|
The mission of the American Camp Association
is enriching the lives of children, youth and adults through the camp experience.
Enriching Lives, Changing the World
 The
American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for nearly
100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience, and
to ensure the quality of camp programs. Just as our membership is diverse and
our programs are distinct, so are the children and adults who come
to us to participate in the camp experience.
Through what we teach, the opportunities we offer and the example we set, children
become part of a sharing community.
As an organization we value the world, the
people who live in it, and the contribution
each individual can make. These are not
separate values, but concentric circles.
The values that are important to us as an
organization are the same as those we strive
to instill in the children and adults we
guide.
Contribution
We believe that the camp experience is essential
to every child's growth and education. Through
our membership in the ACA, we contribute
by working together to promote and articulate
our association as a leading authority in
child development. We contribute to the
lives of the children and adults who participate
in our programs and to their families and
our communities, and, in turn, we encourage
them to contribute to those who are part
of their lives and to the world in which
they live.
People
We believe in all the children and adults
who come to our camps. They are the reason
we exist. Through positive child development
and partnering with parents, we encourage
children to value their uniqueness and to
understand and appreciate their part in
the larger community. We help children develop
self-esteem, character, courage, responsibility,
resourcefulness, and cooperation. Quality
camp experiences help children develop the
healthy emotional and social skills necessary
to grow into strong, considerate, competent
adults.
 The
World
We believe that each of us plays an important
role in the stewardship of our environment—both
natural and man made. We help children
grow into committed, responsible citizens by
teaching them to appreciate, respect, and
care for the world in which they live.
- There will be greater public understanding
of and support for the value of the camp
experience
- An increasing number of children, youth,
and adults of all social, cultural, and
economic groups, will have a camp experience
- The camp experience will be of high
quality
Top of
page |
 |
|
