The American Camp Association and the National Wildlife Federation Join Forces

The American Camp Association (ACA) is pleased to announce a new educational alliance with National Wildlife Federation (NWF), whose mission is to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. Through this alliance, ACA and NWF will promote the importance of nature for healthy youth and families, particularly through the Great American Backyard Campout, which encourages families across the nation to gather outdoors and camp on June 22 while helping fundraise for a leading conservation organization.

“Forming an educational alliance with NWF is another way ACA is working to get kids outdoors, reaping the benefits and enjoyment of outdoor experiences. NWF and ACA want to work together to see that children, youth, and families continue to have access today — and tomorrow — to the outdoors. Quality camp experiences often center on nature and the outdoors, which research has shown give children and youth lasting social, emotional, and cognitive gains,” said Peg Smith, ACA’s chief executive officer.

“NWF and ACA are committed to getting millions more children to play outdoors on a regular basis. This relationship is a win for American kids, because together we will help families raise healthier and happier children who have a lifelong commitment to protecting wildlife and the natural world,” said Meri-Margaret Deoudes, vice president of Be Out There at NWF. “Through this new partnership, ACA will help NWF’s Be Out There movement share resources that inspire parents to make nature a part of their family’s everyday lives.”  

ACA’s camp experience outcome measurement tools measure the impact of nature experiences on children at camp, as well as other outcomes such as leadership, friendship skills, and responsibility. ACA’s extensive research efforts provide information on program quality assessment, business operations, and more. Visit the ACA online. 

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. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 290 health and safety standards. For more information, visit ACAcamps.org.

About NWF
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is America’s largest conservation organization, inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. The organization seeks solutions to reduce the impact of climate change, protects and restores wildlife habitat, and connects people of all ages with nature. For more information, please visit nwf.org.

Be Out There™ is NWF’s movement to reconnect families with the outdoors. NWF’s practical tools and information help make being outside a fun, healthy, and automatic part of everyday life. For other helpful resources and to learn more about NWF’s goal to get 10 million more kids spending regular time in the great outdoors, visit BeOutThere.org. For more National Wildlife Federation news, visit: nwf.org/news.