We are in the midst of another summer, and wherever you are in your camp season, I want to say, “Thank you.”
Across the country, camp professionals have one of the most important jobs there is: creating safe, joyful, and transformative experiences for more than 26 million children. Long before the first camper arrived, you invested countless hours recruiting and training staff, preparing facilities, developing programs, and planning for every possibility. Now, throughout the summer, you pour your energy into helping young people build confidence, develop character, form lasting friendships, and discover strengths they may not have known they possessed.
The impact of that work cannot be measured simply by the number of campers who come through your gates. It lives on in the resilience of a child who found the courage to try something new, in the belonging experienced by a camper who finally found their community, and in the leadership skills developed by the young adults serving on your staff. Camp continues to provide exactly the kinds of developmental experiences that are so critical right now — and every one of you should be proud of the role you play in making that possible.
As we transition from one camp season to the next, we also find ourselves entering an exciting new chapter for Camping Magazine. With this issue, we are launching our first fully digital edition, part of our new publishing model that will include four issues each year — two in print and two in this new, dynamic digital format.
While the format is changing, our commitment remains exactly the same: providing timely, practical, and thought-provoking resources that help you lead stronger camps and create even greater impact. In fact, the new digital experience gives us exciting opportunities to present content in more engaging ways and connect you more directly with the ideas, people, and resources shaping the future of our profession. We hope you’ll enjoy exploring this new format and that it becomes another valuable tool in your leadership journey, and we are eager to receive any feedback you may have for further improvement.
This issue reflects many of the challenges and opportunities camp professionals are navigating today. You’ll find practical guidance on strengthening disability inclusion, helping camps to become places where even more young people can fully participate and thrive. You’ll also find insights into recruiting leadership professionals, recognizing that identifying and preparing the next generation of camp leaders is one of the most crucial investments we can make in the future of our field. In addition, our article on purpose-driven programming through partnerships explores how thoughtful collaboration can expand opportunities for campers while strengthening the long-term sustainability of our organizations.
The work of camp has always evolved to meet the changing needs of children and communities. Our willingness to continue learning and adapting is one of the greatest strengths of the camp movement. At ACA, we remain committed to supporting that evolution. Whether through research, professional development, advocacy, accreditation, or resources like this magazine, our goal is to equip camp professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Thank you again for your extraordinary commitment to children, families, and communities. The work you do changes lives every single day, and together we will continue to unleash the life-changing power of camp for generations to come. It is the most important work there is!
