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Tip of the Week from the American Camp Association
May 22, 2007

Camp Trends: New Changes Occurring at Camps

MARTINSVILLE, IN (May 22, 2007) – In an ever-changing world, the camp industry continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s families. This is confirmed by a steady increase in camp enrollment each year. Nearly 150 years old, the camp industry continues to provide children with the chance to take positive risks in a safe and nurturing environment, in new and surprising ways.

1. What happens at camp? While many camps continue to be traditionally based, they are adding new and diverse programs. In 2006, 75% of American Camp Association (ACA)-Accredited camps added new programming, and currently, 71% of ACA-Accredited camps offer one or more specializations. These programs range from archaeology and marine biology to trapeze and rock star programs. Camps are also giving back and helping their communities, from beach cleanups to community service and recycling programs. There is a camp for every child, every interest, and every cause!
   
   
2. Camp is for whom? Camp is for everyone! Ten million children and one million adults attend camp annually! The American Camp Association has seen a 215% increase in family camps in the past 15 years, and in the past year, we have seen a 10% increase in senior camps and a 13% increase in adult camps. Camp is for everyone, from ages 3 to 93!
   
   
3. Camp is where? While camp is historically an American tradition, camps are found everywhere—from the woods to a city park to a college campus! Since 2000, ACA has seen a 59% increase in travel camps. These camps take children anywhere from Alaska and South America to Asia and Europe. Children can have fun at camp while learning about different cultures and languages.
   
   
4. How does camp benefit children? Research has shown that camp helps children gain a sense of independence and increases their self-esteem, but now we are also seeing that camp helps children engage in and continue practicing healthy lifestyles. Camps focus on not only offering three balanced meals a day, but many teach campers about healthy food choices. Camp gives children the chance to get outdoors and play, run, and take healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environment. Children try new activities while at camp, which has proven to be important, according to independent research, 63% of parents say their children continue to participate in some of the new activities learned at camp.

For information about camp trends, the benefits of camp, or even what to pack visit ACA’s family-dedicated Web site, www.CampParents.org.

Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317 or pr@ACAcamps.org to interview an ACA spokesperson or for information and data on the camp industry.

Also, for customizable public service announcements, story ideas, article reprints, including articles about nature-oriented camp programs, visit our Media Center.

Check out last week's Tip of the Week!

MEDIA CONTACT:
Public Relations, American Camp Association
765-349-3317; 765-342-8456, ext. 317
pr@ACAcamps.org

About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) 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. ACA is the only national organization that accredits camps. 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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