American Camp Association - Latest News

Open letter to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:30:31 -0500

Read open letter to Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, discussing camp's role in the "Race to the Top"

Celebrate ACA's 100th Anniversary

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 20:51:42 -0500

Preserving the rich history of the camp experience is essential for the future. The American Camp Association (ACA) is proud to celebrate our 100th Anniversary in 2010 and the 150th Anniversary of Organized Camping in 2011, and to honor our past with this Web-based tribute.

The Fall 2009 Issue of The Campline Is Accessible Online

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:14:18 -0400

The CampLine provides camp-specific knowledge on legal, legislative, and risk management issues and is published three times a year covering topics such as: legal perspectives, regulatory matters, risk management, personnel management, and current legislative issues. The digital issue of The CampLine is not only environmentally friendly but allows you to utilize The CampLine resources more readily. Click any of the links throughout The CampLine to be sent directly to a Web browser where you can research and learn more about specific topics. It's just one more way The Campline can help you.

Reframing the Issue: ACA’s Messages to Parents Regarding the Year Round Education Reform Debate

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 14:05:48 -0400

The American Camp Association® (ACA) believes the organized camp experience is a vital component in the development and education of the whole child. ACA supports year-round educational opportunities and actively supports the extension of organized camp experiences to all children.

Say It Big Coast to Coast!

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 12:11:49 -0400

Because of Camp…™ Coming to a Highway Near You! Because of Camp…™ is going coast to coast! ACA will begin placing billboards nationwide beginning in February 2010 — delivering camp’s positive message to millions of families. Find out how you can “Say It Big” with ACA in 2010.

September 11, 2009 is the First National Day of Service and Remembrance

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 16:57:16 -0400

Join the first “United We Serve” National Day of Service and Remembrance to honor the heroes of September 11, 2001, and our nation’s brave men and women in uniform. The camp community has always supported local, regional, and national service initiatives.

August Inside ACA Now Available

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:26:47 -0400

Social Networking and Camp - As the summer camp season wanes, campers and staff alike may be feeling "campsick" for the friends, and for all practical purposes the "family," they have to say good-bye to. And, while modern technology is a friend to those wishing to stay in touch — it can quickly become tricky and murky waters to navigate. Also, beginning with the Fall 2009 issue, look for The CampLine online!

New CDC Recommendations for the Amount of Time Persons with Influenza-Like Illness Should be Away from Others

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 07:57:39 -0400

CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

CDC Expert References Summer Camps in July 24 Press Briefing

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 21:11:30 -0400

July 24, 2009 CDC Press Update: Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center on Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, references summer camps.

Peg Smith, ACA CEO, shares an update on H1N1.

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 20:59:14 -0400

I talked to a representative from the CDC today. We understand that there are a great deal of conflicting messages circulating about the H1N1 virus. To clarify, at the present time the CDC have not changed their guidance and are not aware of any State Department of Health that has done so. It is acknowledged there is a great deal of study and consideration around H1N1 guidance BUT TO DATE there have been NO modifications of the CDC guidelines.

H1N1 Camp Directors' Discussion

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 10:25:12 -0400

Share your questions and solutions regarding H1N1 at your camp with fellow directors. Ask questions...get answers and advice...from others who are experiencing outbreaks at their camps.

July Inside ACA Now Available

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 15:16:59 -0400

As parents look to make a smooth transition from the school year to the summer camp season, many have been asking questions this summer regarding H1N1 and camp. ACA chief executive officer Peg Smith addresses concerns and encourages families to work with their individual camp directors on specific questions in a short parent video.

July/August Camping Magazine Available

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:43:37 -0400

The 2009 July/August Camping Magazine is now available online.

ACA CEO Peg Smith answers parents' questions regarding H1N1 and summer camp

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:14:53 -0400

Parents are asking questions this summer regarding H1N1 and camp. ACA CEO Peg Smith addresses parent concerns and encourages families to work with their individual camp directors on specific questions in this short video.

Camp is Opening: Suggestions for Responding to Influenza-Like Illness (ILI)

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:54:15 -0400

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has released guidelines for day and resident camps about influenza-like illness (ILI) management. These guidelines, along with those issued by your State’s Department of Health, form the basis of your camp’s preparedness plan to address ILI.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Comes to Camps This Summer!

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 20:41:49 -0400

Quick announcement about a new resource for all program and camp directors to check out this summer.

Because of Camp...™ Print PSA Available

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 08:02:52 -0400

The Because of Camp…™ print public service announcement (PSA) campaign is designed as a companion to the Because of Camp…™ video PSA released in early May. The Because of Camp…™ print PSA highlights Emma Roberts, James Pickens Jr., Hill Harper, Lisa Loeb, Justin, Chambers and Blair Underwood sharing how their lives were changed and positively affected by camp.

June Inside ACA Now Available

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 15:59:54 -0400

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would like to provide H1N1 flu guidance to organizations that may host summer camps. Also, ACA is proud to announce that the print version of the Because of Camp...™ PSA will be launched this week. Ads featuring six of the celebrities from the video will be sent to more than 5,000 media outlets.

