Statement of Compliance

American Camp Association Accreditation describes the operations of the programs and services by an owner/director. This may be sought by a camp operating on its own property, on the property belonging to someone else, or by camps who rent/lease facilities to other groups who retain the responsibility for part or all of their own program. Accreditation applies to all camp programs and services offered under the same camp name throughout the year, except for single day events.

Why We Choose to Be ACA-accredited and What It Takes

The directors and staff of Geneva Glen Camp (Indian Hills, Colorado), have always approached the triennial ACA visit anticipating a very upbeat and affirming experience! Our feeling is that we simply have a quality program and we are excited to share it.

We were asked to look a little more closely at why the accreditation process is so important. . . and why we see what on the surface appears to be an enormous effort and the encompassing nature of it!

Annual Accreditation Report (AAR)

ACA-Accredited Camps

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About the Annual Accreditation Report

The Annual Accreditation Report allows camps to demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards in nonvisit years by submitting a narrative report. The purpose of the report is:

History of Accreditation Process Updates

Update – February, 2018

Over the past 18 months, we have been providing you regular updates on the work of the ACA National Standards Commission (NSC) to implement the directive of the ACA board to develop a foundation of both accreditation standards and definitions that apply to all programs to be accredited, as well as develop modules for each program type (such as resident, day, campus-related programs, or others). 

Operational Change to ACA Accreditation

After evaluation of the implementation of the Operational Change that occurred in nine of the twenty-three local areas in ACA in 2016, it was determined that all additional local areas will be included in Phase 2 of the implementation, which occurs in 2017. This means that moving forward (2017 and beyond), all currently accredited camps will either have an on-site visit or must complete the Annual Accreditation Report. Information about what is required of your camp has being shared via email from your local staff and volunteers.

Big R, Little r; Big A, Little a

With ACA’s new strategic focus on accreditation and research comes the need to evolve our practices and services at a national level. In order to accomplish these important tasks, two special task forces have been working diligently to prepare recommendations that will address these programs on a national level. While these national tasks forces are looking at how this new focus on research and accreditation (or BIG R and BIG A, as we’ve taken to calling them) will play out nationally, many have asked what they can to advance this strategy at the local level.

Access 2014 Revisions to ACA Standards

Submitted by pbidwell@acacam... on Wed, 2015-10-28 10:01
Mailing Address for Packets

More Information on Changes in the ACA Accreditation Process

In early September, ACA members were informed of a forthcoming change to the accreditation process. This change, rolled out over the next three years, would mean that eligible*, accredited camps would complete an Annual Accreditation Report in non-visit years and would shift over time to a five-year visit cycle. As ACA staff and volunteers continue to work on the implementation of this change, we would like to share the following information.

Criminal Background Checks - Issues and Resources for Camps

ACA believes that camps should utilize multifaceted screening and hiring programs and support practices appropriate to the clientele, staffing, supervision, and program consideration of each camp.

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