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