Awards

ACA Awards

Tue, 08/16/2022 - 14:06

In 1965, the ACA Board of Directors established a means of paying tribute to those who make an extraordinary contribution to the advancement of the camp movement in the United States and who have played an important role in creating today’s association. In 1991 the board updated all award criteria. Six recognition awards are currently presented at our national conference each year: the Distinguished Service Award, the Hedley S. Dimock Award, The Jack Weiner Award (approved in 2002), the Honor Award, the Service Award, and the Special Recognition Award. Another national award, the Eleanor P. Eells Award that honors outstanding programs, is also presented at that time. 

2023 National Award Recipients Announced

The deadline to submit award nominations is October 26.
We will only accept nominations via the online form.

Submit Nominations

Award Nomination Criteria

 

Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is ACA’s highest award. This award honors a lifetime of service to ACA and camp.

National Honor Award
This award is for individuals who have given exemplary service to  ACA; work is regional and national in scope through committees, addresses, or research.

Hedley S. Dimock Award
Awarded to individuals who contribute to the field of camp from related professions, such as outdoor education, medicine, or social sciences.

National Service Award
Given to recognize continued and increasing service to ACA beyond the local level.

Special Recognition Award
Designed to honor groups, organizations, or individuals for their efforts to promote camp.

Jack Weiner Leadership Award
This award is given annually to a young professional who is pursuing a career in camp.

Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence
The Eleanor P. Eells Award will focus on recognizing program excellence at camps.

Eleanor P. Eells Award for Excellence in Research in Practice
The Eleanor P. Eells Award will focus on recognizing research in practice at camps.

J. Wendell and Ruth T. Howe Golden Quill & Golden Lens Awards
These awards—which are funded through a memorial established in J. Wendell and Ruth T. Howe’s name—encourage excellence in writing and photography

The Marge Scanlin Outstanding Research Award
This award recognizes one student each year for his/her research related to the camp experience.

Pioneers of Camping
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 are affiliated with ACA.

 

Do you have a great story to share, but don’t see an award category that fits your story?

Awards in ACA, Oregon Trail

Thu, 08/04/2022 - 19:25

We need you to help us recognize some of the amazing people and programs in Oregon Trail. We are currently seeking nominations for the Phyllis M. Ford Creative Programming Award, as well as the Scotty Washburn Service Award. 

The Frank M. “Scotty” Washburn Award for Outstanding Service is awarded to an individual or team.

Marty Beck was awarded this distinction for his continued support of ACA, Oregon Trail as a Visitor, Instructor, Standards Committee Chair, District Chair and National Council of Leaders Alternate.

To qualify for nomination, the candidate(s) must:

  1. Be known for his/her/their outstanding service and leadership in the profession of organized camping.
  2. Exemplify the best in service, research, teaching, administration, funds development, mentorship and/or leadership within the organized camping profession.
  3. Have been a member of the American Camp Association for a minimum of two years. 

Nominate an individual for the Frank M. “Scotty” Washburn Award for Outstanding Service award

Learn more about Scotty

The Phyllis M. Ford Award for Creative Programming is given to an ACA accredited camp or program.

Camp Westwind was awarded this distinction for their program serving children of incarcerated parents and providing a special approach to reunification.

Westwind Ford Award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camp Namanu was awarded this distinction for their work divesting from Native American cultural appropriation, their Centennial year of operation, and classification as the first camp to receive National Cultural Landscape Designation. 

Namanu Ford Award

 

YMCA Camp Horsetheif Reservoir was awarded this distinction for their collaboration with other Boise area nonprofits to provide camp for first generation Americans, refugees and the unhoused.

YMCA Horsetheif Ranch Ford Award

To qualify for nomination, the program must have documented evidence of the development of effective, creative responses to the needs of people using the camp environment. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Integrating campers of various physical abilities, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, religions, home environments, etc.
  2. Developing a program for a camping population not previously marketed to.
  3. Creating innovative and effective youth, adult, and/or staff development programs.
  4. Addressing the emerging needs of children and teenagers in innovative and effective ways. 

Nominate a camp for the Phyllis M. Ford Award for Creative Programming award

Learn more about Phyllis

Spotlight Award

The Cascadia Camp Conference Spotlight Award honors a camp program for their innovative, inclusive and inspiring design and activities. 

Learn More and Nominate a Program Today

Nominations deadline: October 20, 2024

See a list of past recipients.

Questions? Please contact Janette Kunkel, ACA, Oregon Trail LCOL Chair or John Beitner, ACA Western Region Director.

