Trusted Source
At ACA, we believe that camp experiences are enriched when we gather, share, and use evidence about campers, staff, and camp programs. We work hard to make sure the evidence we gather, either as an industry or within our individual camps, is relevant, rigorous, used effectively by camp and other youth program professionals.
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Camp Research
The ACA research team supports and facilitates rigorous research in order to expand the value and visibility of the camp experience and provide research-informed resources for camps. Explore summaries, scholarly reports, research briefs, and research-informed resources from current and past research initiatives.
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Continuous Improvement
At ACA, we believe that the value and visibility of the camp industry depends largely on the extent to which our camps are evaluating their campers, staff, programs, and operations, and using what they learn through their evaluations to strive for continuous program improvement.
![Counselor and campers jumping into the air](png/river-valley-ranch-counselor-campers-jumpingb80e.png)
Innovative Special Projects
With the support of grant funding, ACA’s Research Team is busy testing innovative ideas, tools, and systems in the camp field, ranging from program quality to camp-school partnerships, to camper and staff wellbeing.
![Group of staff and campers in a circle](png/cyo-camp-group-circle-no-faces2a7c.png)
Get Involved in Camp Research
The ACA research team considers itself a hub that connects researchers and youth development professionals from a wide variety of organizations. We are small but mighty! Read more about the people behind ACA’s research efforts and how you can get involved.