Skip to main content
For Camp Professionals
For Parents & Families
News
Volunteers
Donate
Login
Main Menu
Close
Back to Main Menu
About
Who We Are
Mission & Vision
Leadership
Strategic Plan
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Safety at Camp
Staff & Local Offices
Membership
Benefits & Rates
Manage Membership
Join/Renew
Partnerships
Brand Alliance Partners
Foundation Partners
Collaborations
Kindred Groups
Get Involved
Volunteer with ACA
ACA Connect
Annual Report
Awards & Recognition
Public Policy & Advocacy
Events & Education
Events Calendar
ACA National Conference
ACA Conferences & Events
Certifications by Camp
Camp Fairs
Online Learning
Courses & Webinars
Staff Training Certificates
Customized Staff Training
New Director Orientation
Learner Benefits
Continuing Education Credits
Digital Badges
Educational Endorsement Program
University Directory
Accreditation
Accreditation Overview
Introduction to Accreditation
Getting Started
Standards at a Glance
Accreditation Process Guide
Accreditation Academy
Learning
Accreditation Portal
Annual Accreditation Report (AAR)
Accreditation Volunteers
Visit Assignment Tools
Volunteer Resources
Accreditation Volunteer Portal
Become An Accreditation Volunteer
Jobs
Job Seekers
Summer Camp Jobs
Year-round Camp Jobs
International Staff
Work for ACA
Find Staff
Summer & Seasonal Staff
Year-Round Staff
Recruitment/Retention Tools
Job Fairs
Research
Camp Research
National Camp Impact Study
ACA Research Forum
Camp Business Operations
History of Camp Research
Continuous Improvement
Camp Program Quality
Youth Development Outcomes
Innovative Projects
Character at Camp Initiative
Camp-School Partnerships
CampWell
Youth Programs on Campus
Leadership Pathways Project
Get Involved in Research
Submit to Research Forum
Research & Evaluation Advisory Committee
Resources
Resources for Camps
Core Competency Toolkits
Character at Camp
ACA Connect
Camping Magazine
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Health Forms & Records
Recruit/Retain Staff
Starting a Camp
Marketplace
Bookstore
Buyer's Guide
Group Purchasing
Buy/Sell a Camp
Listing on Find a Camp
New Product Spotlight
Laws and Regulations
State Regulations
Public Policy Updates
Advocacy Tools
Search
Become a Member
Main Menu
Close
Back to Main Menu
About
Who We Are
Mission & Vision
Leadership
Strategic Plan
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Partnerships
Brand Alliance Partners
Collaborations
Foundation Partners
Kindred Groups
Get Involved
Support ACA
Partner with Us
Volunteer
Benefits of Camp
Value of Camp
Because of Camp
The Case for Camp
Why Summer Camp?
Health & Safety
Why Accredited Camps?
How to Choose a Camp
Camp and State Regulations
Planning for Camp
Expert Advice
A Camp for Every Child
Gauging Your Child's Readiness
Coping with Homesickness
Blog
Preparing for Camp
Affording Camp
Planning Checklist
Camp Visits/FAQs
What to Bring
Search
Find a Camp
Breadcrumb
Home
Matthew Barstead
The Human Need to Belong: An Evolution in How We Think about Camps
July 1, 2012
Humans are social creatures by nature, driven by a need to belong. Camps are social institutions by definition. As camp professionals, it is critical that we take time to...
Subscribe to Matthew Barstead
