The American Camping Association, Heart of the South Local Council of Leadership (LCOL) established a means of paying tribute to those who make an extraordinary contribution to the advancement of the camp movement in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee and who have played an important role in creating today's ACA, Heart of the South Program. All recognition awards are presented at our Fall Gathering. 

For any questions, please contact Anne Weinberg at atw@stwmd.net with the subject line "ACA HOS Awards".

Nominations for 2023 will be due September 8, 2023. Nominate Today!

 

Magnolia Award

The Magnolia Award is the highest honor presented to a member of the American Camp Association, Heart of the South. To qualify, a candidate must:

  • Be known for his/her outstanding service in the field. It should be easily recognized that no other award would do justice to the magnitude of the contribution of this nominee.
  • Have an affiliation with the American Camp Association for at least ten (10) years and with ACA, Heart of the South for at least five (5) years.
  • Have high moral character, personal integrity and exemplify a spirit of devoted service to the field.
  • Be an active participant in National and Local ACA programs.

 

Program Excellence Award

The Program Excellence Award is designed to honor programs that:

  • Develop effective, creative responses to the needs of people and/or societal problems using the camp environment and encourage continued development of such ideas
  • Stimulate the exchange of creative ideas
  • Present to the public examples of positive contributions the camp has made on the well-being of individuals and society.

To be eligible for nomination, a program must have been in operation for at least one year (planning and development time does not count) and be part of an accredited camp.

Nominations will be judged on creativity and imaginative planning; relevance to the needs of participants; involvement of the target participants in the planning or implementation; adaptability and potential for replication; cooperative efforts with other organizations, agencies, or camps; and the ability of the program to meet stated objectives.
 

Friends of Camping Award

The Friends of Camping Award is presented to an individual, group or organization that has made significant contributions to camping through related fields. Membership in the American Camp Association is not a requirement. Contributions or relationships can be administrative, legislative, professional, or specific participation in local development.

 

Oak Leaf Award

The Oak Leaf Appreciation Award is presented to an ACA, Heart of the South member who has demonstrated service or special contribution to the overall philosophy of the American Camp Association movement and the ACA, Heart of the South Program.