Research

Camper reviewing trail map on top of mountain

Key Takeaways from Pulse Survey — Summer 2022 Trends and Issues

Mon, 10/24/2022 - 09:41

The survey asked questions about enrollment and campers, camp staff, and budget and operations.

Learnings and Gaps Identified through the Camp Program Quality Initiative

Tue, 07/19/2022 - 11:05

Here are some recent learnings and identified gaps related to the Camp Program Quality Initiative.

Get Involved in Camp Research

Tue, 07/19/2022 - 10:16

Evaluate the Camp Experience

The ACA Research Team supports and facilitates rigorous research to expand the value and visibility of the camp experience and provide research-informed resources for camps. These tools for Continuous Improvement cover topics from Program Quality to Outcome measurement.

Spend Time with Our ACA Research Forum

Access abstracts from peer-reviewed research presented at the ACA National Conference each year and learn more about how to submit a research proposal to the Research Forum. You can also learn about our two research-related awards, the Marge Scanlin Award for Outstanding Student Research, and the Eleanor P. Eells Award for Excellence in Research in Practice.

ACA Research Forum (overview and downloadable abstracts)
Submit to the Annual Research Forum
Apply for the Marge Scanlin Award for Outstanding Student Research
Nominate a program for the Eleanor P. Eells Award for Excellence in Research in Practice

Research and Evaluation Advisory Committee

The Research and Evaluation Advisory Committee (REAC) has the charge to “advise and support the research function of the Association as it serves to develop and enhance knowledge generation and dissemination within ACA.”

Other Ways To Get Involved

Partner with a college or university
Write for the research blog - Contact research@ACAcamps.org
Volunteer with your local office

ACA Research Team

Laurie Browne, PhD, Director of Research
Jessie Dickerson, Research Assistant

Our Research & Innovation

Tue, 07/19/2022 - 08:35

Innovative Programs

ACA's new three-year grant program is designed to foster evidence-informed planning, testing, and improving initiatives to increase access to and engagement in counselor-in-training (CIT) programs and other qualified leadership programs among young people with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and identities.

Leadership Pathways Project: Grant Opportunities for CIT Program Development

Youth & Staff Outcomes and Camp Program Quality

Read about ACA’s ongoing Impact Study, which includes research related to camper, teen, and staff outcomes and how these outcomes prepare camp participants to thrive in college, in their careers, and in their lives outside of camp. This page also includes other reports and research-based resources related to the camp experience.

Camp Business Operations

Analyze camp industry trends through summaries of our annual business operations reports. We commission three reports on a rotating basis; the most recent findings are available in day, overnight, and combined reports.

ACA Research Forum

Access abstracts from peer-reviewed research presented at the ACA National Conference each year, and to learn more about how to submit a research proposal to the Research Forum. Here you can also learn about our two research-related awards, the Marge Scanlin Award for Outstanding Student Research and the Eleanor P. Eells Award for Excellence in Research in Practice.