fter the attack on our country on September 11th, 2001 , the American Camp Association searched for a way that it could participate in a great time of challenge. In response, Accredited summer camps from across the country have designated spaces in day and resident summer camps, free of charge, for children who lost parents in the September 11th tragedy. Once a camp accepts a child, the camp's commitment is for the camp-life of the child, assuming appropriate behavior on the part of the camper.

erhaps thousands of children lost a mom or dad on September 11th. Some may have lost both. It is expected that many families are without a major income provider and untold numbers of children have emotional wounds to heal. HEAL THE CHILDREN is an attempt, albeit in a small way, to bring the unique resources of the American Camp Association to bear in the process of helping to heal those wounds. The friendship and bonding that takes place at camp can be a valuable part in the emotional rebuilding of lives.

he American Camp Association (ACA), founded in 1910, is the national organization of camp professionals, and leading authority in youth development, that joined together to ensure the quality of camp programs . The Association is dedicated to the belief that the camp experience enriches lives and changes the world. For more information, visit the website www.acacamps.org or www.aca-ny.org.

roject Heal The Children is administered by the New York section of the American Camp Association www.aca-ny.org.