(For ACA-Accredited® Camps Only)
ACA camps set the standard – tell
the world that your camp offers fun and
safety! Use the sample
press release to send to news media
in your community.
Tips for Sending News
Releases to the Media
- Press releases should follow the same
general format as the sample
press release.
- Use your camp's stationery.
- Be sure to provide contact information
to make it easy for an editor or reporter
to follow up.
- Provide newsworthy copy and do not
exceed two pages.
- A good rule of thumb: Use the "inverted
pyramid" journalistic style. Write
the most important information first –
answering who, what, when, where, why,
and how.
- Send your releases to:
- local TV and radio stations
- local newspapers
- city newspapers or your target area
- Address your releases to the "feature
editor" of the local weekly papers
and magazines – they are more likely
to print your story than large dailies.
- You may find the most interest is generated
from features, family sections, and human
interest sections of the news media.
- Follow up with a phone call after sending
the release to answer any questions the
reporter may have. Be
prepared to answer any questions the
reporter may have about your camp and
ACA accreditation.
- On your registration form, ask your
campers' parents for the names of local
newspapers/magazines they read most often.
Sample
Press Release
The following press release is designed
to tell the world about your camp's accomplishment.
Use this sample press release as a template
and fill in your camp's information as prompted.
You should print and distribute the release
using your camp's stationery. For the best
results, follow the format of the release
as shown. It is specifically designed to
get an editor's attention.
Special Note:
When referring to your ACA-accredited camp
status in brochures, letters, and video
tapes, please use the following copy to
describe accreditation:
ACA Accreditation
means that (CAMP NAME) submitted
to a thorough (up to 300 standards)
review of its operation by the
American Camp Association (ACA) — from
staff qualifications and training
to emergency management. American
Camp Association collaborates with
experts from the American Academy
of Pediatrics, the American Red
Cross, and other youth-serving
agencies to assure that current
practices at the camp reflect the
most up-to-date, research-based standards
in camp operation. (CAMP NAME) and
ACA form a partnership that promotes
summers of growth and fun in an environment
committed to safety.
ACA helps
all accredited camps provide:
- Healthy,
developmentally-appropriate activities
and learning experiences
- Discovery
through experiential education
- Caring,
competent role models
- Service
to the community and the environment
- Opportunities
for leadership and personal growth
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