FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

¡HOLA!
The American Camp Association Makes It Easy for Spanish-Speaking Families Interested in the Camp Experience for Their Children

APRIL 5, 2005, INDIANAPOLIS, IN—To make it easier and more convenient for Spanish-speaking parents to find expert advice on the camp experience for their children, the American Camp Association (ACA) unveils a new family-dedicated, user-friendly Web site and brochure in Spanish.

The parent site, www.CampParents.org, in Spanish is part of ACA's public awareness initiatives that are designed to introduce new families to the benefits of the camp experience. A new brochure, Destinación CAMPAMENTO, was also created for ACA camps and local offices to use as part of their family outreach programs.

The family-dedicated, user-friendly Web site offers expert advice from leading authorities on child development and from ACA camp professionals. Founded in 1910, the American Camp Association is the nation's only educational, nonprofit, accrediting organization of more than 7,000 camp professionals, designed to ensure the quality of camp programs nationwide. As a leading authority in child development, ACA works to preserve, promote, and improve the camp experience at more than 2,400 camps across the United States.

"At ACA, we believe that 'Camp gives kids a world of good.' We also want 'a world of kids' to enjoy the experience and adventure of going to camp. This new Spanish-language Web site makes it easier for children and parents of Hispanic heritage to access the information and resources that are available," says Harriet Gamble, ACA's director of communications.

"Camp is an American tradition—and the best traditions are inclusive and offer diversity. We're committed," says Peg Smith, ACA's CEO, "to providing all children with the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, confidence-building, discovery, character and skill-development, and healthy living—lessons that can only be learned at camp."

Spanish-speaking parents are now able to access expert information on the benefits of the camp experience as well as information on ACA-accredited camps, by clicking on the "Español" link. The site offers information on topics, such as:

• how to locate and select a camp that's right for your child from a data bank of over 2,400 summer, day, and specialty camps. Instructions for the use of this part of the site are in Spanish, but the searchable database is in English.
• how to determine a child's readiness for camp.
• expert-written articles in Spanish on topics including: "Parents' Planning Calendar"; "Right Time, Right Camp: The Perfect Fit"; "Expert Advice on Homesickness"; "Making the Most of the Camp Visit"; and "Fun and Safety: ACA Camps Set the Standard."

Media interviews on American Camp Association's new Spanish-speaking Web site are available with a Spanish speaker. If you or your editor is interested, please contact: Public Relations, 765-349-3317 or at pr@ACAcamps.org.

The American Camp Association works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-accredited camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

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