New beginnings are always a good opportunity
to take stock of where we’ve been
and where we are headed. With the new year,
there are many accomplishments within ACA
that we can look back on and some very
exciting opportunities ahead.
First, our ACA National Conference in
Austin is just six short weeks away, and
it promises to be as big as Texas! Once
again, the conference team has put together
an outstanding group of keynote presenters:
Dr. David Elkind, Neil Howe, Michael Wood,
and Dr. Abigail Van Slyck will deliver
important messages to the camp professionals
in attendance February 13 – 16 in
Austin. The national conference is the
one chance during the year to network with
colleagues from all types of camps, in
all locations around the country. If
you haven’t yet registered, it’s
not too late. Check out the conference
Web site at www.ACAcamps.org/conference.
Second, after a great deal of work by
the staff, the American Camp Association
has been given a tremendous opportunity
to participate in the PROTECT Act pilot
program for criminal background checks.
This program allows direct access to the
FBI criminal database for camp volunteers.
Details are in this issue
of Inside ACA and at www.ACAcamps.org/publicpolicy.
Third, our internal operations will get
a tremendous boost in 2007 with the addition
of new technology at both the national
office and all section offices. This major
project will be implemented this year after
much research and will help maintain the
excellent service provided by our association
to both the public and to our members.
ACA is here to educate and protect the
public, and we can be proud of our efforts
in the year just past. There were many
accomplishments in 2006, for example: new
standards, publication of additional research
in youth development, a focused business
plan, fund-raising that surpassed $3.5
million, and a second edition of CAMP:
A Resource for Families, which led to increased
media coverage.
With those successes of 2006 and promises
for 2007, we need to maintain a strong
national board of directors. You were e-mailed
ballots for this year’s board election,
which also includes election of your next
president and vice-president. Please take
time to read the nominees’ bios and
vote for ACA’s volunteer leadership
before January 29. Need more info?
It can be found at www.ACAcamps.org/election.
With our successes over the past year and
the exciting projects and events ahead,
we can all celebrate not only our profession
and commitment to youth development, but
also the work that we as colleagues in
the American Camp Association continue
every year.
Happy New Year, and see you in Austin!
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