Nominations | Deadline is December 9, 2022

Did you know you can nominate yourself for one of our awards? You can also nominate others! 

Click here to submit a nomination today! 

About the Awards

Please find the ACA Illinois Recognition Awards and criteria below. 

Distinguished Service Award: 

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor given by ACA Illinois. It is awarded to individuals who have given outstanding leadership and service to our association for at least ten years. 

To qualify, the individual must have demonstrated the following: 

1. Outstanding service to the section through participation in programs, events, and the work of the section; devotion of time above and beyond the normal volunteer commitment; and ongoing, active volunteer service. 

2. Leadership on the board of directors, committee(s), and ACA, inc. roles such as a task force, national committee or national board of directors, 

Honor Award: 

The Honor Award is given to honor individuals for meritorious service to the camp profession and ACA Illinois. 

To qualify, the individual must meet the following criteria: 

1. Be a current ACA member or former member now retired from active participation.

2. Have served in camping programs for at least ten years.

3. Have made noteworthy contributions to the section as demonstrated by at least five of the following: 

a) member of the ACA Illinois board 

b) officer of ACA Illinois 

c) chair of a committee or task group 

d) member of a committee for three years 

e) significant service to a regional or national conference or training event f) employed staff of ACA Illinois 

g) significant contribution to the public awareness of the camp profession h) significant research in the field of camping 

i) author or co-author of one or more published books or articles related to the field of camping 

j) mentoring future leaders in the camp profession 

Special Recognition Award: 

The Special Recognition Award is given by the ACA Illinois to honor groups, organizations, or individuals (e.g. parents, volunteers, board members) for their efforts to advance the value of the camp profession. The award will be made for efforts that have significance at the state and/or regional level. No more than two Special Recognition Awards will be awarded annually. 

New Professional Award: 

The New Professional Award is given by ACA Illinois to honor an outstanding new professional in the camp profession with ten or less years of full-time service. The award will be made for efforts that have significance within the resident camp, day camp, and/or retreat and conference center setting. 

The Gordie E. Kaplan Program Excellence Award: 

The Program Excellence Award is given by ACA Illinois to honor programs that develop effective, creative responses to the needs of people and/or societal problems using the camp environment; to encourage continued development of such ideas; to stimulate the exchange of creative ideas; and to present to the public examples of positive contributions camp has made to the well-being of individuals and society. 

To qualify, camp programs will demonstrate one or more of the following: 

1. Understand and make use of intergrouping – combining groups that have differences (e.g. physical abilities, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, religion, and home environment). 

2. Develop programs suited to the needs and interests of teenage campers.

3. Broaden the range of services to persons with disabilities. 

4. Emphasize awareness of interpersonal relationships and development of interpersonal skills 

5. Conduct continuing innovative and effective staff-development programs. 6. Offer support activities or leadership that significantly expands the opportunities for human growth and enrichment through the camp profession (for non-camp organizations).

To be eligible for nominations a program must have been in operation for at least one year (excluding planning and development time). Membership in the American Camp Association is not required for eligibility. Nominations will be judged on creativity and imaginative planning; relevance to the needs of participants; involvement of the target participants in the planning and implementation; adaptability and potential for replication; cooperative efforts with other organizations, agencies, or camps; and the ability of the program to meet stated objectives. 

Marcy and Bob Brower Award for Innovative and Intentional Professional Development 

The Marcy and Bob Brower Award for Innovative and Intentional Professional Development is given by ACA Illinois to a person, camp, organization, or group that demonstrates commitment and intention for creating or implementing Innovative Professional Development space, programs, or services. 

To qualify, awardee must meet one or more of the following requirements: ● Provides leadership and/or support for Innovative Professional Development through organizing events or programs for or with ACA Illinois. 

● Trains, speaks, or shares innovative content as a speaker, individual, or facilitator that is accessible and inclusive to all. 

● Encourages and demonstrates innovative professional development for their own camp/organization. 

● Provides significant leadership or support in the camp community that promotes intentional andi innovative thinking and learning by camp professionals.