AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION, ILLINOIS
The American Camp Association, Illinois is nearly 288,600 people—members, volunteers, campers, professionals, friends—who believe that camp has the power to transform lives, provide fundamental services for children and families, and disrupt the effects of poverty.
Camp is a life-changing experience. Whether you’re a young person attending camp, a staff member, camp director or an adult who went to camp as a child; camp is essential to Illinois and it has the power to change lives!
Camp is a life-changing experience. Whether you’re a young person attending camp, a staff member, camp director or an adult who went to camp as a child; camp is essential to Illinois and it has the power to change lives!
WHO WE ARE
The American Camp Association, Illinois (ACA Illinois) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that operates from a service learning, or community engagement, model. Embracing experiential education and a style of learning that incorporates action and reflection, ACA Illinois provides opportunities for:
- Children to access camp through various funding programs;
- Camp Professionals to grow and strengthen their skills, knowledge and community resources; and
- Exclusive Association Membership through a local and national accreditation program.
OUR VISION
Enriching lives, changing the world.
our impact
In Illinois:
Illinois Camps report that:
- 420,000 youth experienced day/overnight camp each year.
- 33% of camps serve children from economically disadvantaged households.
- 25% of camps provide substantial services for individuals with special needs.
- 35,325 seasonal and part-time people are employed each summer (June-August).
- 2,490 individuals are employed by camp agencies year round.
- 8,635 youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds attended summer camp in 2019.
Illinois Camps report that:
- 84% of individuals who attend camp have an increased ability to establish positive relationships with adults.
- 82% of campers increase their ability to positively interact with peers.
- 84% of campers increase their ability to function independently.
- 82% of campers acquire positive values thanks to their camp experience.
featured resources
what we doLearn about our programs for youth and adults.
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membership & accreditationDiscover the ways accreditation and membership can benefit you.
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learn & toolsSee upcoming events & professional development opportunities.
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