American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for more than 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 distinct, so are the children 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 we guide.

End Statements
*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.

1. The camp experience is essential to every child's growth and education.

2. We believe in all the children and adults who come to our camps. They are the reason we exist.

3. We believe that each of us plays an important role in the stewardship of our environment- both natural and manmade.