Special Note for Camps: Use these key messages when talking with media about your ACA-Accredited® Camp status and the value of ACA Accreditation.
Describing ACA Accreditation
ACA accreditation is a voluntary process through which camps demonstrate compliance with up to 266 standards covering areas such as staffing, health and wellness, emergency preparedness, programs, transportation, and facilities. The process includes regular on-site reviews by trained external reviewers.
The Value of ACA Accreditation
- ACA standards cover all aspects of camp management and operation, including staffing and supervision, health and wellness, emergency preparedness, program safety, transportation, and facilities.
- American Camp Association® collaborates with experts from across many fields to develop and maintain research-informed standards for camp operations.
- ACA Accreditation reflects an ongoing commitment to meeting ACA standards and continuous improvement.
Common Media Questions About ACA Accreditation
Is ACA Accreditation required?
No. ACA Accreditation is voluntary. State licensing requirements vary by state and are separate from ACA Accreditation.
How does ACA determine whether a camp is accredited?
Camps demonstrate compliance with applicable ACA standards through documentation and review of their practices. The accreditation process also includes a regular, on-site review by trained external reviewers.
Does accreditation mean nothing can go wrong at an accredited camp?
No. Accreditation does not eliminate risk or guarantee that incidents will not occur. It means a camp has voluntarily participated in a comprehensive accreditation process and demonstrated compliance with applicable ACA standards.
For additional information designed for communicating with parents, see Key Messages for Parents.
Does ACA Accreditation mean an accredited camp is better than a non-accredited camp?
ACA Accreditation does not rank or compare camps. Families considering any camp should learn about its practices and determine whether it is a good fit for their child.
Common Media Questions About Your Camp
Media may also ask about your camp’s specific practices. Consider preparing for questions such as:
- How do you prepare for emergencies?
- How do you screen and select staff?
- What training does your staff receive?
- How do you keep campers safe?
- How do you supervise campers?
- How do you handle health and medical needs?
- How do you protect campers from abuse or inappropriate conduct?
- What happens if something goes wrong at camp?
Preparing Your Responses
When answering questions about topics addressed by ACA standards, ACA-Accredited® camps may want to explain how accreditation relates to that area of their operation. Focus on your camp's specific practices and how they are implemented rather than relying on accreditation alone to answer the question.
For questions related to an incident or emergency, see ACA's Crisis Communications Tool Kit for additional guidance.