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ACA Accreditation is a process during which
a camp undergoes a thorough review of its operation
— from staff qualifications and training
to emergency management — to ensure compliance
with more than 300 standards. The American Camp
Association collaborates with experts from The
American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red
Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure
that current practices of the camp reflect the
most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp
operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that
promotes growth and fun in an environment committed
to safety. The American Camp Association, as the
only national accrediting body for all types of
camps, has a 55-year history of administering
the accreditation program. ACA standards are recognized
by courts of law and government regulators as
the standards for best practices in camp.
Purpose of the Accreditation Program
The main purpose of the ACA-accreditation program
is to educate camp owners and directors in the
administration of key aspects of camp operation,
particularly those related to program quality
and the health and safety of campers and staff.
The standards establish guidelines for needed
policies, procedures, and practices.
ACA, New England recommends completing
the following steps prior to your first visit.
- Begin the process at least one year in advance
so that you will have plenty of time to review
and evaluate each area of your camp’s
operation.
- Take the Standards
Course as early as possible. This
required 4-hour course will introduce you to
the Standards and to the accreditation process.
This free course is offered throughout the winter
and spring.
- Schedule a pre-visit with your visitor. Your
assigned visitor can answer any questions you
may have about preparing for your visit weeks
or even months in advance.
- Keep your contact information up to date
with ACA New England and
ACA so that all materials and information reach
you in a timely manner.
Become an ACA Visitor
Visitors are volunteers with a background in camp
administration who have completed the Associate
Visitor Training course and served
an “apprenticeship” with an experienced
visitor.
For additional information
or answers to questions about ACA accreditation
or becoming an ACA Visitor in New England, contact:
Donna Johns-Thomas,
Director of Member Services
ACA New England
(781) 541-6080
Donna@acane-camps.org
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