https://www.acacamps.org/article/parents/preparing-children-summer-camp-experience

"Summer camp is more than a vacation for children," says Bruce Muchnick, Ed.D., a licensed psychologist who works extensively with day and resident camps. "As a parent, there are a few things to...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/parents/5-reasons-why-great-parents-send-their-kids-camp

My shy, quiet nine-year-old went to camp not knowing a soul. Two weeks later, she came home transformed. She blossomed. She made friends, learned a multitude of activities, felt safe, loved,...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/ten-ways-reduce-injuries-illnesses-camp

When it comes to providing safe experiences for children, knowledge is often the most powerful tool an organization possesses. Knowledge about safe conditions and practices and the ability to...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/no-reservations-needed-please-be-seated-five-course-staff-training-smorgasbord

During the spring of each year, many camp directors are faced with what can seem to be an overwhelming task of planning for staff training. While it is tempting to use the same "recipes" from...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/martin-his-friends-counseling-skills-effect-change-camp

Martin was sitting in the office of the boys' head counselor again. He'd been playing "Ga Ga" when another camper got him out. In what had quickly become an all-too-typical response for nine-year-old...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/parents/keeping-camp-costs-budget-friendly

Camp is a life-changing experience — one that’s possible for every child and every budget. Even though the experience is priceless, paying for it doesn’t have to be! “I’m a great believer that you...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/research-360-quality-vs-outcomes-smackdown

If you've been following this blog you know that the Research 360 goal is to build camp evaluation capacity. Thus far I've described what...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/summer-camp-unique-environment-social-emotional-learning

As an education research organization affiliated with the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University, we thought it was an exciting opportunity to investigate camp as a unique learning...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/benefits-volunteering-aca

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 15–21, 2018), Rich Garbinsky, who chairs ACA's Volunteer Engagement Committee, shared his experience volunteering with ACA.

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/happy-campers-how-camp-relationships-promote-social-emotional-learning

Young people are diverse and dynamic, and they have myriad pathways to success. Unfortunately, youth development research often highlights watered-down averages of sample sets that offer limited...