Awards

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, [email protected], 765-342-1349. 

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2024 Spring Leadership Conference Brian Crater Scholarship Application

The Rising Star Award

2024 Recipients: Sam Robinsted, Jacqueline Howe, Demetrius Scott, and Brittany Grissett

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

2024 Recipients: Jessica Weissbuch and Kayla Weissbuch founders of Brave Trails

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

2024 Recipients: Kassandra Wilsey, Ariel Abt, and Dr. Kelly Jones

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

2024 Recipient: Gabby Coburn, Camp Stevens

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

2024 Recipient: Project:Camp

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

2024 Recipient: Diana Huff, Astro Camp 

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.

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

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

2024 Recipient: Tulip/I love to Create 

The Buttercup

2024 Recipient: Paul Kupferman for a decade of service the the Spring Leadership Conference

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  

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Congratulations to our 2024 Award Recipients:

Wisconsin Newcomer Award

• Lucero Serna
• Jordan Tellock
• Carlee Fosco

Emerging Professional Leadership Award

• Niamh Hourigan

Oak Leaf Award

• Kelly Coulthard

Acorn Award

• Sally Dana

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.

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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.

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The following awards will be presented at the Virginias Winter Gathering in January: 

Cooper Dawson Award

This award is the highest honor given by the Virginias local office. It is presented when a member exemplifies the spirit of camping, offers leadership in the interests of better camping for all, and most importantly, has fun. 

Distinguished Service Award

This award is awarded annually to an individual who has given outstanding leadership and service to camping and to the Virginias area for at least five (5) years. To qualify, the individual must have demonstrated the following: 

• Outstanding service to the Virginias local office through participation in programs, events, and the work of the local office; active volunteer service. 
• Leadership on the Local Council of Leaders, committee, regional or national role.

Outstanding Service Award

This award is presented to a member who has show continued and increasing service to the Virginias local office. 

Rookie of the Year Award

This award is presented to a person with five or fewer years of ACA membership who has demonstrated through service to the Virginias local office, outstanding potential for future professional leadership. 

Membership Recruitment Award

This award is presented to a member who has given outstanding service in the area of ACA membership recruitment. 

If you have any questions regarding these award, please contact the ACA Eastern Region Director, Vincent Irving at [email protected] 

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Word Version of Nomination Form

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There are six (6) recognition awards: The Oak Leaf Appreciation Award, the Friends of Camping Award, the Program Excellence Award, the Buckeye Award, the Heart of it All Award, and the Rising Star Award.
 

Buckeye Award

The Buckeye Award is the highest honor presented to a member of the American Camp Association, Ohio. To qualify, a candidate must:

• Be known for his/her outstanding service in the field. It should be easily recognized that no other award would do justice to the magnitude of the contribution of this nominee.
• Have an affiliation with the American Camp Association for at least ten (10) years and with ACA, Ohio for at least five (5) years.
• Have high moral character, personal integrity and exemplify a spirit of devoted service to the field.
• Be an active participant in National and Local ACA programs.

Past Winners

• Amy Thompson (2022)
• Michael McGinty (2021)
• Eli Cochran (2020)
• Jody Oates (2018)
• Marjorie Dooley (2017)
• Barb Byler (2015)
• Dan Reyolds (2014)
• David Devey (2012)
• Anne Brienza and Rich Garbinsky (2010)
• Bill and Phyllis Wiley (2009)
• Jerry Duffie (2008)
• Larry Maxwell (2007)
• Bill Lyder (2005)
• Dennis "Denny" Elliott (2004)
• Ted Witt (2000)
• Aileen Blyth and William "Bill" Tighe (1999)
• Myra Jamison (1998)

Program Excellence Award

The Program Excellence Award is designed to honor programs that:

• Develop effective, creative responses to the needs of people and/or societal problems using the camp environment and encourage continued development of such ideas
• Stimulate the exchange of creative ideas
• Present to the public examples of positive contributions camp has made on the well being of individuals and society.

To be eligible for nomination, a program must have been in operation for at least one year (planning and development time does not count) and be part of an accredited camp.

Nominations will be judged on creativity and imaginative planning; relevance to the needs of participants; involvement of the target participants in the planning or implementation; adaptability and potential for replication; cooperative efforts with other organizations, agencies, or camps; and the ability of the program to meet stated objectives.

