American Camp Association | Summer camps enrich children's lives!

Camp is just around the corner, and you’ve still got to pack! You might be a pro at packing for camp, but there are always a few things you might forget. That's why The Clorox Company is partnering with the ACA to bring you a simple list of great suggestions for what counselors and staff should make sure is on their packing list this summer. Take a look – it just might save you from leaving something really important off your list!

The Clorox Company

Learn the skills you need to succeed. Camping Magazine is your primary source for the most recent trends in the camp industry,  the latest research in the field of youth development, critical management tools,  and innovative programming ideas. The July/August 2010 issue features articles that address programming, history, 20/20 Toolbox, and more.

Children and youth need a community that:  encourages achievement and builds self-esteem; promotes healthy lifestyles, fitness, and activity; teaches in a classroom without walls; instills appreciation, respect, and responsibility for the natural world around them; and inspires the confidence and courage to become the leaders of tomorrow.

A Voice for Excellence

ACA's Because of Camp…™ outdoor advertising campaign officially launched in early January. Since that time, orders have been arriving daily for billboards, posters, and transit shelters. Several orders have been placed already, and are being shipped to vendors nationwide. Visit ACA's Say It Big Web page to view a map of advertising placements as they are confirmed.

Preserving the rich history of the camp experience is essential for the future. The American Camp Association (ACA) is proud to celebrate our 100th Anniversary in 2010 and the 150th Anniversary of Organized Camping in 2011, and to honor our past with this Web-based tribute.

Celebrate ACA's 100th Anniversary

Find a Camp

Looking for a summer camp? Search over 2,400 ACA-Accredited camps.

Find a Job

Find the perfect summer or year-round camp job. Need Staff? Check Out ACA’s Staff Recruitment Solutions!

Join ACA

Join today and be an integral part of an evolving, versatile, and vibrant organization of people with knowledge to share.


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Ten Ways to be Proactive in a Bad Economy

Everyone is painfully aware that the US economy has taken a downturn. Many businesses and industries are facing difficult and scary times. Now that people are more concerned about their future earning power, they are more careful about where they spend their time and money. Here are ten tips to help you stay proactive during a tough economy.

  • Go for quality over quantity – when thinking about how to spend your limited advertising dollars, don’t be afraid to pick only those opportunities that give you the most bang for your buck.
  • Get creative – they say necessity breeds ingenuity. Think outside of the box by looking into local partnerships and exchanges.
  • Put words into the word of mouth approach – it’s true that we are our own best advertising. Send a letter or note to parents and alumni and ask them to tell a friend and offer them a reward or incentive.
  • Have a heart – don’t be afraid to contact families that haven’t registered for camp and ask (gently), “why?” You may find that finances are the primary reason, and if so, let parents know about any financial assistance your camp offers. If there are other reasons, it’s important to know what those are as well. You may find a common thread.
  • Keep it clean – One of the top complaints among dissatisfied camp parents is cleanliness. Make sure that all staff are properly trained and abide by cleaning procedures.
  • Say it with a smile – You’ve heard that “the customer is always right.” And while we know that this doesn’t always apply to parents, it is important to remember customer service basics.
  • Ask for a better deal – if it’s time to renew existing contracts, don’t be afraid to renegotiate.
  • Give a shout out – recognize staff members that you rely on. If someone is doing a great job, let them know. Staff are motivated by positive feedback, so make sure that, when appropriate, you dish it out.
  • Together Everyone Achieves More – use the team approach to build positive relationships within your staff. By taking a team approach to problem solving, everyone will feel invested in the outcome.
  • Don’t be a pencil pusher – when your best staff members are promoted, make sure that they still get regular interaction with parents and campers. Make sure that all staff, even office staff, participate in camp activities.
Economic Resources
 
American Camp Association | Summer camps enrich children's lives!

Camp is just around the corner, and you’ve still got to pack! You might be a pro at packing for camp, but there are always a few things you might forget. That's why The Clorox Company is partnering with the ACA to bring you a simple list of great suggestions for what counselors and staff should make sure is on their packing list this summer. Take a look – it just might save you from leaving something really important off your list!

The Clorox Company

Learn the skills you need to succeed. Camping Magazine is your primary source for the most recent trends in the camp industry,  the latest research in the field of youth development, critical management tools,  and innovative programming ideas. The July/August 2010 issue features articles that address programming, history, 20/20 Toolbox, and more.

Children and youth need a community that:  encourages achievement and builds self-esteem; promotes healthy lifestyles, fitness, and activity; teaches in a classroom without walls; instills appreciation, respect, and responsibility for the natural world around them; and inspires the confidence and courage to become the leaders of tomorrow.

A Voice for Excellence

ACA's Because of Camp…™ outdoor advertising campaign officially launched in early January. Since that time, orders have been arriving daily for billboards, posters, and transit shelters. Several orders have been placed already, and are being shipped to vendors nationwide. Visit ACA's Say It Big Web page to view a map of advertising placements as they are confirmed.

Preserving the rich history of the camp experience is essential for the future. The American Camp Association (ACA) is proud to celebrate our 100th Anniversary in 2010 and the 150th Anniversary of Organized Camping in 2011, and to honor our past with this Web-based tribute.

Celebrate ACA's 100th Anniversary

Find a Camp

Looking for a summer camp? Search over 2,400 ACA-Accredited camps.

Find a Job

Find the perfect summer or year-round camp job. Need Staff? Check Out ACA’s Staff Recruitment Solutions!

Join ACA

Join today and be an integral part of an evolving, versatile, and vibrant organization of people with knowledge to share.