Why ACA Accreditation?

Ask any camp you are considering if their program is accredited by the American Camp Association. As the knowledge resource for the camp industry, this is your first indication that a camp cares enough to undergo a thorough review of its operation and that it’s committed to safety and a nurturing environment. Less than 25 percent of camps nationwide are accredited, so if the camp you are considering is not accredited, ask why not. Informed parents are best prepared to select a camp that meets their standards for staff, programs, safety, and facilities. ACA-accredited camps provide:

1. Healthy, developmentally-appropriate activities and learning experiences
2. Discovery through experiential education
3. Caring, competent role models
4. Service to the community and the environment
5. Opportunities for leadership and personal growth

ACA standards (more than 300 of them!) are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the camp community. These standards exceed state licensing requirements – going beyond basic requirements for health, cleanliness, and food service. Specific areas of examination include programming, camp staff (from director through counselors), emergency management plans, health care, and management – many of the same areas that parents worry about! ACA applies separate standards for activities such as the waterfront, horseback riding, and adventure and travel.

Every three years, trained peers evaluate the accredited camp to verify compliance. Some of the standards that ACA camps rely upon are:

1. Staff-to-camper ratios
2. Emergency transportation
3. First-aid requirements
4. Staff screening procedures
5. Measuring camper growth and development

ACA’s commitment to parents means that camps have the most up-to-date information and best practices in the field of youth development. And, they are continually conducting research that contributes to understanding youth development.