Camp Connection

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

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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

Kids running
The Latest from Tish
August 23, 2016

During the October 2015 meeting of the ACA Board of Directors two areas of strategic focus were proposed and adopted by the board; accreditation and research. It’s been exciting to see that through a strong staff and volunteer partnership both... Read More

Tick
Tips for Lyme Disease Prevention at Camp
June 21, 2016

As staffers, parents and kids prepare for another memorable summer at camp, there is one important detail that must not escape our attention - doing everything possible to ensure that children are protected from the blacklegged ticks that... Read More

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Moderating Childhood Stress Through Camp
June 7, 2016

Exposure to adverse childhood events (ACE) can lead children to drinking alcohol, smoking, illicit drug use, overeating, and other maladaptive behaviors (Stevens, 2015). These children can experience depression, anxiety, and a variety of other... Read More

Camper on a zipline at Golden Arrow Camp in Clovis, CA
Tell the Story of Your Camp's Impact on Kids!
May 2, 2016

I don’t think I’ve ever had a conversation with a camp staff member who didn’t have a great story about a transformational experience that happened to some child at their camp. The shy camper that blossomed in a supportive environment, the child... Read More

Volunteers
Big R, Little r; Big A, Little a
April 26, 2016

With ACA’s new strategic focus on accreditation and research comes the need to evolve our practices and services at a national level. In order to accomplish these important tasks, two special task forces have been working diligently to prepare... Read More

Camper Enrollment in 2016: Take a Sneak Peek!
April 25, 2016

Attend any gathering of camp professionals over the winter and spring, and you are bound to hear bits of conversations about enrollment. . .“How is enrollment going at your camp?” “We seem to be up a little overall, but especially with our girls... Read More

CA CEO Tom Holland with Christy Goldfuss, White House Council on Environmental Quality and Jonathan B. Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service
Are We Making Progress Toward More People Understanding and Supporting the Value of the Camp Experience?
April 19, 2016

It’s National Park Week and National Environmental Education Week (NEEW) — why should the camp movement take notice?  Sure, they are both nice events. All National Parks have free admission this week. NEEW celebrates environmental learning... Read More

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