https://www.acacamps.org/events-education/event/2026-aca-national-conference

Join us for the 2026 ACA National Conference, February 17-20, 2026, in San Diego, CA. Four-plus packed days of quality education, social and issues-based networking, professional trade-show...

https://www.acacamps.org/events-education/event/aca-ohio-camp-conference

Please join us for the 2026 Ohio Camp Conference!  The Ohio Camp Conference, located at the Ohio 4-H Center at Ohio State University, is a one-day event for camp professionals....

https://www.acacamps.org/events-education/event/aca-southeastern-fall-camp-conference

Please join us for the Southeastern Fall Camp Conference in Greenville, SC on November 18-20, 2025! The conference features educational breakout sessions covering topics such as...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/character-time-place-culture-meditation-growth-camp

The word character carries weight. It evokes images of resilience, courage, and kindness under pressure — qualities we hope to develop in our children and refine in ourselves. Yet character, like the...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/fostering-positive-character-camp

The “fun” started on the very first day of camp. I was helping some of my 10-year-old boys put their belongings into their respective cubbies when I turned to help a youngster we’ll call “Jake.” As I...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/character-cultivation-character-controversy

Let’s be honest: as camp leaders, you deal with a lot of controversy. And it can be exhausting! Controversy may stem from drama with staff, parents, or your board — and camper drama is ever-...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/more-character-less-risk

Risk management is a significant part of any camp professional’s role. Reducing risk at camp requires committing to a combination of approaches, such as regularly updating policies and procedures,...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/safe-try-safe-fail-cultivating-courage-growth-camp

“Can I try again?” I heard those four words one morning at archery, spoken with shaky confidence by a 10-year-old named Jordan. He’d missed the target, not just the bullseye, but the entire hay...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/moving-forward-together-character-camp

At any given point in the summer, I can stop what I am doing and listen. Through the distance and the noise, I can hear the laughter and play of millions of children at camps across the country. As I...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/strategic-planning-rooted-character

Every camp reaches a moment when it has to ask itself: Are we still serving our mission in the most impactful way? Are we ready for the future? How do we ensure long-term sustainability...