Awards in ACA, Southern California/Hawaii

Thu, 08/04/2022 - 17:26

It has been a long tradition of the American Camp Association, Southern California / Hawaii area to pay tribute to those who make an extraordinary contribution to the advancement of the camp movement, and who play an important role in ACA.  It is crucial as an industry and profession that we take the time to celebrate our successes and the individuals and organizations that have helped to make the camp experience happen in the lives of children, families and their communities.  Awards will be presented at the Spring Leadership Conference.

Please take a minute to consider your colleges and camp programs that deserve recognition! Make your nomination today!   Nomination deadline March 15, 2024.

Brian Crater Scholarship

The Brian Crater Scholarship is available to American Camp Association members requesting assistance meeting the costs of attending American Camp Association professional development opportunities.  Brian is remembered for being a great educator, mentor, leader and supporter of camp.

ACA, Southern California/Hawaii has limited funds available to provide financial support to professionals who would like to attend the Spring leadership Conference but aren't financially able to do so.  First priority will be given to camp and youth development professionals living in Southern California/Hawaii followed by those living in other parts of ACA’s Western Region  (Evergreen, Northern California, Oregon Trail, Rocky Mountain, Southwest.)  The deadline to submit is Friday, February 23, 2024.  Applicants will receive notification of their status by March 1, 2024.  For additional information, contact Betsy Thamert, bthamert@ACAcamps.org, 765-342-1349. 

Learn more about Brian

2024 Spring Leadership Conference Brian Crater Scholarship Application

The Rising Star Award

2023 Recipient: Mark Pincumbe, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times

Mark Pincumbe

This award is given to recognize individuals who are new to service in organized camping and the local area.

To qualify for nomination:

  • The candidate must be a member of Southern California/Hawaii.
  • The candidate must be new to local service.
  • There is no age criteria for this award.

List of Rising Star Award past recipients

Nominate a candidate for the Rising Star Award  

The Paul Somers Golden Acorn Award

2023 Recipients: Tate Castro, Tumbleweed Day Camp, Michael Heiman, Monarch Camps, Natalie Corrall, YMCA of San Diego County

Tate Castro, Michael Heiman, and Natalie Corrall

This award is for members of the camp community - volunteers, public officials - who contribute to the field of organized camping on a short term or long term basis. 

To qualify for nomination:

  • The candidate may be a non-member of ACA
  • The award may be presented to an individual, a group of individuals or an organization or company.

List of Paul Somers Golden Acorn Award past recipients

Nominate a candidate for the Paul Somers Award

The Southern California/Hawaii Service Award

2023 Recipients: Shannon Edwards, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, Tori Barnes, Church Mutual Insurance Company

Shannon Edwards and Tori Barnes

The Service Awards is given to recognize exceptional service to camping and the local area.  

To qualify for nomination:

  • The candidate must be a member of ACA, and served Southern California/Hawaii for not less than 5 years.

List of past Service Award recipients

Nominate a candidate for the Southern California/Hawaii Service Award

The Outstanding Service Award

2023 Recipients: Nick Coffing, Canyon Creek Summer Camp

Nick Coffing

The Outstanding Service Awards is the highest honor presented to a member of ACA, Southern California/Hawaii. It honors individuals who have given outstanding and exceptional service to camping and local ACA efforts. 

To qualify for nomination: 

  • The candidate must be a member of ACA Southern California/Hawaii for not less than 5 years
  • Contributions should of exceptional benefit to local ACA efforts
  • The benefits of the candidate's service should go beyond the local area to ACA on a regional and/or national level or other noted organizations.

List of past Outstanding Service Award recipients 

Nominate a candidate for the Outstanding Service Award

The Program Excellence Award

2023 Recipient: C5LA, Outpost Summer Camp, Camp Stevens

Staff posing at C5LA
Campers and counselor in pool at Outpost Summer Camp
Campers posing by tree at Camp Stevens

This award is given by ACA, Southern California/Hawaii to honor programs that develop effective, creative responses to the needs of a community and/or societal problems using the camp environment and to present the public examples of positive contributions camp can make to the well-being of individuals and society.

To qualify, camp programs will demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • Understand and make use of inter-grouping - combining groups that have differences (e.g., physical abilities, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, religion, and home environment).
  • Develop programs suited to the needs and interests of teenage campers.
  • Broaden the range of services to persons with disabilities.
  • Emphasize awareness of interpersonal relationships and development of interpersonal skills.
  • Conduct innovative and effective staff-development programs.
  • Offer support activities or leadership that significantly expands opportunities for human growth and enrichment through camping (for non-camp organizations)
  • Program must have been in operation for at least one year (excluding planning and development time).  ACA membership is not required for eligibility. Nominations will be judged on creativity and imaginative planning, relevance to the needs of participants; involvement of the target participants in the planning and implementation; adaptability and potential for replication; cooperative efforts with other organizations, agencies, or camps; and ability for the program to meet stated objectives.

