Our Commitment to Excellence — and What That Means to You and Your Child

As camp professionals, we understand that your biggest concern is the safety of your child.  We also know you have goals for your child’s development related to the powerful lessons the camp experience provides in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living.  We share those same goals, which is why we have taken the added step of becoming accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). 

Who Is ACA?

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a community of camp professionals who, for more than 100 years, have joined together to empower camps to create quality experiences that build a world of belonging and growth. ACA works to preserve, promote, and improve the camp experience. 

ACA is dedicated to helping its members and all camps provide: 

  • Camp communities committed to safety
  • Caring, competent adult role models 
  • Healthy, developmentally appropriate experiences that strengthen character development 
  • Service to the community and the natural world 
  • Opportunities for leadership and personal growth
  • Discovery, experiential education, and learning opportunities 
  • Excellence and continuous quality improvement

Why Is ACA Accreditation Important?

ACA Accreditation is not simply a camp saying it follows ACA standards. It includes external review of whether the camp meets applicable standards. As the only recognized accrediting body for the camp experience in the United States, ACA accredits approximately 2,400+ diverse camps nationwide. ACA accreditation reflects a camp’s commitment to health, safety, and quality camp operations. 

If your camp is not accredited, ask the owner or director why. ACA accreditation matters.

What Are the Standards of Accreditation?

The ACA accreditation standards focus on health, safety, and risk management. They are widely used as operational benchmarks for the camp industry by local, state, and federal government entities, insurance companies, and courts of law.  Our camp and program completed the external review process, which includes a visit by an ACA-trained team of standards volunteers, signifying that we meet the standards applicable to our program.  ACA collaborates with experts from across many fields to develop and maintain research-informed standards for camp operations.

We Set Our Standards High

Earning and maintaining ACA accreditation takes time and commitment.  We set our standards high to provide your child with an environment where they are having fun and are unaware of all of the work related to safety and learning, which has been carefully incorporated into the daily routine. 

To be accredited by ACA, we had to demonstrate sound practices in many areas of camp management, including site, transportation, health and wellness, operations, programs and activities, and staff qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions about Camp Accreditation


What’s the difference between state licensing of camps and accreditation by ACA?

If a state requires licensing, it is mandatory, and licensing requirements vary by state. ACA Accreditation is voluntary and uses standards that are consistent across the country. Accreditation reflects a camp’s voluntary commitment to participating in a thorough review of its operation against applicable ACA standards, including regular on-site reviews by trained external reviewers. 

What are some of the ACA standards for camps?

ACA standards address areas including:

  • Staff qualifications, training, and supervision
  • Health, wellness, and first aid
  • Emergency preparedness, training, drills, and communication
  • Program safety
  • Transportation, facilities, and camp operations

Does ACA accreditation require criminal background checks?

ACA accreditation standards require an annual criminal background check on all seasonal staff and a criminal background check at least once every three years for year-round staff.  They also require an annual check of the National Sex Offender Public website. When talking to a camp director as you consider enrolling your child, ask what their screening process includes. 


What the ACA Accreditation Standards Mean to You and Your Child

ACA accreditation means our camp has voluntarily submitted to a transparent, thorough review of our operation.  Our goal is to provide parents with as much information as possible about our camp.  Our voluntary participation in the professional development and accreditation process of the American Camp Association demonstrates our commitment to providing you and your child with the best possible camp experience. 

For more information about ACA accreditation, contact our camp director or visit the American Camp Association website at ACAcamps.org.