There are a number of awards available to be presented to worthy individuals, camps and organizations each year at the ACA Annual Conference. Individuals or camps may submit a nomination for consideration by the Awards committee of either the Alberta Camping Association or the Canadian Camping Association.
ACA Awards for Individuals
In Honour of William Donald (Don) Smith
PURPOSE
To recognize service and/or dedication to Camping Alberta – be it professional, lay or philosophic. It may be awarded to recognize long service, professional improvement, or significant involvement in support of camping endeavours.
THE AWARD
The Award shall consist of a handcrafted sculpture which will be displayed at the ACA office and inscribed with a plaque regarding the recipient’s name and contribution. A citation honouring the achievements of the award winner shall be published in the ACA Awards Program and the ACA’s newsletter. The Don Smith Award recipient will also become an honorary life member of the Alberta Camping Association and this membership will carry all rights and privileges of regular membership.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The nominee must have made a significant or outstanding contribution through long service, professional improvements or personal involvement in support of camping endeavours.
BACKGROUND
Known for his philosophy of “living and giving”, Don served as a model for us all. He came to teach at the University of Alberta in 1947 and was active in the community until his death in 1976. Known as the finest practitioner of Physical Education, he had a deep- rooted concern for people. Don was instrumental in the development of Outdoor Education at the University of Alberta. The course first started in the mid 60’s as a series of non-credit lectures on basic outdoor education and camping skills.
Don believed in the promotion of opportunities for all children. Thus he became involved in the Red Cross, and was instrumental in the development of national standards for swimming, and the development of the National Small Craft Safety Program.
It was well known that Don would work on any committee in any capacity. Although he never sought Presidency, his work was so sound, and he was so well liked, that he inevitably became president of the Alberta Camping Association. In camping alone, Don served as President of the Alberta Camping Association, Chairman of the Edmonton YMCA Camp, and the President of the Canadian Camping Association. Don’s concern for the outdoors was not just professionally based but also played a big part in his and his family’s recreation. In fact, if individuals did not share Don’s zeal for the outdoors, he would simply go about converting them.
In the late 1970’s, in honour of his love for the outdoors, his great concern for people and his dedication to the field of camping, the Alberta Camping Association initiated the Don Smith Address, an inspirational address given at the Annual Conference. In 1990, the Don Smith Award was introduced.
Don Smith Award Past Recipients
| 2022 | Gerrit Leewes, Camp Warwa |
| 2021 | Jana Reed, Camp Chief Hector |
| 2019 | Leighana Shockey, Camp Kindle |
| 2018 | Christine McIver, Camp Kindle |
| 2017 | Brad Andrews |
| 2016 | Les Waite |
| 2015 | Laureen Wray |
| 2014 | Doug Saul |
| 2008 | Kathy and Gary Koehler |
| 2007 | Wayne Perkins |
| 2006 | Cindy Simpson |
| 2005 | Jake Doerkson |
| 2004 | Mike Nelson |
| 2003 | Marlene Flynn |
| 2002 | Rev David Larsen |
| 2001 | Douglas Ritchie |
| 2000 | Mike Walters |
| 1999 | Allen Crozier |
| 1998 | Jean Funk |
| 1997 | Bob Schwartzenberger |
| 1996 | Bob Williamson |
| 1995 | Phyllis Davis |
| 1994 | Nestor Kelba |
| 1993 | Scouts Canada Alberta Council |
| 1992 | Eveline Freethy Goodwin |
| 1991 | Jan James |
| 1990 | Margaret Seel |
PURPOSE
To annually recognize the outstanding contribution, commitment, dedication, and service to an ACA member camp by one (1) front line program staff member.
THE AWARD
The award shall consist of an engraved plaque, which lists the annual recipients, to be hung in the ACA Office, as well as a Certificate of Recognition awarded to the recipient.
HOW TO NOMINATE A CANDIDATE
The nominator should outline the reasons why this front line staff member is a worthy recipient of the Tim Ross Memorial Award. The nominee must be an employee of a current ACA member camp.
Tim Ross Memorial Award Past Recipients
| 2022 | Hazel Brandreth, Camp Chief Hector YMCA
Kevin Brunnen, Camp Amicus Douglas Webb, Camp Whitney |
| 2021 | Jordyn Wright, Camp BB Riback |
| 2021 | Mariann Bierman, Camp BB Riback |
| 2019 | Micah Allen, Camp BB Riback |
| 2018 | Derrick Clarke, Camp Ursa |
| 2017 | Erin Krysko |
| 2015 | Trevor Trefananko |
| 2014 | Craig Torry |
| 2010 | Kari Enns |
| 2009 | Matt “Forest” Gale |
| 2008 | Kelly Kerr |
| 2007 | Nadim Chin |
| 2006 | Jeff Siddle |
| 2005 | Tim Ross – posthumously |
PURPOSE
The Margaret Seel Award of Merit is an annual award designated to honour individuals or groups who have significantly contributed to the ACA and to camping development in Alberta. Nominees may be practitioners, volunteer leaders or board members in any camping organization.
THE AWARD
The Award shall consist of a framed certificate of recognition as well as a citation honouring the achievements of the Award winner. This citation shall be published in the ACA Awards Program, and in the ACA’s newsletter.
