ACA National Staff Celebrates Camp Communities Day.

In honor of National Camp Communities Day, the national office was closed on July 20 so members of the staff could visit camps. These visits allowed staff who do not normally have contact with the field to experience camp firsthand.

Staff members observed campers and counselors interacting, saw the look of joy and accomplishment on the faces of campers who completed the challenge course, and witnessed the dedication and commitment of the camp directors and staff.

One staff member said, "I gained a greater appreciation of camp directors and staff and the work they do." Another, who visited Camp Riley, said, "The level of dedication and determination of the campers was exceeded only by the level of dedication the staff exhibited. No one works that hard just for money, these were people with heart working for love."

In addition to just observing, some staff members helped serve lunch and prepare for special activities. One group at Camp Rancho Framasa had the opportunity to fill in as food service workers. They diligently toiled in the 90 degree heat, putting cheese on hamburgers and dishing out baked beans, witnessing up close the mammoth task of feeding 150 hungry kids three meals a day.

Another group at Lutheran Hills helped the camp director prepare for a special campfire activity by folding 100 paper airplanes. They carefully counted them to make sure every camper and staff member would have a plane. A national staff member recalled, "This small endeavor helped me remember several things: camp creates a wonderful bond between youth and adults, sometimes the smallest paper airplane can soar above the tallest tree if the wind hits it just right, and why does ACA exist anyway? Because we believe children can soar at camp."

Helping children reach their dreams through positive relationships, friendships, and laughter, these are the camp experiences that Camp Communities Day celebrates.