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/character-grant-program-update-how-apply

The American Camp Association’s Character Grant Program is now open. Join the Character at Camp Grant Team to...

https://www.acacamps.org/events-education/event/character-camp-grant-program-office-hours

The American Camp Association’s Character Grant Program is OPEN! Is your camp or organization thinking about applying and have questions or need support? Sign up for any of the Character at Camp...

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/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/promoting-character-education-parents

Most parents want their children to develop traits like honesty, responsibility, kindness, empathy, respect, perseverance, self-confidence, curiosity, creativity, and compassion; essentially aiming...

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

At camp, failure isn't defeat—it’s growth. Discover how supportive staff, intentional culture, and safe spaces help kids build courage, resilience, and character.

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

Discover how fostering character in staff, campers, and community helps camps reduce risk, build culture, and strengthen safety through shared values.