https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/program-outcomes-resident-camp-youth-serious-illnesses-disabilities-life-challenges

In 2005, the American Camp Association (ACA) published the first large-scale national research project assessing the youth development outcomes of children who attend day and resident camps in the...

https://www.acacamps.org/news/news/summer-fun-youth-all-abilities

With summer approaching, parents and camps alike are making plans for terrific, fun opportunities for young campers to learn new skills and grow in their confidence and abilities. The United States...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/how-kids-autism-can-have-successful-camp-experience

In honor of #AutismAwarenessMonth, Addie Angelov, PhD, and Pamela Wright, EdD, discuss how to set up a successful camp experience for children with autism. Sending your child to camp for...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/why-do-young-people-work-special-needs-camps

When I first met Ed, I did not notice that he had no legs. He sat straight up in a wheelchair with long pants that hung down over the edge. I did not, at the time, find the absence of shoes or...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/horses-wilderness-meeting-needs-youth-risk

The staff at Kamp Kessa, an adventure education and treatment program utilizing horses and the wilderness for youth who are considered at-risk and who have special needs in Frankfort, Kentucky, are...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/inclusive-camp-making-summer-camp-joyful-place-everyone

Summer camp is a sacred community which, as a rule, has always been willing to find common ground in respecting and accommodating individual values and needs. The values and needs of campers with...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/evolution-dietary-guidelines

If we were to prepare the most scientifically healthy diet daily for our campers, what would that look like? It seems that what is considered a "healthy diet" has changed so many times over the years...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/tips-calming-down-overwhelmed-camp-counselors

“It’s hot.” “I’m tired.” “My campers are crazy.” “My co-counselor is not pulling his/her own weight.” “I am just not sure I have enough left in my tank to finish the summer.” All of these are...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/innovation-engineers-encourage-your-staff-engage-create

Whether your program is day, overnight, or an after-school program, the innovation experience can be molded to fit your camp's needs.

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/developmental-decathlon-benefits-exercise-activity-neurodivergent-campers

Early in my career I was given an opportunity to speak to a group of families of children with special needs about how the organization I worked for was totally inclusive because we let all children...