With So Many Opportunities, Why Camp?
Families today have more options than ever before. Although most families are limited by time, what they choose to do with that time is a buffet of movies, museums, picnics, parks, classes, vacations and so much more. With all of these options, why should families choose camp?
Camp is an experiential education like no other. Children and youth learn life lessons like independence, leadership and self-confidence in an environment designed specifically for them. Camp is made up almost entirely of teachable moments. Through fun and hands-on experiences, campers have the opportunity to grow and develop the skills needed to be productive, successful adults.
Camp is fundamental in the national discussion around the need for high quality summer programs to keep students engaged in learning and encourage them to develop new skills and previously unseen talents. Camp offers children the opportunity to form relationships with caring adults, helps them stay fit and active and fosters creativity and innovation. Camp plays a strong role in reducing summer learning loss.
In a speech given to Teachers College at Columbia University, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said, "I don't worry about the students that are going to summer camps. I worry about the millions of students who don't have the resources to go to summer camps.” ACA is committed to providing a camp experience for every child. ACA's camp community provides more than $39 million each year in camp scholarships, and with a camp at every price-point, there is a camp for every child.
Camp belongs in summer—acting as an equal opportunity life-changer and allowing everyone the opportunity to be successful, not just the A student or the athlete. Even though summer is a few months away, it will be here before you know it. And, with a wide variety of offerings and programming, and a wide variety of prices, there is a camp ideally suited for every child. It’s never too early to begin your camp search.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-accredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are more than 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.