The History of Organized Camping
Camping is a unique American tradition. With
almost 140 years of history, the summer camp as we know it today
ahs its roots deeply planted in American soil. But while clothing,
music and past-times have changed over the years, camp has always
been a place where children could prepare to be productive and
healthy adults in the context of fun and games.
1861
The Gunnery Camp is founded.
The gunnery Camp is considered the first organized American camp.
Frederick W. Gunn and his wife Abigail operated a home school for
boys in Washington, Conn. In 1861, they took the whole school on a
two-week trip. The class hiked to their destination and then set
up camp. The students spent their time boating, fishing and
trapping. The trip was so successful, the Gunns continued the
tradition for 12 years.
1874
First YWCA camp
The Philadelphia chapter of the YWCA holds the organization's
first camp (or "vacation project," as it was called).
This summer boarding and vacation house was for "tired young
women wearing out their lives in an almost endless drudgery for
wages that admit no thought for rest or recreation."
1876
The first private camp founded
Dr. Joseph Trimble Rothrock founds the North Mountain School of
Physical Culture near Wilkes-Barre, Pa. For about $200 boys from
Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre came for four months over the
summer. The idea was to take "weakly boys out into camp life
in the woods … so that the pursuit of health could be combined
with the practical knowledge outside usual academic lines."
(Dr. Rothrock)
1885
First YMCA camp
Summer F. Dudley and seven boys from the YMCA in Newburgh, NY go
on a camping trip. By 1891 there were 83 campers.
1900
First Boys' Club camp
The Boys' Club in Salem, Mass. Organizes a seven week summer camp
and 76 boys attend. By 1930, more than 60 Boys' Clubs conduct
summer camp with approximately 26,088 campers attending.
1910
The American Camping Association is founded
Under the original name, Camp Directors Association of America (CDAA),
founder Alan S. Williams creates a model and standardizing
influence in organized camping for the young. The CDAA merges with
the national Association of Directors of Girls' Camps in 1924 and
changes its name to the Camp Director Association (CDA). In 1935,
the name is changed to the American Camping Association.
1914
First Camp Fire Girls camp
Approximately 500 Camp Fire Girls participate.
1922
First Girl Scout camp
Ever since its founding in 1912, camp has played an important role
in the Girl Scout program. In 1922, the organization decides to
charter camps throughout the country.
1926
First issue of ACA's Camping Magazine
Camping Magazine is the official publication of the American
Camping Association, under the authorization of the National Board
of Directors. Its purpose is to inform and educate camp
professionals and others in related fields so they can
successfully serve their clientele.
1930's
National Park Service develops Recreation Demonstration Areas
As part of the federal government's wo5rk relief programs, the
National Park Service develops Recreation Demonstration Areas, 34
of which are organized camping facilities made available for lease
by camping groups that did not own camping grounds. These sites
are later turned over to state agencies, particularly state parks.
1948
Camp Standards are adopted by ACA
The standards, which are the basis for ACA camp accreditation, are
recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the
standards of the camp industry. There are currently 300 standards
for health, safety and program.
1968
There are approximately 70 million youths in America and almost 8
million of them have a camp experience.
1996
ASCAP agreement reached
The American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers
(ASCAP) agrees to let ACA-accredited camps pay only $1 per year
for all ASCAP licensed music. Previously, camps had to pay several
hundred dollars each year even for informal sing alongs.
1998
The New Your Public School System initiates Breakaways
Creating a new model for public education, our nation's largest
public school system incorporates camp into its curriculum. The
new focus on year-round learning adds up to 28 days of
non-traditional learning during the summer and school-year breaks.
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