FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

New Comprehensive Resources for Families
The American Camp Association Launches Family Web Site and Magazine

AUGUST 2004, MARTINSVILLE, IN—The American Camp Association announces the launch of two major family initiatives—CAMP: A Resource for Families—an annual family magazine scheduled for publication in January 2005, and www.CampParents.org, a Web site devoted exclusively to providing an expert and comprehensive resource for parents who want their children to benefit from a positive camp experience. The Web site goes live on September 1.

"Camp is a life-changing experience for many children. We are excited to develop a publication and complementary Web site expressly for parents, introducing them to the value of camp. Child development and wellness are integral parts of our mission, and conveying the breadth of the camp experience to our audience is an exciting venture," says Peg Smith, executive director of the American Camp Association. "Gathering the experts in a single publication and Web site that includes child psychologists, health professionals, nutritionists, as well as camp directors and counselors, provides parents an invaluable window into what makes camp a unique experience."

"CAMP's editorial package introduces families to the benefits and values of camp—the ways in which camp enhances self-esteem and builds skills and confidence in our children," says Harriet Gamble, editor-in-chief. "The magazine will highlight the camp selection process, child readiness, as well as the diversity of camp programs, including information for families with budding athletes and artists to campers with special needs. Our editorial profile conveys the joy of camp alongside the serious challenges of childhood, exploring just how camps have such a tremendously positive impact on the lives of children. Families also will get an inside look at how camps ensure that safety and fun go hand-in-hand."

A look inside CAMP:

• Journalists Joan Lunden and Tucker Carlson share their insights as camp parents
• Noted family therapist Bob Ditter talks with mothers and fathers about camp
• International camp experiences at home and abroad—Germans in America and Americans in Germany
• Debunking Hollywood myths about camp—"Kurse of Kumbayah"
• Strength Training—"Camps as Powerhouses of Child Development"

In conjunction with the publication of CAMP, the American Camp Association will launch its new family-dedicated Web site: www.CampParents.org on September 1. With contemporary style and easy navigation, the Web site will offer expert advice from camp professionals on camp selection, readiness, child development, and issues of importance to families. A camp locator with data from approximately 2,400 camps nationwide will allow parents to easily customize their search and identify camp programs that best fit each camper and camp family.

In addition to being available through www.CampParents.org, CAMP will be available at newsstands and bookstores. The pre-publication price for Web orders is $4.95 and includes shipping and handling.

The American Camp Association works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-accredited camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

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