List of past Program Excellence Award recipients

Nominate a camp for the Program Excellence Award

The Shirley Walch Recognition for Excellence in Standards Award

2023 Recipient: Sam Brasted, Camp Stevens

Sam Brasted

This award is presented to an individual, group or camp leadership team that has, in the eyes of the ACA Southern California/Hawaii Standards Leadership Team, advanced the cause of camp accreditation by going above and beyond the call of duty to embody the underlying principles – education, objectivity and support – of the ACA standards program. 

To qualify for nomination:

  • The candidate must have contributed to the standards program locally.
  • The candidate may be an individual, group or camp leadership team.
  • There is no age limit on this award.
  • The standards leadership team will choose the recipient.

List of past Shirley Walch Recognition for Excellence in Standards Award recipients

Nominate a candidate for the Shirley Walch Award 

Learn more about Shirley Walch.

Membership in the Legacy Circle

2023 Members: Audrey and Steve Monke, Gold Arrow Camp and Sara and Steve Kuljis, Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp, Stuart Jones, Outpost Summer Camp

Members Audrey and Steve Monke, Sara and Steve Kuljis, and Stuart Jones

This awards honors the vision and support of individuals who have been committed to the field of organized camping and ACA for more than 30 years. They have served in leadership capacities in Southern California or Hawaii and have made significant contributions to the camp industry. 

To qualify for nomination:

  • The candidate must be a member (or former member) of ACA, Southern California/Hawaii.
  • The candidate must have contributed to the camping industry for more than 30 years.
  • There is no age limit on this award.

List of Legacy Circle Members

Nominate a candidate for the Legacy Circle

Certificate of Appreciation

2023 Recipients: Michele Branconier, Jami Foster

Michele Branconier and Jami Foster

This awards honors contributions to ACA Southern California/Hawaii or the camping industry at large. 

To qualify for nomination:

  • There are no membership requirements.
  • There are no geographical requirement. 
  • The candidate must have contributed to ACA or the camping industry in a significant way.
  • There is no age limit on this award.

Questions about awards? Please contact John Beitner, ACA Western Region Director  

Awards in ACA, Wisconsin

Thu, 08/04/2022 - 16:51

Please help us recognize the people and programs doing excellent work in Wisconsin camping by nominating them for an ACA, Wisconsin award. If you know of anyone or any programs that fit one of the categories below, show your appreciation by nominating them.

Nominations for 2023 will be due September 30, 2023.

Nominate Today!

Check out past Award Winners


ACA, Wisconsin Newcomer Award

  1. An active ACA member for less than three years.
  2. Participates in field office activities, i.e., annual meeting, spring or fall workshops/meetings/breakfasts.
  3. Participated in committees, workshops, or leadership role with the Local Council of Leaders.


Certificate of Appreciation

  1. Member of ACA.
  2. Dedicated service or special contribution to ACA, Wisconsin. May be a one-time service or long-term service.


Excellence in Program Recognition

  1. A camp program highlighting such items as: top notch safety, high percentage return rate for campers and/or staff, new, innovative, or successful existing programs.
  2. These profiles will be shared in a ACA, Wisconsin newsletter.


Friends of Camping Recognition

  1. A nonmember or group who has made a contribution to ACA, Wisconsin.
  2. The contribution could be a monetary donation or service, such as an individual or corporation giving time or resources to workshops or training.


Oak Leaf Award

  1. High standards of character and moral standing.
  2. Membership with ACA for a period of at least 5 years, with at least 3 years in Wisconsin Field Office.
  3. Service rendered by individual is outstanding beyond expectations.
  4. Participation and/or leadership in ACA national events, local trainings/workshop/institutes, outstanding programs, or chairing regional committees.
  5. Active participation in other organizations: civic, fraternal, religious, or professionally related.


Acorn Award

The Acorn Award is the highest honor presented to a nominated member of ACA, Wisconsin.

  1. Highest standards of character and moral standing.
  2. Membership with ACA for a period of at least 10 years and with ACA, Wisconsin for at least 5 years.
  3. Service rendered by individual is outstanding, beneficial to camping, and reflected in benefits to ACA, Wisconsin.
  4. Participation and/or leadership in ACA national events, trainings/workshops/institutes, outstanding programs, or chairing national committees.
  5. Articles for publications, research efforts, and/or public presentations related to camping.
  6. Active participation in other organizations: civic, fraternal, religious, or professionally related.


