An applicant for a REAC member position should ideally have:

  • A graduate degree in a field related to youth development
  • Prior research experience (e.g., designing, conducting, and reporting on social science-based research studies), preferably related to some aspect of the camp/youth experience
  • Past camp experience (staff member, participant, etc.)
  • Additional research skills (methodology, data analysis, grant writing, scholarly writing, etc.) that contribute to the work of REAC

We are particularly interested in applicants who have (a) an appointment with a university academic department (b) familiarity with a variety of research methods and approaches useful to exploring questions related to camp and human development; or (c) a well-established record of research related to the camp experience and youth development.

REAC members are expected to be members of the American Camp Association throughout their term(s) and have a commitment to the goals and vision of ACA. Members are expected to attend one “in-person” meeting a year (meeting costs are covered by ACA) as well as 3-4 conference calls and fulfill responsibilities they assume as a part of the Committee work. The term is three years with potential for one reappointment. This new REAC position will begin upon appointment in Spring 2023.

The benefits of serving as a REAC member include:

  • Guide the research and evaluation agenda of a national youth serving association
  • Get to know colleagues who care about research and evaluation in camp settings
  • Expand professional network
  • Use personal and professional experience to promote positive youth development in camp settings

Any ACA member interested in becoming a REAC member should:

  • Submit a letter of interest that includes an articulation of strengths
  • Submit a current vita or resume

Materials should be submitted directly to Laurie Browne at lbrowne@ACAcamps.org no later than January 27, 2023.  Interested applicants will be reviewed by REAC and a list of finalists will be submitted to the CEO.

The final appointment and notification will be made by the CEO no later than March 2023. Applicants not selected will also be notified by the committee.

Learn more about REAC.