Eleanor Eells AwardEleanor P. Eells was a leader and inspiration within the field of camp throughout her life. She was an active participant in the Settlement House and Social Service Agency camp movements and a pioneer in therapeutic camping. She was one of the founders of the Fund for Advancement of Camping and served as its director through FAC's formative years. Mrs. Eells had an equally important influence on the American Camp Association. Among her endeavors, she worked to support programs such as ACA's 1970 Standards Research and rewrite. Her greatest contribution was helping individuals and camps to start new programs. When these programs were operating, she shared results with countless others.
Eleanor Eells' life was an example for the camp professional. She was the first recipient of ACA's highest honor, The Distinguished Service Award; and the author of History of Organized Camping:
The first 100 years (1861-1961). Mrs. Eells passed away in her 94th year. The awards for Program Excellence are designed to:
- Motivate staff to develop effective, creative responses to the needs of people through camp.
- Encourage the development of creative responses to societal problems through camp.
- Stimulate the exchange of creative ideas with others.
- Promote, in and out of camping, the positive contribution camp makes to the well-being of individuals and society.
- Give recognition and honor to those whose programs exemplify these objectives.
