https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/compromise-can-turn-crisis-value

Many camps did not operate this past summer because of COVID-19. There were serious consequences for all as a result. Children lost the opportunity for summer fun and engagement;...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/covid-19-decision-making-amid-uncertainty

It’s a pandemic. No one knows enough. They say it may last 12–18 months. Maybe longer. Information changes day-to-day. Sometimes more frequently. There’s a pediatric complication that wasn’t...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/assessing-summer-health-outcomes

How did it go? After 2020's "different" summer, we stepped into 2021 with hope. More camps opened, some staff were COVID-19 immunized, and protective behaviors — such as masks, physical distancing,...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/excellence-research-practice

In 2015, ACA, with the help of the Committee for the Advancement of Research and Evaluation (CARE), created the Eleanor P. Eells Award for Excellence in Research in Practice. This award is designed...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/campline/emergency-planning-preparedness-summer-2021-key-lessons-takeaways-related-covid-19

Like many of you, I spent last summer monitoring social media for information about how the camps in my home state of Missouri were handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the social nature of camps —...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/it-over-yet

The year 2020 was one of adversity. It was a year of dramatic change and tremendous loss for many. Loss of loved ones. Loss of income. Loss of business. Loss of treasured life experiences —...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/health-screening-has-evolved-does-your-practice-reflect

Health screening, a practice typical to most camps' opening day process, has undergone an evolution. Granted, some changes were kick-started by our COVID-19 experience but, like...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/armed-dangerous-fugitive-situations-near-camp

In the summers of 2017 and 2018, the West Virginia 4-H camp program experienced multiple incidents where camps were locked down due to armed suspects in the area. In one incident, a man stole a truck...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/learning-live-fire-how-camps-can-adapt-new-normal

In August of 2018, the Donnell Fire started in Tuolumne County, California — eventually destroying some 60 square miles of forests before burning out on October 1 of that year. It was a stressful...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/campline/preventing-pre-planning-response-emergencies

Establish positive relationships with police or other law enforcement officials who provide service to the camp. Establish a system of monitoring camper behavior. Provide additional support when...