Camp Connection

Here are the most recent blog posts for staff, professionals, and the public. Interested in guest blogging for ACA?

Thank You for Helping to Change Children's Lives
December 20, 2016

As the holiday season approaches, we at the American Camp Association (ACA) realize we have many reasons to be grateful.

In the camp world, there are so many people who make an impact, and we are thankful for all of you.
Boy sitting with head down
Making Sense of MESH: Partnerships with Parents
December 6, 2016

As we tackle mental, emotional, and social health (MESH) issues in our programs, we must use every tool possible to help the struggling person. Sometimes, the most powerful tool can be the partnerships that we form with our parents. When strong,... Read More

Giving Tuesday
3 Ways to Give on Giving Tuesday
November 28, 2016

During the holiday season, it is important for families, friends, and communities to come together to help others when and how they can. That is what Giving Tuesday — the Tuesday following Thanksgiving — is all about: Giving back to and... Read More

ACA President/CEO Tom Rosenberg and Eastern Outreach and Engagement Team Leader Jazmin Albarran at the White House
ACA Visits the White House to Talk About Outdoor Opportunities for Youth
November 21, 2016

On Thursday, November 17, the American Camp Association (ACA) was honored to participate in a White House meeting on opportunities for youth to experience the outdoors in collaboration with the Outdoors Alliance for Kids.
Camper smiling at camera
How Can Camps Support Transgender Youth?
November 10, 2016

What does "transgender" mean? Transgender or trans* are umbrella terms referring to all of the diverse identities in the gender spectrum.
Staff at the Kennedy Space Center
Creating Craters and Chasing Comets — Three Days of Science and Fun
November 8, 2016

Nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, is Mo-Ranch. A summer camp, conference center, and oasis of beauty. I imagine we could all describe our sites using similar words. Like you we offer swimming,... Read More

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A Conversation with Katie — How One Camper Handles Mental Illness
October 28, 2016

The thing about mental, emotional and social health (MESH) is that you never know when, and you never know how, it is going to affect you or someone you love. You don’t know when your best friend or your neighbor may begin to struggle. Or finally... Read More

MESH logo
Want to Improve Your Response to Mental Health Challenges?
September 27, 2016

Camp professionals often ask what they might do to more effectively respond to staff and camper mental, emotional and social health (MESH) needs. This often arises from a desire to be as inclusive as possible while also recognizing that most... Read More

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