ACA presents national awards - American Camping Association - Brief Article

Camping Magazine, May, 2002

ACA announced the winners of several national awards at the ACA National Conference in Washington, D.C. The individuals and groups were recognized for their contributions to the camp movement, their efforts to promote the camp experience, their service to others, and their dedication to excellence.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor afforded to members by the American Camping Association.

* Margery M. Scanlin, Ed.D., CCD

Hedley S. Dimock Award

The Hedley S. Dimock Award is given to "one who contributes to camping through related fields such as outdoor education, conservation, recreation, medicine, education, architecture, or the social sciences."

* Ed M. Andrews

* Myra Pravda, RN, MSN

National Honor Award

The American Camping Association presents Honor Awards to recognize meritorious service.

* M. Deborah Bialeschki, Ph.D.

* Harold Breene, CCD

Special Recognition Award

The Award honors groups, organizations, or individuals for their efforts to promote camping.

* Allen Beavers, CCD

* George Marcus, CCD

* Rulon Skinner

National Service Award

The Service Award is given to recognize continued and increasing service beyond the section level. It is awarded to an ACA member who has already received a section award and continues to give service to at least three sections or districts.

* Ed Cohen

* Brian Crater

* Tom Horner

* Kathy Ragsdale

* Jane Sanborn

* Dr. Christopher Thurber

* Jim Van Wingerden

* Ed Woodlock

Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence

Eleanor P. Eells was a leader and an inspiration throughout her life. The awards for program excellence are designed to:

* motivate staff to develop effective, creative responses to the needs of people through camp;

* encourage the development of creative responses to societal problems through camp;

* stimulate the exchange of creative ideas with others,

* promote, in and out of camping, the positive contribution camp makes to the well-being of individuals and society, and

* give recognition and honor to those whose programs exemplify these objectives.

Three programs were recognized this year:

* Camp JCC's Total Inclusion Program, Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington

* Teen Extreme Camp 2001, Maryland 4-H Camps

* WOW (Wonderful Outdoor World), Department of Recreation and Parks

Nomination and Awards Procedures

All members of the association have the right to nominate people for ACA recognition awards. The deadline for all nominations is September 30 of each year. No nominations will be accepted after this date. Nominations should be mailed to:

Awards Committee Chair

American Camping Association

5000 State Road 67 North

Martinsville, IN 46151-7902

Contact Mary Ennis, mennis@ACAcamps.org or 765-342-8456, ext. 313, for nomination forms.