In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our Eastern and Central region camp community has faced tremendous challenges.
Over the past few days, we have seen and heard the heartbreaking stories of how their camps and homes have been affected. We want all our members in those regions to know that the entire ACA community is holding each of you in our thoughts and wishing you strength and resilience as you begin to recover and rebuild.
In the coming days, we know that the larger camp community will begin to determine their next steps. To assist, here are resources that we hope you find helpful personally and professionally.
Government Resources
- FEMA Hurricane Helene Response
- Financial Assistance, Safety, Mental Health, and Other Resources
- Alabama Emergency Management Agency
- Florida Resources
- Georgia Emergency Management
- North Carolina Resources
- South Carolina Resources
- Tennessee Department of Military
Support for Those in Need
We also know that many members of the camp community are eager to assist. As with most natural disasters, it takes time to know the full impact. Over the next month, we will collect information about the needs of camps. We will then encourage the camp community to donate supplies and host volunteer days where we can support camps in their cleanup or rebuilding efforts.
If your camp or business was impacted by Hurricane Helene, or if you might be able to provide assistance, please let us know in the form. If you do not know what your needs are at this time, that’s OK — let us know in the form and we will follow up with you when you are ready.
Project:Camp
In the coming days, Project:Camp will open free day camps in the Tampa, Florida, area and are looking for a host site in North Carolina. If you are available to host Project:Camp or willing to volunteer at one of their sites, please email camps@projectcamp.co.
The impact of Hurricane Helene is a reminder for all camps to review their weather response policies and resources. You can find a list of severe weather resources on our website. Lean on your camp insurance company, your local health department, and fellow camp professionals to learn more about how you can best prepare. ACA Connect is filled with suggestions and is always open for you to ask the question, “has anyone ever…?”
Again, to our friends who have been impacted, we are thinking of you. It is in times like these that the strength of our camp community truly shines, and we know that together we can navigate the path ahead.