Margaret Seel Award of Merit Past Recipients
| 2021 | Kathleen Gurski, Camp Amicus |
| 2020 | Callum Monteith, YMCA Calgary |
| 2020 | Kendra Freeland, Camp Kuriakos |
| 2016 | Brad Andrews |
| 2015 | Gerrit Leewes |
| 2014 | Jon Olfert |
| 2010 | Scott Lister |
| 2009 | Carly Steiger |
| 2008 | Sara Middleton |
| 2007 | Laureen Wray |
| 2006 | Chris Wick |
PURPOSE
To recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to a Member Camp, and thereby have raised the quality of organized camping in Alberta. This nomination should come from someone within your camp.
THE AWARD
The award shall consist of a framed Certificate of Recognition and a Selection Criteria Citation, honouring the achievements of the Nominee.
Award of Achievement Past Recipients
| 2022 | Anouk Kraemer, Camp Chief Hector YMCA
Nick Taven, Kamp Kiwanis Kristen Palagian, Kamp Kiwanis |
| 2021 | Jon Gartly, Ellis Connelly |
| 2020 | Allen Kreller |
| 2019 | Charlie Bell |
| 2015 | Christine Fisher, Chris Sheasby, Nikki Thompson |
| 2014 | Courtney Armstrong, Paul Kopjar |
| 2011 | Leone Johannson |
| 2010 | Mike MacKay, Aly Topping |
| 2009 | Dale Kiselyk, Jana Reed |
| 2008 | Rowena Morris, Laura Spruyt |
| 2007 | Ray Tamera Coller & Family, Paul D’Angelo, Dan Grassick |
| 2006 | Kinsmen Club of Calgary |
| 2005 | Mike Horembala, Ernest Klaus, Terry Garrett |
| 2004 | Collene Finkbeiner |
| 2003 | Mervyn Pedde |
| 2002 | Denzle & Betty Laporte, Norm Motkosky |
| 2001 | Roy Raymond, Rafael & Victoria Aguilar, Steve Hill – Action Septic |
| 2000 | Ruth Smillie, Gloria Wilson, Loreen Jacobs, Dorothy Violini, Betty Slater, Leroy Overacker |
| 1999 | Glenn & Marion Krausnick, Marian Sczesny |
| 1998 | Valerie Caldwell, Kathleen Koehler, Rick Krushelnicki, Jerry Muench, Wayne Perkins, Michael Walters |
| 1997 | Father Eric Nelson, Henry Kieser, Rev David Crawford, Hank Flemmer |
ACA Awards for Camps & Organizations
Over the years the topic of environmental concern has increased. As the land, water and air is slowly destroyed by manmade pollution, we must realize how important nature is in sustaining our existence. In order to contribute to the protection of the environment, the Alberta Camping Association has implemented an awards program which recognizes the camp(s) which can provide sound evidence in the contribution to the protection or conservation of the environment. Alberta Camping Association’s Environmental Protection Policy will be used as a standard in choosing the camp(s) who is most deserving of this reward. Unexpected visits to the chosen camp(s) may also occur. Either one or both methods will be implemented in obtaining the final decision.
The ACA has created the Environmental Award Program to help camps make a positive contribution to the environment. It provides well deserved recognition to the camp(s) chosen and allows campers to participate in the education and contribution to the environment.
WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THE AWARD?
We are looking for projects that follow the ACA’s Environmental Protection Policy in improving
environmental quality or conservation of resources. Some examples are camps that:
- Protect & conserve the land
- Practice water conservation
- Use bicycles instead of vehicles by staff
- Has plant a tree program
- Protect wildlife
- Education that will lead to action in any of these areas
HOW DOES THE AWARDS PROGRAM WORK?
The first step is to carefully complete the application guidelines giving as much information as possible and send it to the ACA Office. The decision in choosing the most deserving camp is determined by a number of factors:
1. How large of an impact does the program have on the environment
2. The ability to educate people about the program
3. The uniqueness of the program
4. Staff or organizational input
The programs sent to us are important because we would be able to share ideas with other camps who are interested in making a contribution to the environment. The ACA believes that solutions to today’s environmental problems will come from ideas and actions of concerned people like you.
PURPOSE
The ACA Award of Merit is an annual award designated to honour individuals or groups who have significantly contributed to the ACA and to camping development in Alberta. Nominees may be practitioners, volunteer leaders or board members in any camping organization.
THE AWARD
The Award shall consist of a framed certificate of recognition as well as a citation honouring the achievements of the Award winner. This citation shall be published in the ACA Awards Program, and in the ACA’s newsletter.
PURPOSE
To annually recognize the commitment, dedication, and service to the Alberta Camping Association, its members, and to the organized camping industry in Alberta by a Commercial member of the Alberta Camping Association.
THE AWARD
The award shall consist of an engraved plaque, which lists the annual recipients, to be hung in the ACA Office, as well as a Certificate of Recognition awarded to each recipient.
HOW TO APPLY
The application should outline the reasons why this business or organization is a worthy recipient of the Annual Award of Service. The nominee must be a current commercial member of the ACA.
Award of Service Past Recipients
| 2014 | Adventureworks! Associates
Challenges Unlimited |
| 2011 | Rocky Mountain Adventure Medicine |
| 2010 | Roy Francoeur |
| 2008 | Back Check |
| 2007 | West |
| 2006 | Lifesaving Society of Alberta/NT |
| 2005 | Spark Printwear |
| 2004 | Arrow Tipi |