Photograph Award

  1. Photo must be from a camp accredited by ACA, Wisconsin.
  2. A signed release for individuals in the photo must be on file with the camp/photographer.
  3. Photo is in digital format (jpg or tif).
  4. Maximum of 3 entries per person.

Awards in ACA, Chesapeake

Thu, 08/04/2022 - 15:40

Below you will find the link for the Chesapeake Award Nominations. Read about the seven awards below. This is an opportunity to give an extra "thanks" to a staff person that did an excellent job this past summer or if you have photos that show off activities at your camp.

The deadline for nominations is October 2, 2023.

Nominate Today

Neil Berlin Service Award

This award is given to honor individuals, groups, or organizations for their efforts to promote camping. It is given for outstanding leadership, service or noteworthy contributions to the advancement of camping.

This recognition can be for contributions:

  1. Within your camp
  2. Within ACA on the Regional level or
  3. Within ACA on the National level

This Service Award is not limited to ACA members.

Nominations limited to one individual per camp.

Katherine P. Johnson Award

This award is given on an annual basis to an individual who has been nominated by his or her peers and selected by the Awards Committee.

The criteria for the nomination are:

  1. Must be a member of ACA for continuous period of 10 years and part of the Chesapeake region for at least 5 years.
  2. Must have rendered outstanding services which have been beneficial to the Chesapeake region. Service to National will be considered.
  3. Must have good moral and character standards.

Nominations limited to one individual per camp.

William "Bill" MacLeod Award

This award is given to honor an individual who is dedicated their self to improving the quality of camps.

The criteria for nomination are:

  1. Must be administrative staff member of at least 3 years at an accredited camp.
  2.  Must have rendered outstanding service that has been beneficial to camp.
  3. Must have rendered a creative and/or administrative contribution to camp.
  4. Must have good moral and character standards.

Nominations limited to one individual per camp.

Bonnie Dunn Environmental Education Program Award

This award for excellence in environmental education programming is given in recognition of a camp or program focusing on environmental education and includes:

  1. A system of teaching and practicing responsible stewardship of the natural resources.
  2. Exploration of environmental ethics.
  3. Opportunities for campers to practice hands-on skills which are transferable to settings outside of camp.

Nominations limited to one individual per camp.

Outreach Award

This award for excellence in innovating programming is given in recognition of a camp for programs which demonstrate an innovative approach to meeting the diverse needs of today’s campers and their parents.

Examples may include, but not limited to:

  1. Innovative use facility, space or site, to make camping available to more campers.
  2. Innovative scheduling to meet needs of parents and maximize program time.
  3. Creative uses of resources, including monetary, material and human.

Nominations limited to one individual per camp.

Denise E. Frebertshauser Volunteer in Camping Award

This award has been created to recognize a volunteer who gives selflessly of their individual time, talent, and treasure in support of continued excellence in camping.

The individual being recognized will:

  1. Have volunteered for a minimum of 3 years with an ACA-accredited camp
  2. Teach annually at camp staff training and/or as part of a camp program
  3. Be a life-long learner seeking to keep abreast of current camp topics, issues & programming trends
  4. Understands and utilizes experiential education model of do, learn & apply
  5. Serves as a role model and mentor for young camp professionals

Nominations limited to one individual per camp.

Photography Award

This award may be digital black & white or color photos, either 5”x7” or 8”x10". In your submission, please include the name and age of the individuals in the photograph (if you deem appropriate), photographer, camp affiliation, and description of the subject (location, event, etc.). Submissions are limited to three per camp.

Nominate Today
 

Awards in ACA, Virginias

Thu, 08/04/2022 - 15:24

Awards at the Mid Atlantic Conference

This is your chance to show off all the awesome stuff you did this summer!   Have you always thought you had the best theme day or great camp photos? Now is your chance to show off at the 2022 MACC Awards.

The categories are:

  1. Best Photo
  2. Best T-Shirt Design
  3. Best Themed Event

How to enter:

Submit nominations for 1 or more categories with explanations, diagrams, videos, and/or photos to Eryn Rothenberg register@tripleccamp.com by November 14, 2022. Nominations must come from the 2022 Summer Season.

Finalists will be notified by December 5 and asked to bring examples of their shirt, photos, etc. for display during registration.

MACC attendees will vote during registration and winners will be announced at the awards session on December 14.

Questions and submissions (2022 Season Only) for any or all of the categories should be sent to Eryn Rothenberg register@tripleccamp.com by November 14, 2022. 

Contact us: ACA Eastern Region Director, Vincent Irving virving@acacamps.org 

Awards - History

Award Nomination Form 1990 - 2013

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