About ACA
Work for ACA
The work is exciting, challenging, and rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a difference in the field of camp and youth development across the US.
Positions Available
- Data Analyst
- Chief Executive Officer (PDF Position Description)
American Camping Foundation
The Foundation Board includes members who serve on the ACA Board of Directors and are appointed by the ACA Board of Directors. ACF also elects independent members to serve on its board.
ACF meets three times a year to address issues facing ACA and to determine how best the foundation can support ACA. We are fortunate to have the foundation as a resource and guide for the benefit of our membership association.
2025-2026 ACF Leadership
- Anne Derber, Chair
- Will Pierce
- Andy Shlensky
- Tony Stein
- Steve Suddeth
- Liz Fogel
- Steve Baskin, Chair, ACA Board of Directors
- Don Cheley, Emeritus
The Acorn Society
The Acorn Society is our membership society that recognizes donors who have made an outright gift to the foundation or included ACA in their estate plans.
Kruger Endowment
The Kruger Endowment is part of ACF and was established to honor Joe Kruger, a camping great and volunteer who brought a child-centered approach to camp.
Pioneers of Camping
Who We Are
The Pioneers of Camping Club was founded in 1985 by Marvin and Annette Black in honor of Marvin's father, Edwin "Hughie" Black, who started Pine Forest Camp in 1931. The Club offers special recognition for ACA members with at least thirty years of professional camp experience and for camps that have been in operation for at least thirty years and affiliated with ACA.
This exclusive club's membership now includes over 130 individuals and over 165 camps. Each year at ACA's National Conference, new Pioneer members are presented with a Pioneers of Camping plaque symbolizing their commitment to the field of camping. All Pioneer members are invited to join together at a luncheon meeting or other event to share and learn from each other.
The Past Will Preserve the Future
Pioneers leave a legacy for others to follow. Our legacy is the knowledge we share that will help others promote and preserve the camp experience for the next generation.
Members are asked to record and document their accomplishments, programs, and contributions to the camping profession. This documentation process preserves our heritage and offers a valuable historical perspective to others in the field. Through the club's Pioneer Partners project, members also have the opportunity to assist and encourage young camping professionals. Learn more about the ACA National Mentorship Program, There is too much talent here to lose. Please offer to share your wisdom with others and encourage other Pioneers to do the same.
Pioneers Club Benefits
- An annual, inspiring event where ACA Pioneers are recognized
- Opportunity to preserve and promote the camp experience with rich tradition and history
- Strong network of dedicated camp enthusiasts
- Opportunity to counsel young professionals in camping
- Pioneers of Camping plaque
- Photograph and history kept at the national office
Who Can Join
- Any individual who has been a practicing camp professional for at least thirty years and is currently a member of the American Camp Association. (Includes those currently working and retirees. Memorials for deceased members are acceptable.)
- Any camp who can document that it has been in continuous operation for at least thirty years and is currently affiliated with ACA.
Questions about Pioneers? Contact one of us:
Grechen Throop 765-349-3517
Strategic Plan
Get Involved with the Strategic Plan
ACA needs your help to ensure the children, youth and adults we serve thrive. Join us on our journey to equip generations of youth for a bright future!

Advocate for quality camp experiences as a vital and enriching developmental experience
Strategic Outcomes
- ACA will implement a comprehensive communications strategy so that all stakeholders have an increased understanding of the value of a camp experience and ACA’s role in supporting health, safety, wellbeing, and quality in camp programs
- ACA will proactively foster and grow relationships and partnerships to extend ACA’s ability to advance our strategic goals
- ACA will implement proactive public policy strategies through engagement and relationship building at the federal level. ACA will also provide resources and support to volunteers at the state and local levels

