One hundred and fifty years ago, a school teacher took a handful of children on a camping trip, sparking a movement that has become part of the very fabric of childhood — organized camp.
In 1861, Frederick W. Gunn took students from his homeschool program on a two-week trip. The class hiked to their destination and then set up camp.
Camp is an action-packed adventure. Each day brings new and exciting opportunities for growth and accomplishment. At the same time, strong bonds of friendship and community are developing. It truly is a life-changing experience. And when the embers of the last campfire have cooled, and campers make their way home, often children experience a mild case of the “end of camp blues.”
On Thursday, July 29 Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY) introduced HR 5963 — Promoting Students Using the Camp Community for Enrichment, Strength, and Success, also known as the Promoting SUCCESS Act, in the House of Representatives. Designed to address two of the most critical challenges facing children and youth today — obesity and summer learning loss
This week, President and Mrs. Obama’s daughter becomes part of an American tradition — camp. For 150 years, millions of children have learned life lessons and made lasting memories in a positive, supportive camp environment. This year, over 10 million children and youth will attend camp nationwide.
The American Camp Association® is excited to learn that First Daughter Malia will be attending camp for four weeks this summer. In an interview last week, the President announced that his oldest daughter would be joining the millions of children who attend camp each summer.
Camp is a special time for children and youth. Through a positive camp experience campers develop self-esteem, ward off summer learning loss, and develop a sense of independence. For the families at home, communicating with their campers is a fun and exciting way to share in the camp experience. The American Camp Association® (ACA) suggests the following do’s and don’ts for families to keep in touch with their happy camper:
There can be no doubt that camp is unique – changing the lives of millions of children and youth through positive, intentional experiences. And, just like the experience, the camp community is uniquely positioned to make a difference. By continually striving to do more, be more, and reach more, the camp community supports programs that provide the life-changing experience of camp to children and youth who might not otherwise have had the opportunity.
The American Camp Association® (ACA) is proud to clelebrate 150 years of summer learning through positive and engaging camp experiences.
For millions of children, youth, and adults, summer camp is right around the corner. Camp is a unique environment that promotes growth and independence. For many families in today’s plugged in society, camp is the first real separation they have experienced — and many parents may be worried about homesickness — both for their happy camper, and for themselves.
A day at camp is filled with endless possibilities: swimming, hiking, playing sports — the list goes on and on. With all of these different activities in mind (not to mention changes in weather), making sure you pack the right thing for your child’s every camp experience can be a challenge. Luckily, there are some tried-and-true items that you can send to camp with your child to ensure they are prepared for almost anything. The American Camp Association® (ACA) offers this head-to-toe summer camp packing list:
