Latest ACA Blog Posts

Sometimes in life one is blessed with an “out of the blue” moment. It is when something or someone comes to you that is unexpected and initially appears to be unrelated to everything else that may be going on but provides a tremendous profit in spirit or support. If one pays attention, one realizes its import and critical value to not only that moment in time but, if treasured, many moments yet to occur.

Out of the blue moments are often gifts of the greatest nature. Today, unexpectedly, I received a package. I have been blessed a number of times in my life with notes or phone calls offering out of the blue inspiration and support. The package received recently from Norman Friedman was another such moment — out of the blue. I admire Norman for all that he has done in his life to protect children and youth, and I feel...

In today's global community, the world is made smaller by technology, and we are allowed to connect across countries and continents. The idea of "community" is taking on a new meaning each day. Because of this, camp is important now, and even moreso in the future — Forming community is one of the "basics" at camp. We recognize and support the human instinct for community, agreement, and belonging.

And even beyond that, we use exchange, contribution, and meaning to honor individual need within the context of the larger community. We know how to share space. We know how to bring people together regardless of differences. We understand our sameness. At camp, we strike the balance of individualism within a shared community.
 

How do our camp experiences make such a profound difference in the lives of young people?

It isn't rocket science, although if you read the adolescent brain research you can understand why our communities are so incredibly successful. Or if you read what we know about hope and the human spirit — the camp experience makes sense. Consider the following:

• Fundamentally, we still believe that having fun is an excellent way to learn. Fun, and specifically humor, is the highest form of abstract thinking. Fun keeps the brain alert and engaged.
• We believe in the outdoors as a natural and incredibly dynamic learning environment. We are a part of nature and are soothed when we return to the intimacy of the natural world.
• We understand that as humans we need real relationships and will seek them out and, in fact, suffer if deprived of human contact.
• Finally, we value active participation at whatever...

I believe the camp experience should be a part of every child's developmental growth and education. As such, ACA supports those who create exceptional futures for children and youth through quality camp experiences. Even after 150 years, today, a quality camp experience makes the world better by creating 21st century leaders who understand character, community, collaboration, and citizenship.

Yet, maybe more importantly, in a world that is consumed by a tsunami of fear that causes us to consider keeping young people hostage in academic institutions 24/7, the camp community has the ability to encourage intellectual courage — a courage that recognizes challenge, imagination, and innovation. We encourage young people to seek solutions and alternatives. We appreciate and understand that mistakes teach important...

In honor of tomorrow’s Early Bird Deadline for conference registration, today’s Moment in Camp History is all about national conference!

• 1925 — The first national conference was held in Cedar Hill, Massachusetts. ACA was still known as the “Camp Directors Association” back then, and the national conference was regarded as the “annual meeting.”
• 1935 — The first national conference of the American Camping Association was held in Cleveland, Ohio. It was referred to as “convention.”
• 1949–1977 — National conferences and regional conferences were held in alternate years.
• 2005 — The first conference of ACA as it’s known today (American Camp Association) was held in Orlando, Florida at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
• Number of times the conference has been held in...

So many young people are without adequate food and shelter this season. I know those of us who can will remember to be generous with others in order to help fill stomachs, cloth bare heads and feet, and support those without a home. But let's not forget to fill the heart and spirit.

You know the sheer joy a young person receives when given a colorful package with shiny ribbons. The fun of ripping open the package to find a small toy or stuffed animal is immeasurable. And consider the bonus if attached to that toy or stuffed animal is a scholarship for a camp experience! Fill a heart — it could be a joy of a lifetime.

Read more about the gift of camp in CAMP e-News, ACA's newsletter for parents. And don't forget, ACA's Send a Child to Camp Fund...

Camp is the ultimate gift! It gives children a sense of who they are, helps them to become more independent, and opens up a world of opportunity where they see that they CAN become leaders, work with others, and accomplish goals through hard work . . . all while having fun!

This holiday season, give the gift of camp. Whether it is a week at camp for the special child in your life, or a donation to ACA's Send a Child to Camp Fund for a deserving child who might not otherwise have the opportunity, camp really is the gift that will never break or become outdated. The the skills and memories a child gains from a camp experience last a LIFETIME!

To learn more about the gift of camp, read "Giving the Ultimate Gift: Camp" from the November 2011 ...