Awards
Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence
The Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence focuses on recognizing program excellence at camps. A total of six nominees will be selected for recognition at the National Conference and throughout the year. Evaluation and selection of the final awards will be completed by the National Awards Committee to recognize excellence in all areas at camp! Two awards will be given out: the Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence.
Purpose
Eleanor P. Eells Awards for Program Excellence are designed to honor camp programs that:
- Develop effective, creative responses to the needs of people and/or societal problems using the camp environment,
- Encourage continued development of such ideas,
- Stimulate the exchange of creative ideas, and/or
- Present to the public examples of positive contributions camp has made on the well being of individuals and society.
Submit a Nomination
- Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence - nominate online
- Past Recipients (Includes Research)
History
Eleanor P. Eells was a leader and inspiration within the field of camp throughout her life. She was an active participant in the Settlement House and Social Service Agency camp movements and a pioneer in therapeutic camping. She was one of the founders of the Fund for Advancement of Camping and served as its director through FAC's formative years.
Eleanor Eells had an equally important influence on the American Camp Association. She worked with FAC to support programs such as ACA's 1970s standards research and rewrite; the pilot Camp Director Certification Institute; the Camping Unlimited/Intergrouping Project; ACA's last reorganization; and securing government funding for campership use. Her greatest contribution was helping individuals and camps start new programs. When these programs were operating, she shared results with countless others.
Eleanor Eells' life was an example for the camp professional. The first recipient of ACA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, Eleanor Eells passed away in her 94th year in Calgary, Alberta.
Jack Weiner Leadership Award
A Leadership Legacy
The Jack Weiner Leadership Award is designed to support a young person who is pursuing a career in the camping field. The award will ensure professional development by providing financial support for the recipient to attend and fully participate in the ACA national conference. For more information, please contact ACA at 765-342-8456 ext. 305.
Special Recognition Award
The Award honors groups, organizations or individuals for their efforts to promote camping. For more information, please contact ACA at 765-342-8456 ext. 305.
National Service Award
The Service Award recognizes continued and increasing service beyond the field/affiliate office level. To qualify for nomination, a candidate should be a current ACA member, having demonstrated service to one or more field/affiliate offices, and be endorsed by two field/affiliate offices or a national board, committee, or national awards committee. For more information, please contact ACA at 765-342-8456 ext. 305.
Hedley S. Dimock Award
Submit a Nomination
Purpose
The Hedley S. Dimock Award is given to one who contributes to camping through related fields such as outdoor education, conservation, recreation, medicine, education, architecture, or the social sciences. For more information, please contact ACA at 765-342-8456 ext. 305.
History
National Honor Award
The American Camp Association presents Honor Awards to recognize meritorious service. Candidates must be current members of the association or former members who have retired from active participation in the field, served in camp programs for at least ten years, and made noteworthy contributions to the advancement of camping. For more information, please contact ACA at 765-342-8456 ext. 305.
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor afforded to members by ACA. For more information, please contact ACA at 765-342-8456 ext. 305.