Peg Smith, ACA's Chief Executive Officer, Available for Media Interviews Regarding Camp as a Vital Component in the Education of the Whole Child
Indianapolis, IN (September 27, 2010) – Today in an NBC "The Today Show" appearance, President Obama said that American students are in school about a month less than in most other advanced countries, causing them to lag behind other nations in academic achievement. The American Camp Association® (ACA) supports education reform, but advocates for experiential summer learning outside the classroom. ACA believes an organized camp experience as a vital component in the development and education of the whole child.
While education reform is essential, should the focus be on extending the school year?
According to Peg Smith [1], ACA's CEO, "Teaching children to pass standardized tests doesn't necessarily teach them to think for themselves. Education is about more than teaching answers; it's about equipping our kids with the ability to develop the art of seeing the possibilities."
"Camp is a classroom without walls," said Smith. "For 150 years, millions of children have experienced summer learning through the camp experience — learning life skills, developing authentic relationships with mentors and peers, and connecting to nature."
Since the first camp was founded in 1861 [2], camp has offered teachable moments for generations of children and youth. And the experiential nature of camp – the hands on approach to learning – allows all children to feel successful, boosting self-confidence and developing a sense of accomplishment.
Camp is one of the oldest and finest community-based experiential education and development models in America. The camp community has a long, well proven history of promoting healthy risk taking in a controlled environment. Quality camp/school partnerships that are fully supported and funded will achieve our goals of producing graduates who become productive, contributing citizens.
Contact ACA [3] to schedule an interview with Peg Smith [1], ACA's CEO, to discuss camp as a vital component to the education of the whole child. Visit ACA's Web site [4] for more information about camp as a vital component to the education and development of the whole child.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) 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 [5].