Advance the reach and relevance of camp experiences by expanding equitable access to camp and developing culturally responsive practices that foster a strong sense of belonging at camp for people from all backgrounds.
Strategic Outcomes
- ACA will implement strategies to identify, engage with, and build an understanding of the communities that are under-represented as campers and camp staff to develop strategies for increasing their participation
- ACA will secure new funding that supports strategies to increase equitable access to camp experiences and to support increasing the number of people who have a camp experience each year
- Working with trusted partners, ACA will develop strategies and resources to help camps increase the diversity of campers, staff, and professionals

Advance and cultivate quality camp experiences through evidence-informed best practices, foundational accreditation standards, industry-leading evaluation tools, and exceptional professional development.
Strategic Outcomes
- ACA will expand resources and programs that identify and address educational priorities of the field and address the critical issues facing camps
- ACA will leverage research, evaluation, and evidence-informed best practices to develop educational programs, resources, and leading practices to empower camps to provide quality experiences for all
- As a foundation for quality, ACA will ensure that accreditation and the accreditation process continue to provide relevant national standards related to health and safety at camp while expanding the number of camps participating in the program
- ACA will continually grow membership

Ensure the ability of ACA to grow and achieve its mission by improving organizational strength, capacity, and alignment.
Strategic Outcomes
- ACA will increase member engagement and volunteerism and recruit new and diverse people to support the delivery of core programs
- ACA will establish a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization and deepen relationships with partners, resulting in expanded individual, corporate, and grant funding
- ACA will strengthen and deepen organizational effectiveness by increasing alignment, strengthening communication and collaboration, and clearly defining roles at the national, regional, and local levels
Email us at [email protected] with any questions.
Annual Impact Report
2021 and older reports are in PDF format.
Board of Directors Recommendation/Election Process
Nominations for 2025 member‐at‐large positions are due by September 27, 2024. If you have a nomination, please complete the Board Prospect Form.
Any member of the American Camp Association may submit recommendations for nomination to the ACA Board of Directors. Members may submit their own names, if desired. The ACA Board Development Committee (BDC) is charged with maintaining a database of persons interested in board service. The BDC is appointed by the Board of Directors and meets throughout the year to complete its work, which includes monitoring the terms of board members, developing a gap analysis related to Board needs, reviewing and cultivating potential candidates for service, interviewing potential candidates, and developing a slate of officers and members for election by the Board of Directors.
The steps for recommending candidates and election to the ACA Board of Directors are as follows:
Step One
Skill Set Evaluation: In conjunction with the Board of Directors, the BDC will assess the Board’s skill set requirements and needs on an annual basis in the fall of each year.
Step Two
Evaluation of Current Board Members: The BDC will review the self-evaluations of current members of the ACA Board who are eligible for reelection and wish to serve a second term, evaluate their skill sets in comparison with the needed skill sets as identified by the Board. The BDC may request assistance from a third party in evaluating current Board members.
Step Three
Receiving Recommendations for Potential New Board Members: Based on the Board’s identified skill set requirements, the BDC will consider nominees recommended by Board members, ACA members, ACA staff, and other recommendations that may come to the committee’s attention and will review profiles already in the Board's prospect database. Recommendations should be made using the Board Prospect Form.
Step Four
Reviewing Candidate Resumes: The BDC will meet to review candidates and their resumes in fall of each year. After consideration and approval by the full committee, a BDC member will be assigned to interview prospective board members. The BDC will assess the individuals for a high level of personal and professional integrity and commitment to promote the long-term interests of the American Camp Association. Finally, the BDC should be convinced that the potential candidate can commit adequate time to serve as a Board member.
Step Five
Additional Interviews and Due Diligence: With the prospective candidate’s concurrence, a due diligence process and evaluation will be conducted.
Step Six
Voting on New Members: The cumulative results of the interview process will be discussed with the entire BDC and a formal vote will be taken to recommend candidates to the ACA Board for election. The BDC chair will draft a cover sheet for review by the Board with brief biographical information about each recommended candidate. The ACA Board will vote at the Board meeting just prior to the ACA National Conference. New Board members take office immediately following the National Conference and attend a virtual orientation shortly there after. They will also attend an in person orientation just prior to the spring board meeting.