resources for traditional camps, training opportunities tailored specifically to medical and pediatric oncology camps remain limited. The PDLC fills this gap by offering targeted, accessible education designed specifically for this field. It is currently the only online learning platform dedicated to training and supporting pediatric oncology camp professionals at this level.
The PDLC is the result of several years of collaboration and innovation. In response to member feedback expressing the need for ongoing education, COCA partnered with Northwestern Mutual to transform past webinars into structured courses with integrated assessments and certificates.
Course development was led in collaboration with Professor Dave Malter, an education and training consultant and former faculty at Gratz College. Video content was curated and edited by Anthony Cona of Cona Video Productions (Camp Kids Are Kids Chicago). The platform’s design and user experience were developed by COCA Program Manager Callie Campbell.
The PDLC currently features a range of educational topics, including:
- Staff Training
- Child Development
- Camp Operations and Leadership
- Program Development
- Nonprofit Management
- Financial Literacy and Fundraising
- Accreditation Training
- Medical Safety
- Psychosocial Support
- Disaster Preparedness
All current courses are available free of charge to COCA member camp staff and volunteers.
Looking ahead, COCA, alongside the Research & Education Committee, plans to expand the PDLC with original content developed in partnership with camp professionals, educators, medical experts, and nonprofit leaders.
While courses derived from past and current webinars will remain free, newly developed, specialized courses may be offered for a nominal fee per user. These courses will continue to focus on key areas such as staff training, fundraising, child development, leadership, operations, and medical and psychosocial care.