Going into the Summer with H1N1: Information for Camp Professionals

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:33:15 -0400

As the summer camp season arrives, H1N1 influenza continues to pass from person-to-person. Camp professionals are attempting to articulate a balanced response to this ever-changing disease profile, a response that acknowledges the risk profile of H1N1 with the benefits of camp for millions of children and the staff who work with them. Some of us must now make decisions for our camp season and/or refine those that have already been made. This information is provided to help that balancing process.

Centers for Disease Control Offers H1N1 Flu Guidance to Organizations Hosting Summer Camps

Tue, 19 May 2009 09:58:09 -0400

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would like to provide H1N1 flu guidance to organizations that may host summer camps. Please distribute this information widely to all organizations and individuals.

May Inside ACA Now Available

Tue, 5 May 2009 17:10:41 -0400

ACA has developed a public service announcement (PSA) titled Because of Camp…™. The purpose of this viral, Web-based, campaign is to familiarize the non-camp, general population with the benefits of camp. Through this PSA, ACA will gain brand recognition with the public, demonstrate the benefits of camp in simple, concise messages, and ultimately assist in meeting ACA’s 20/20 Vision by reaching a large population of parents of camp-aged children.

ACA Launches Because of Camp...™ PSA

Tue, 5 May 2009 16:00:41 -0400

Camp provides children with the opportunity to connect with nature, to participate in human powered activities, and to benefit from personal and primary relationships. Because of Camp...™ so much is possible.

Information on the Swine Flu

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:57:41 -0400

The Swine Flu challenge is currently a "moving target." There aren't firm answers for a lot of our camp questions but, nevertheless, there are some things we can do to keep ourselves in the best position to address the problem.

April Inside ACA Now Available

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 16:25:07 -0400

ACA Webinars: Learn "Live" From the Experts! Sign Up Today! Plus, 2008 ACA Annual Report Now Available Online.

ACA's 2008 Annual Report

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 16:18:19 -0400

Envisioning Camp Through a 20/20 Lens. 20 million children and youth will experience camp in 3-D . . . .
• Delighting in the world of nature • Discovering health and wellness • Developing strong, positive relationships

March Inside ACA Now Available

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 14:21:28 -0500

Stock up now on resources for staff training, forms and tools for parent-packets and more from the ACA Bookstore. Plus, the Camp Business Operations Report: 2009 Is Hot Off the Press!

Congratulations to the Winner of ACA's YouTube Video Contest

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 14:20:02 -0500

Congratulations to BLUE STAR CAMPS for being selected winner of the YouTube "Tell Your Camp Story" Video Contest. Thank you to all our camps that submitted videos for the contest.

February Inside ACA Now Available

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 18:51:15 -0500

Discount Rates Extended for ACA National Conference! With our economy in mind, there are some enhancements and adjustments to the ACA 2009 National Conference we want to share . Plus, ACA and the National FFA Organization Collaborate to Promote Nature-Based Curriculum.

National Collaborations — ACA Business Partnerships and Educational Alliances

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:48:07 -0500

Achieving ACA’s 20/20 Vision, to serve 20 million children through the camp experience by the year 2020, requires us to assertively reach out to other entities that share our goal to improve the lives of children, youth, and families. ACA must be a broker and partner, facilitator and catalyst. The following list provides an overview of ACA’s business partnerships and educational alliances.

ACA Economic Resources – Being Proactive in a Tough Economy

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:46:39 -0500

Ten Ways to be Proactive in a Bad Economy, Day and Resident Camps: Leading a Proactive Economic Recovery, ACA Discount Group Purchasing Program.

January Inside ACA Now Available

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 17:10:02 -0500

ACA Receives Lilly Endowment Inc. Grant

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 09:22:51 -0500

ACA is proud to announce that Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a Nature-Based Leadership grant to fund the development of Camp 2 Grow, an education and leadership program for at-risk youth. The $490,000 grant will support the distribution of a leadership education program and the development and implementation of a national scholarship program that will ensure greater numbers of children and youth have the opportunity to experience camp.

December Inside ACA Now Available

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 09:12:57 -0500

ACA Receives Lilly Endowment Inc. Grant. Also, the conference early bird deadline is fast approaching – December 8, 2008. Have you registered yet? Register prior to December 8 to tap the most savings! The process is easy. You can register online, or download the forms to send by fax or by mail.

November/December Camping Magazine Digital Issue Now Available

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 16:27:42 -0500

The 2008 November/December Camping Magazine is now available online. "Celebrating the Arts"

Support ACA! An Article by Jessica Coleman

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 11:35:57 -0500

Did you know that the national association and your local office of ACA run on charitable gifts? Only about one-third (36 percent) of ACA's national budget comes from membership dues and camp fees. That means that to continue providing the great services they offer — providing camperships, promoting camp to parents and the public, lobbying for fair regulation of camps, offering professional development in recreation and youth development, etc. — they must rely on individual donations, foundation grants, and corporate sponsorships.

November Inside ACA Now Available

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 11:33:10 -0500

2009 ACA National Conference in Orlando, Florida. Early Bird Registration Deadlines Quickly Approaching — December 8, 2008! Also, ACA's e-Institute Course Targets Youth Outcomes.

