ACA Standards
Become an Accreditation Volunteer
Are you ready to become an Accreditation Volunteer? Apply Now!
Do you have questions about becoming an Accreditation Volunteer? Keep reading and/or join us for an Accreditation Volunteer Interest Session. These brief, informal sessions are held September through December.
Get Started
These 2 steps will get you on the path to becoming an ACA Accreditation Volunteer!
- Check the Accreditation Volunteer Course schedule and find a date that works with your schedule.
- Submit an Accreditation Volunteer Application (online) You'll select your preferred course date on the application.
The Accreditation Volunteer Course consists of two parts:
- Part 1 is online, asynchronous, and takes about 4-5 hours to complete based on your individual learning styles and preferences. Part 1 focuses on learning the principles of the accreditation program and functions of being a visitor. It must be completed prior to your attendance at Part 2. You will receive access to Part 1 approximately one month prior to your scheduled date for Part 2.
- Part 2 is a live, synchronous, 8-hour course that focuses on practical application of the knowledge you gain in Part 1. This is interactive and requires active participation throughout. Almost all of the course dates offered are virtual, via Zoom, though some in-person courses are offered. You must complete Part 1 prior to being admitted to Part 2.
Accreditation Volunteer Courses are offered November-April. The annual course schedule is published in early September.
Additional Steps
- Review the ACA Associate Visitor/Visitor Service Description.
- Review and be ready to sign the Volunteer Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct
- Be a current ACA individual member.
Visitor Benefits
A Chance to Learn
- During your training, you will build a network of other camp pros and polish your skills of observation and information gathering. Develop into the peer-mentor you always wished you had!
- You may read about programming in Camping Magazine and even listen to a colleague explain how a program works, but the value of seeing other programs in operation is unmatched.
- You will see first-hand how other camps accomplish their missions and reach their goals. See how they make it work in day-to-day operations.
- Get tips and ideas you can use in your own camp.
A Chance to Share
- The ACA accreditation program is a voluntary peer-review program and process. Your involvement and investment as an ACA accreditation volunteer is a significant contribution to the camp community:
- Our campers deserve the best. ACA is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through the camp experience. When you help more camps maintain their accreditation or become accredited, you play a significant part in fulfilling our ACA mission.
- It's a way to give something back. You have learned so much about how to operate a quality camp through the accreditation program, now you have a way to make sure that others can have the same chance for knowledge and growth that you have had.
A Chance to Save Money
- Save $110 a year on ACA membership.
Questions? Contact Us:
- ACA Accreditation, American Camp Association | 800-428-2267
- Colette Marquardt, ACA Illinois | 312-332-0833
- Deirdre Riggsbee, ACA New York & New Jersey | 212-391-5208
- Bud Copeland, ACA New England | 781-541-6080
Review the Annual Accreditation Report (AAR)
About the AAR
The AAR is a narrative report that allows camps to demonstrate compliance with ACA standards between site visits. Its purpose is to:
- Provide evidence of ongoing quality improvement as part of the accreditation cycle.
- Provide education and feedback from trained reviewers for camps.
- Provide evidence of continual compliance with ACA standards throughout the accreditation cycle.
Who Can Serve as an AAR Volunteer Reviewer?
Accreditation volunteers at any level may serve as AAR reviewers if they:
- Have current accreditation volunteer training (trained or updated after September 2022).
- Have completed at least one (1) on-site visit.
- Hold a current individual ACA membership.
Time Commitment
- Each review takes approximately one hour.
- Assignments are made in mid-January.
- Most camps submit their AAR by the February 1 deadline.
- Reviews are completed between mid-January and February 10.
- Reviewers may accept multiple assignments.
What Does an AAR Reviewer Do?
As an AAR reviewer, you provide educational feedback on a camp’s responses during a non-visit year—an essential touchpoint that reinforces continuous improvement between site visits.
Reviewers:
- Evaluate camp responses to annual questions, which change each year.
- Rate each response based on how well it meets the standards (“reviewer feedback”).
- Provide a written comment to support the rating and offer educational guidance.
Feedback is one-directional: camps submit the AAR, volunteers review it, and both parties are notified once the review is complete.
Training Recommendations
- Watching the new video: AAR Navigation and Tips for Reviewers is highly recommended. The video is a quick refresher on the feedback rating process.
- For perspective and to enhance your reviewing process, read the information on the Annual Accreditation Report (AAR) for camps.
What Resources Are Available to Reviewers?
Resources are available in the Accreditation Volunteer Portal
- AAR Navigation and Tips for Reviewers
- AAR Questions
- AAR Feedback Template
- A list of resources provided to camps
Accreditation Process Workshop at the 2022 ACA National Conference
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
Note: Registration for the Accreditation Process Workshop must be completed separately from the conference. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis so be sure to pre-register.
Accreditation Process Workshop
Who: This workshop is designed for camp representatives who are preparing for accreditation visits in 2021 and beyond. The course is appropriate for those who are new to the accreditation process AND those who have been part of an accreditation visit or completed standards training in the past. Every camp being visited must have at least one person who completes the workshop on behalf of the camp; that person must actively assist in preparation for the accreditation visit, be on site a significant amount of time during the camp season and participate fully in the on-site accreditation visit.
Date: February 7, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Oregon Convention Center
CECs: 4.0
Cost: No charge, but pre-registration is required.
Date: February 8, 2022
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Oregon Convention Center
CECs: 4.0
Cost: No charge, but pre-registration is required.