Special Note for Camps: When referring to your ACA-Accredited® Camp status in print, online, or other communications, please use the following copy to describe accreditation:
American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation Reflects a Commitment
ACA accreditation means a camp has voluntarily participated in a thorough review of its operation against up to 266 standards. The American Camp Association® collaborates with experts from across many fields to develop and maintain research-informed standards for camp operations.
Talking Points for Camps: Use the following when answering common parent questions about ACA accreditation:
What’s the difference between state licensing and ACA accreditation?
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.
What areas do ACA standards address?
ACA accreditation addresses 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
How can parents verify a camp’s accreditation status?
Parents can search for accredited camps at ACAcamps.org. Because participation in ACA’s online Find a Camp directory is optional, not all accredited camps are listed. If you don’t find a camp, call 1-800-428-CAMP to verify its accreditation status.
What should parents ask about accreditation?
Encourage parents to ask whether a camp is ACA accredited. If it is not, parents may want to ask why and learn more about the camp’s practices related to health, safety, staffing, and operations.
Visit ACAcamps.org for more specialized talking points for marketing the value of the camp experience.