Accreditation
On-Site Visit Preparation
Accreditation Process Guide
The Accreditation Process Guide should be current and up to date. The Accreditation Process Guide v.2019 located in the Accreditation Portal is always up to date. If you have a published copy of the Accreditation Process Guide, be sure your APG includes these pull and replace pages.
- Accreditation Process Guide (APG) v.2019 Pull-and-Replace Pages - November 2019 NEW!
Written Documentation Review (WDR)
Included in Required Written Documentation Review is noted on specific standards that require written documentation to be submitted by April 1, before the beginning of the camp season and the on-site visit. There are 26 standards included in the Written Documentation Review (WDR). Non-accredited camps must submit the WDR to move forward with a site visit.
ACA offers multiple resources for the Written Documentation Review (WDR)
Digital Written Documentation
We strongly encourage all camps to prepare ALL written documentation in a digital format. Organize in a cloud file storage space (Google drive, Dropbox, BOX, etc). See more tips on preparing written documentation.
Accreditation Visit Preparation Tools
- Accreditation Process Workshop Self-Guided Online Learning required
- Accreditation Academy Resources
- Standards Planning Tool Includes standards planning tool (.xlsx) revised 9/2022
- Certification Resources and Charts
- Closer Look Video Series
Camp Huddles: videos series that takes a deeper dive into the accreditation process
- Camp Huddle: Organizing Written Documentation
- Camp Huddle: Preparing for the On-Site Visit
- Camp Huddle: Communication (morning panel)
- Camp Huddle: Communication (afternoon panel)
Tips & Tricks
- Include Staff When Preparing Your Visit
- Getting Staff Ready When Preparing Your Visit
- Review of Written Materials During the On-Site Visit
Accreditation Portal
Portal access is a benefit for accredited camps and camps seeking accreditation, and accreditation fees must be current for access. Access requires individual login. Highlights of the portal include:
- Digital Accreditation Process Guide (APG) v.2019
- Camp Information Form
- Written Documentation Review
- Annual Statement of Compliance
On-Site Visit Expectations
Smooth and Successful On-Site Visits
Communicate Early & Often
Communicate with your lead visitor to ensure that the details of the visit are secure:
- Location/directions to the camp and a place and time to meet the day of the visit.
- Is lunch provided, or should the visitors bring their lunch?
- Are there any clothing requirements?
- Are there cultural norms or mores that visitors should be aware of (language, greetings, dress, food, etc.)?
- Is there cell reception and/or Wi-Fi so visitors can make proper arrangements?
- Will documents be reviewed digitally? And if so, do visitors need to bring a laptop or tablet?
Camp Tour Schedule
Think about the areas of camp and specialized activities that need to be observed and draft a tour schedule that you can collaborate on with your visitor team once they arrive. During the tour, your visitor team should have the opportunity to talk with staff and campers- make sure your camp team is as involved as they can be on the tour.
Video: Getting Staff Ready When Preparing Your Visit
Documentation for Review & Scoring
Assure that ALL documentation is gathered in one place for the written documentation review portion of the visit. If documents are stored electronically, each person should have individual access to reviewing the documents. Make sure your APG v.2019 is up to date!
Accreditation Process Guide (APG) v.2019 Pull-and-Replace Pages - November 2019 NEW!
Video: Review of Written Materials During the On-Site Visit
Take a Moment to Celebrate
You and your team have worked hard to prepare and get to this point. Now it's your time to shine and show off how special your camp is. Take it in and enjoy the day of the visit. Remember your visitors are “camp people” and your peers who know what it’s like to be in your shoes.
When Will I Know the Results?
Camps visited in the summer will be notified of the results of the visit no later than October 31 of the same year. Camps visited at other times of the year will be notified between six (6) and eight (8) weeks following the receipt of the score form at the ACA, Inc. office. While a camp may be visited for accreditation during its first season of operation, accreditation is not achieved until action by the local leadership confirms that all accreditation criteria are met. The “accreditation year” is November 1 through October 31.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions or need assistance related to your visit, please feel free to contact a member of the Accreditation & Standards Team.