ACA accreditation is the best evidence parents have of a camp's commitment to a safe and nurturing environment for their children.  Accreditation assures parents that camp practices have been measured against national standards and go a step beyond a state's basic licensing requirements.

Because accreditation is voluntary, parents know the camp is committed to best practices.  Currently, only 25-30 percent of an estimated 8,500 day and resident camps seek accreditation.  Accreditation is an educational process providing training, guidelines, programs, and publications for camp directors and staff.

ACA standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as THE standards of the camp industry.  The ACA accreditation program has a 50 year history and is continually evaluated and updated to reflect current best practice in camps.  ACA collaborates with experts from many fields such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth serving agencies to be sure required practices are current and sound.  ACA standards are revised based on research in the public, legal, youth development, and camp arenas.

No environment is risk free.  However, ACA camps voluntarily go through a rigorous risk management process to prevent illness or injury to campers‑and to have solid crisis plans if an emergency does occur.  Camp provides a supervised, positive environment with controlled boundaries to help children grow.

At least once every three years, an outside team of trained professionals observe the camp in session to verify compliance with over 300 standards.  Accreditation standards cover all aspects of camp operation:

·          Site/Food Service: Fire protection, maintenance, sleeping areas, bathing/toilet facilities, food service areas and practices

·          Transportation: Driver and vehicle requirements, traffic control, transportation safety

·          Health Care: Staff and facility requirements, medication management, required health information and record keeping

·          Management: Safety and security regulations, staff emergency training, crisis communications, insurance, planning

·          Staffing: Staff qualifications, training, ratios, supervision and behavior management guidelines

·          Program: Goals for camper development, orientation and safety policies for general and specialized programs, including aquatics, challenge courses, trips, and horseback riding

For more information about the American Camping Association and the importance of accreditation see www.acacamps.org.