I am filled with excitement as another summer season is upon us. It is my hope that — as you complete staff training and prepare for your summer job — you will experience a bit of the wonder and magic that is about to happen at your camp and so many camps across the country.

In just a few short weeks, millions of children and many adults will become immersed in the camp community and experience the life-changing impacts that a summer camp experience provides. Never before has belonging been so important to the youth of our country. Never before has it been more important to live in a supportive community, but a community of high expectations, where lessons of character and integrity carry the day. You will play a huge role in making camp that community.

Our annual staff training issue of Camping Magazine is designed to support you as you engage in the critical precamp training and education that will enable a safe, healthy, and quality camp experience. 

If you are a returning staff member with a summer or more already under your belt, please be a resource for new fellow camp staff. Working together as one amazing team is what guarantees that campers can stretch themselves in a supportive, confidence-boosting environment. Your summer will be filled with smiles and laughter but also with challenges that will push you and help you to grow. As you work to deliver such incredibly impactful experiences, you will find that you yourself will grow in deep and lasting ways.

In the pages that follow, you will find valuable resources and insights to help you navigate the ups and downs of this camp season, including articles on time management, building resiliency, cultivating empathy, responding to peer-to-peer abuse and misconduct, and more. 

I truly hope that this magazine supports the challenging and meaningful work that you have ahead of you. At ACA, we continue to focus on the aspirational goal of ensuring every child has the opportunity for a camp experience. And I personally continue to believe that the work you do is the most important work there is.

Thank you for your dedication to making such a positive impact on our communities and the world. 

And happy camping!