Past Winners

• Camp Hamwi, Central Ohio Diabetes Association (2023)
• Camp Ho Mita Koda (2021)
• Camp Stone (2017)
• Flying Horse Farms (2014)
• Camp Atagahi at Wyandot (2012)
• Camp O'Bannon's camps for Disadvantaged Children (2011)
• Camp Joy's Medical and Family Camps (2010)
• CHAMP Camp (2008)
• Operation Military Kids — OH National Guard & State 4-H; and Royal Family Kids Camps — offered at Camp Wanake (2007)
• YMCA Camp Kern "Teen Extreme" (1998)

Friends of Camping Award

The Friends of Camping Award is presented to an individual, group or organization that has made significant contributions to camping through related fields. Membership in the American Camp Association is not a requirement. Contributions or relationships can be administrative, legislative, professional, or specific participation in local development.

Past Winners

• Chris Rehs-Dupin, Transplaining (2023)
• David & Tina Brizius (2022)
• Donnie Borland (2021)
• Dr. Tracey Gaslin (2021)
• Marty Sweterlitsch (2018)
• Mercy Health - Jewish Hospital (2017)
• Judy Elliott (2015)
• Linda Flynn "Tick" (2014)
• DOMOKUR / ARCHITECTS (2012)
• The West Ohio Conference United Methodist Church (2011)
• Susan Yoder (2010)
• ERI (2008)
• Schmidt Copeland Parker Stevens, Inc. (2007)
• Christ Child Society of Cleveland (2000)
• ACA National Risk Management Team (1999)
• Markel Insurance (1998)

Oak Leaf Appreciation Award 

The Oak Leaf Appreciation Award is presented to an ACA, Ohio member who has demonstrated service or special contribution to the overall philosophy of the American Camp Association movement and the ACA, Ohio Program.

Past Winners

• David Faulstich (2021)
• Brandon Mitchell (2017)
• Elizabeth Cochran (2016)
• Gregory Copeland (2013)
• Lou Thalheimer (2013)
• Barbara Byler (2012)
• Mike McGinty (2011)
• David Devey (2010)
• Kim Bronson (2008)
• Anne Weinberg and Stuart Weinberg (2007)
• Rich Garbinsky (2006)
• Bill Lyder (1998)

Heart of it All Award

The Heart of it All Award recognizes an outstanding seasonal staff member/volunteer for the positive impact they have had in their camp community. Nominees must be an employee or volunteer at an ACA, Ohio member camp and must be at least 18 years old.

Past Winners

• Shakobe Walk, Camp Joy (2023)
• Noah Appel, Camp Wise (2023)
• Janny Briziuz, C.A.M.P camp (2021)

Rising Star Award

This award is geared towards a rising professional in the camping industry.  Nominees must be camping professionals who have worked in the field for five years or less and contribute to the advancement of the camping movement through service to ACA, Ohio and the camp community.  Nominees must be current members of ACA.

Past Winners

• Aaron Baughman, Widewater Camp & Retreat Center of the West Ohio Conference (2023)
• Olivia Mackey, Camp Christopher (2023)
• Eric "EB" Brown (2022)
• David Baxter, Red Oak Camps (2021)

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These awards—which are funded through a memorial established in J. Wendell and Ruth T. Howe’s name—encourage excellence in writing and photography. Each year we recognize those individuals who contribute their talents to Camping Magazine—with quality articles that address the needs of camp professionals and outstanding photography that depicts the camp experience. All articles and photographs submitted to Camping Magazine during the calendar year are automatically entered in this competition. Photos submitted for the Golden Lens Contest must be accompanied by a Photo Release Form.

For more information on the J.Wendell and Ruth T. Howe Awards, contact [email protected].

J. Wendell Howe was one of the early leaders in the private/independent camp movement in ACA's western region. He, along with his wife, Ruth, directed a Community Chest camp, Camp Condor, near Taft, California, in the summers of 1943 and 1944. In 1945, they bought a camp at Lake Tahoe and named it Skylake Camp for Boys. The camp is now called Skylake Yosemite Camp, which until recently was owned and directed by John T. Howe, CCD, J. Wendell and Ruth's son. Their daughter, Marian Howe Andersen Herndon, CCD, also gained recognition in the camp field as owner and director of Skylake Ranch Camp in Ahwahnee, California.

• Golden Lens and Golden Quill Award
• Mary Walker Distinguished Service Award
• Michigan Emerging Professional Award
• Michigan Program Excellence Award

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Word Version of Nomination Form