Michigan Award for Program Excellence
ACA National Equivalent Award: Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence
The Michigan Award for Program Excellence focuses on recognizing program excellence at camps. A total of two nominees will be selected for recognition at the Michigan Fall Gathering. Evaluation and selection of the final awards will be completed by the Michigan Awards Committee to recognize excellence in all areas at camp! The finalists for this award will be forwarded and considered for the Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence.
Purpose: The Michigan Awards for Program Excellence are designed to honor camp programs that:
1. Develop effective, creative responses to the needs of people and/or societal problems using the camp environment,
2.Encourage continued development of such ideas (with ability to implement at other camps),
3. Stimulate the exchange of creative ideas, and/or
4. Present to the public examples of positive contributions camp has made on the well-being of individuals and society.
Nominations are judged on creativity and imaginative planning; relevance to the needs of participants; involvement of the target participants in the planning or implementation; adaptability and potential for replication; cooperative efforts with other organizations, agencies, or camps; and, the ability of program to meet stated objectives.
Eligibility: To qualify for nomination, a program must (one or more):
1. have been in operation for at least one year (planning and development time do not count
2. understand and make use of intergrouping - combining groups that have differences e.g., physical abilities, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, religion, and home environment.
3. develop programs suited to the needs and interests of teenage campers.
4. broaden the range of services to persons with disabilities.
5. emphasize awareness of interpersonal relationships and development of interpersonal skills.
6. conduct continuing innovative and effective staff development programs.
7. (for non-camp organizations) offer support activities or leadership that significantly expands the opportunities for human growth and enrichment through camping
Membership in ACA is not required.
Number of Awards: No more than two annually.