https://www.acacamps.org/research/special-projects/character-camp-initiative

ACA’s Character at Camp Initiative is a six-year effort to expand, strengthen, and celebrate character development at camp. Funded in 2023 by Lilly Endowment, Inc., the initiative includes the...

https://www.acacamps.org/about/get-involved/volunteer-aca

Thank you to the thousands of volunteers who make the American Camp Association possible!

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/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...

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/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/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/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/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...