Indianapolis, IN—The American Camp Association (ACA) is pleased to announce the addition of a new Medically-Focused Camp Programs Track at its National Conference, which will be held February 9-12, 2016, in Atlanta, GA. Campers living with serious and chronic illness have the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones, experience the wonders of camp and thrive. This new track, made possible through a gift from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, will address a range of issues, needs and strategies for professionals working with medically-focused camp programs. We encourage all interested professionals to attend and participate in these sessions.

Camps that welcome campers with health and medical issues require specific, tailored training to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. The Diabetes Education and Camping Association (DECA) and SeriousFun Children’s Network will work in collaboration with ACA to develop the content of the Medically-Focused Camp Programs Track.

The annual ACA National Conference attracts more than 1,200 camp and youth development professionals and features daily keynote lectures and 150 breakout sessions divided into nine program tracks. Registration is open to all youth development and camp professionals, educators, students and volunteers.

To register for the ACA National Conference and to learn more about the Medically-Focused Camp Programs Track, visit http://www.ACAcamps.org/conference/mfcp.

About the American Camp Association

The American Camp Association® (ACA) is a 9,000 member-strong, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, actively working with more than 2,700 camps and youth development programs around the country. As a national organization, ACA is committed to collaborating with those who believe in providing quality camp and outdoor experiences for an estimated 11 million children, youth, and adults each year. ACA provides advocacy and evidence-based education and professional development, and is the only national accrediting body for the organized camp experience. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.

About DECA

DECA unites the worldwide diabetes camping community through leadership and education, as well as shares resources to advance programs that dramatically impact people’s lives. For more information, visit https://www.diabetescamps.org/.

About SeriousFun Children’s Network

SeriousFun Children’s Network provides specially-adapted camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families, empowering them to believe in themselves and lead fuller lives. For more information, visit https://www.seriousfunnetwork.org/.

About the Helmsley Charitable Trust

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional nonprofits and other mission-aligned organizations in health, selected place-based initiatives, and education and human services. Since 2008, when the Trust began its active grant making, it has committed more than $1.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. The Helmsley Type 1 Diabetes Program is the largest private foundation funder of T1D in the nation focused on understanding the disease, developing better treatments and improving care and access. For more information, visit www.helmsleytrust.org.