Accredited by the American Camp Association
What does it mean?

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 10,000 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 up to 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

Information for Camps Being Visited in 2008

VISITOR ASSIGNMENTS:  Click here for the Visitor assignments and contact information.

CAMP INFORMATION FORM:  To provide information for your visitors, please click here to download the 2008 information form and return it by email to Maile Armstrong, mailearmstrong@verizon.net

AQUATIC CERTIFICATIONS: Remember to always refer to the ACA approved list of courses to meet aquatics standards which is available at http://www.acacamps.org/accreditation/aquaticcert.php  Maile Armstrong has issued a clarification of standards for staff supervising boating activities which is available by clicking here.

Questions?  Contact Maile Armstrong, mailearmstrong@verizon.net or 540-947-5016.

Transition from 1998 to 2007 Standards:  For a chart of changes in the numbering of standards, click here.  

The new/ revised standards went into effect in 2007 for those camps due a visit in 2008.  Camps should immediately begin a transition to new standards; however, the Annual Statement of Compliance holds a camp accountable to the standards under which they were last visited.  All future visits will be based upon the new/revised standards.