Mary Ennis Retires After Fifty-Three Years of Service to ACA

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:18:40 -0400

Mary Ennis has been part of the ACA fabric for as long as most of us have enjoyed this Association. She began her career at the American Camp Association in 1955. Hired for a temporary job to help move the ACA headquarters to their new building in Bradford Woods and get things organized, Mary’s "temporary" job extended for fifty-three short years. Her warm smile and friendly voice helped many of us find the best ACA resources for our specific needs.

Peg Smith Keynote Address at the 2008 International Camping Congress in Quebec

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 11:40:15 -0500

Part of my quote in the program book is this: “If we are truly going to achieve a strong, unified voice that articulates the essential value of the camp experience, it will take the entire camp village to raise strong, healthy, global citizens.” What I’d like to focus on for the moment is the “village”— because the word “village” has a double meaning here. Yes, it takes a village of people to raise one child. But it also takes the village itself.

October Inside ACA Now Available

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 15:33:13 -0400

New information regarding the 2009 ACA National Conference in Orlando, Florida.

A Tribute to Paul Newman

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:25:55 -0400

Paul Newman, eighty-three, one of the most warmly admired and universally loved figures in motion pictures and philanthropy, died Friday after a long battle with cancer at his farmhouse home near Westport, Connecticut. It is said that Newman derived his deepest satisfaction privately, from his quiet work in philanthropy. Particularly close to his heart were the "Hole-in-the-Wall Camps" for children with life-threatening health conditions.

NRPA Forges Education Alliance with ACA

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:10:58 -0400

Associations to Offer Online Courses and Publication Sales

Hurricane Relief Update from ACA

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:34:51 -0400

The ACA family is once again assisting those affected by hurricanes. As preparation for Hurricane Ike continues, new and sometimes unexpected needs arise. Please continue to check with these local offices for guidance on how to assist those most in need.

September Inside ACA Now Available

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 10:38:54 -0400

Only 30 Days Until the 8th Annual International Camping Congress – October 4-7!

New England Ropes Recalls Climbing Lines Due to Fall Hazard

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:29:12 -0400

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Wildfire Evacuations

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:14:26 -0400

The safety of your campers and staff and anyone who may be on your property are your primary responsibility. Review your risk management plan for camp evacuation and coordinate with appropriate local authorities.

Flying to Camp? How to Avoid Additional Luggage Costs . . . .

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:07:28 -0400

One cannot seem to fly without additional luggage costs anymore. With rising luggage fees making extra suitcases and carry-ons an added expense to the already high cost of air transportation, it’s prudent to consider ways to curb this growing cost inconvenience for your campers and staff.

Severe Weather Season is Here – Be Prepared

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:04:53 -0400

As the United States enters the severe weather season (hurricanes, tornadoes, wild fires, floods, etc), the American Camp Association reminds camps of the excellent resources available to assist you in developing your severe weather response plans.

How to Start Saving on Fuel Costs at Camp

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 17:16:31 -0400

ACA polled a number of camps across the country to determine how they were dealing with the perplexing issue of rising fuel costs and to accumulate the following list of energy-efficient ideas and methods camps are currently using to curb increasing fuel prices and the subsequent consequences of higher food prices and declines in the economy.

New May issue of CAMP e-News

Wed, 21 May 2008 20:56:25 -0400

Will your children be among the 10 million who attend camp each year—children who connect with the natural world, experience the value of community, and engage in fun, physical activity.

ACA's 2007 Annual Report

Wed, 7 May 2008 08:11:37 -0400

The mission of the American Camp Association is enriching the lives of children, youth, and adults through the camp experience.

Summer Learning Resources

Mon, 5 May 2008 15:03:35 -0400

ACA is pleased to partner with the Center for Summer Learning (CSL) to share resources and information about the positive benefits of summer learning and enrichment for children and youth. Here you will find resources related to summer learning and camp, camp-school partnerships, research, and public policy information from ACA, CSL, and other organizations.

Blog With Peg Smith

Sun, 4 May 2008 20:36:06 -0400

What's new at ACA from the CEO's point of view? What are Peg's thoughts on the latest ACA National Board Meeting or the concepts behind ACA's 20/20 Vision? Find that and more on ACA's new blog site, www.ACAcampsblog.org. Peg updates the blog frequently, so be sure to visit often for a fresh take on important issues facing ACA, Peg's philosophies, or maybe a brief review of the latest best seller on visionary management she's been reading.

BPA in Water Bottles

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:36:27 -0400

Bisphenol A also known as BPA has, once again been in the news. In a nutshell, the articles listed below share the following . . . .

Child Protection Bill Introduced in U.S. House and Senate

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:01:47 -0400

On March 13, the Child Protection Improvements Act of 2008 was introduced by Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Arlen Specter (R-PA). The bill will make permanent a child protection pilot program that allows youth-serving organizations to run FBI background checks on prospective volunteers.

Race Cars to Rock Stars: What will your child do this summer?

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:31:44 -0400

Read the March issue of CAMP e-News