|
 As
camp professionals, we know that there
are challenges in running a camp business—regardless
of the size or number of employees. However,
when the camp director is also the head
cook, softball coach, and swimming instructor,
those challenges can sometimes force us
to make concessions somewhere.
So it is with small associations such
as ACA, when we attempt to do the things
we do well, such as providing a world-class
standards program, as well as the things
that we can't do as well, such as
being our own publisher. Although
we have published some outstanding books
over the last several decades, the changing
face of today's book publishing and
distribution arena have made us look closely
at our publishing operations. We
have decided that continuing as a publisher
will compromise our financial health and
that there are better ways to serve our
members.
I am extremely proud to announce a new
publishing partnership with Healthy Learning,
the Monterey, California, based company
that will be the exclusive publisher of
ACA educational materials. All materials
published for ACA by Healthy Learning (HL)
will carry the ACA logo, and all ACA-authored
titles will be copyrighted to ACA and remain
our exclusive intellectual property. ACA
will continue to have final editorial approval
of any materials published under the ACA
mantle.
Healthy Learning has produced over 2,000
titles and has similar relationships with
other nonprofit national organizations
with compatible missions to ACA, including
the American College of Sports Medicine,
the American Council on Exercise, and the
National Intramural-Recreational Sports
Association, among others. Their books
and videos represent the cutting edge of
information for health, fitness, and recreational
professionals and organizations. HL
uses studio and video production facilities
and in-house book editing, design, and
production staff to create quality resources
as soon as the need is recognized.
How will this new partnership affect ACA
members? We anticipate a seamless
transition and predict that members will
see little difference in purchasing and
ordering.
| Inventory will be
in Healthy Learning's warehouse,
not ACA's; |
| Shipment of orders
will be the same day or next day; |
| Members can continue
to order ACA titles through the online
bookstore at www.ACABookstore.org; |
| There is a new 800
number for call-in orders and customer
service—888-229-5745; |
| Any calls to the
national office will be transferred
directly to Healthy Learning; |
| Pricing of all books
and materials through HL will reflect
a new valued pricing structure; |
| Additional books
published by Healthy Learning will
be available; and |
| ACA members will
continue to receive a discount, which
will be reflected at "check out." |
Through May 2007, all ACA forms will continue
to be available for purchase in packets
of 100 or as downloads. After May
2007, all forms will be available through
online bookstore for download (charged
as now).
Our partnership with Healthy Learning
has great potential, as they have the capacity
to place many new titles into the marketplace
within the next year. One of the
first will be the new Standards book, which
will be available by Fall 2006. And, if
you have an idea for a book that would
be valuable to camp professionals, please
contact Susan Sutherlin at ssutherlin@ACAcamps.org. Susan
is working closely with HL during the transition
period and can answer any questions that
may arise.
This partnership is a tremendous opportunity
for the American Camp Association and our
members. Check out the Web site
at www.acabookstore.org and
watch for upcoming new titles soon! |
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