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Who We Are
The Pioneers of Camping Club was founded by
Marvin and Annette Black in honor of Marvin's
father, Edwin "Hughie" Black, who started
Pine Forest Camp in 1931. The Club offers special
recognition for current ACA members with at least
thirty years of professional camp experience.
Camps that have been in operation for at least
thirty years and affiliated with ACA are also
eligible for recognition.
The Pioneers of Camping Club was formed in 1985.
Our tradition continues to grow and thrive. In
the first four years of operation, sixty-one camp
directors and ninety camps represented its membership.
Membership is now over 125 individuals and over
165 camps. Each year at ACA's national conference,
new Pioneer members are presented with a Pioneers
of Camping plaque symbolizing their commitment
to the field of camping. All Pioneer members are
listed in one issue of Camping Magazine each year
and join together at a luncheon meeting or other
event to share and learn from each other.
The Pioneers recognition is not just for the
living. Many camp directors have been nominated
in memoriam for this recognition by the thoughtfulness
of family, friends, and colleagues.
Members are asked to record and document their
accomplishments, programs, and contributions to
the camping profession. This documentation process
preserves our heritage and offers a valuable historic
perspective to others in the field. Through the
club's Pioneer Partners project, members also
have the opportunity to assist and encourage young
camping professionals.
Benefits to Others
A pioneer prepares the way for others. If
you are already a Pioneers of Camping member,
we need your help. If you are considering joining,
this is yet another reason why you should join.
The combined years of experience of our Pioneer
camp professionals are 2,440 years minimum! If
we add the experience from camps that have been
in operation over thirty years, the combined experience
swells to 6,040 years - a staggering figure. It
is time to offer this experience to those just
entering the field of camping.
The Past Will Preserve
the Future
If you have some time, energy, and enthusiasm
to offer to our young camp professionals, please
use this application form to state your interest.
There is too much talent here to lose. Please
offer to share your wisdom with others and encourage
other Pioneers to do the same.
Pioneers always leave a legacy for others to
follow. Our legacy is the knowledge we share that
will help others promote and preserve the camp
experience for the next generation.
Pioneers Club Benefits
- An annual, inspiring event where ACA Pioneers
are recognized
- Opportunity to preserve and promote the camp
experience with rich tradition and history
- Strong network of dedicated camp enthusiasts
- Opportunity to counsel young professionals
in camping
- Pioneers of Camping plaque
- Photograph and history kept at the national
office
- Listing in one issue of ACA's Camping Magazine
each year
Who Can Join
- Any individual who has been a practicing camp
professional for at least thirty years and is
currently a member of the American Camping Association
(Includes those currently working and retirees.
Memorials for deceased members are acceptable.)
- Any camp who can document that it has been
in continuous operation for at least thirty
years and is currently affiliated with ACA
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