“I feel accepted, loved, and had lots of fun with people I didn't know.”  — Camper, age 11

Camp supporters like you understand the impact a positive camp experience can have on youth such as these campers. This holiday season, ACA is thankful for the support of contributors like you! We know we can count on your continued support and partnership in telling the world that Camp Gives Kids a World of Good®!

The mission of ACA is enriching the lives of children, youth, and adults through the camp experience. When you support the mission of ACA, you strengthen the camp community. Your support creates stronger bridges to:

• CAMP QUALITY
  In addition to the nation's only camp accreditation system, initiatives such as the Healthy Camp Study and the program improvement project provide the public with evidence of the safety of camp and its positive impact on a child's development. These and other ACA programs also provide camps with easy tools to ensure the experience provided is of the highest quality.
  
  
• PARENTS
  ACA's parent Web site (www.CampParents.org) and Camp E-news reach nearly 1 million parents each issue and focus on the camp as an integral educational experience. All ACA parent communication provides parents with resources such as how to find the perfect fit for their children and encourages connections with camp during the off-season.
  
  
• KNOWLEDGE
  Research, educational courses, the ACA Bookstore, and discussion groups are just a few of the ways ACA helps to provide continual education and camp improvement resources.
  
  
• LEGISLATORS
  ACA is continually working to include the camp community in important decision-making around issues such as year-round education and background checks.
  
  
• CAMP PROFESSIONALS
  ACA's national and regional conferences and other educational sessions provide the perfect opportunity to network with those who understand and value camp the same way you do!

As a nonprofit charitable organization, ACA depends on you! ACA is striving to raise national consciousness of the power of the camp experience while improving services and increasing the number of kids at camp. Member dues and camp fees only cover one third of ACA's work. To continue to provide education to the public, professional development, research, and public awareness of the importance of camp, ACA needs your support. Please donate now.

Have the happiest of holidays!

Warm regards,

Ann Sheets President, American Camp Association

Andy Lilienthal ACA Fund Development Chair

P.S. A gift of $5 a month helps to support so many programs, including new research to help tell the world that camp gives kids a world of good!