Accreditation

Accreditation Process Workshop-self guide logo

Accreditation Process Workshop-Online

Mon, 09/19/2022 - 09:47

This self-guided online course is designed to provide an overview of the ACA Accreditation Process. This page will guide you to the registration for the course, but it is not date...

Accreditation Overview

Fri, 07/15/2022 - 11:52
The main purpose of the ACA-accreditation program is to educate camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, particularly those related to...
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Accreditation Volunteers

Fri, 07/15/2022 - 10:20
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the ACA-Accreditation program. Without Accreditation Volunteers, the American Camp Association would not be able to implement the Accreditation...
Accreditation Academy logo

Accreditation Academy

Wed, 07/13/2022 - 16:30
Expand your learning and professional development via accreditation and standards by using the tools and resources in the Accreditation Academy.

On-Site Visit Preparation

Wed, 07/13/2022 - 12:59

Accreditation Process Guide

The Accreditation Process Guide should be current and up to date. The Accreditation Process Guide v.2019 located in the Accreditation Portal is always up to date. If you have a published copy of the Accreditation Process Guide, be sure your APG includes these pull and replace pages.

Written Documentation Review (WDR)

Included in Required Written Documentation Review is noted on specific standards that require written documentation to be submitted by April 1, before the beginning of the camp season and the on-site visit. There are 26 standards included in the Written Documentation Review (WDR). Non-accredited camps must submit the WDR to move forward with a site visit. 

ACA offers multiple resources for the Written Documentation Review (WDR)

Digital Written Documentation

We strongly encourage all camps to prepare ALL written documentation in a digital format. Organize in a cloud file storage space (Google drive, Dropbox, BOX, etc).  See more tips on preparing written documentation.

Accreditation Visit Preparation Tools

Camp Huddles: videos series that takes a deeper dive into the accreditation process

Tips & Tricks

Accreditation Portal

Portal access is a benefit for accredited camps and camps seeking accreditation, and accreditation fees must be current for access. Access requires individual login. Highlights of the portal include:

  • Digital Accreditation Process Guide (APG) v.2019
  • Camp Information Form
  • Written Documentation Review
  • Annual Statement of Compliance

Accreditation Portal

On-Site Visit Expectations

Mon, 07/11/2022 - 08:08

Smooth and Successful On-Site Visits

Communicate Early & Often

Communicate with your lead visitor to ensure that the details of the visit are secure:

  • Location/directions to the camp and a place and time to meet the day of the visit.
  • Is lunch provided, or should the visitors bring their lunch?
  • Are there any clothing requirements?
  • Are there cultural norms or mores that visitors should be aware of (language, greetings, dress, food, etc.)?
  • Is there cell reception and/or Wi-Fi so visitors can make proper arrangements?
  • Will documents be reviewed digitally? And if so, do visitors need to bring a laptop or tablet?

Camp Tour Schedule

Think about the areas of camp and specialized activities that need to be observed and draft a tour schedule that you can collaborate on with your visitor team once they arrive. During the tour, your visitor team should have the opportunity to talk with staff and campers- make sure your camp team is as involved as they can be on the tour.

Video: Getting Staff Ready When Preparing Your Visit

Documentation for Review & Scoring

Assure that ALL documentation is gathered in one place for the written documentation review portion of the visit. If documents are stored electronically, each person should have individual access to reviewing the documents. Make sure your APG v.2019 is up to date! 

Accreditation Process Guide (APG) v.2019 Pull-and-Replace Pages - November 2019 NEW!

Video: Review of Written Materials During the On-Site Visit

Take a Moment to Celebrate

You and your team have worked hard to prepare and get to this point. Now it's your time to shine and show off how special your camp is. Take it in and enjoy the day of the visit. Remember your visitors are “camp people” and your peers who know what it’s like to be in your shoes.

When Will I Know the Results?

Camps visited in the summer will be notified of the results of the visit no later than October 31 of the same year. Camps visited at other times of the year will be notified between six (6) and eight (8) weeks following the receipt of the score form at the ACA, Inc. office. While a camp may be visited for accreditation during its first season of operation, accreditation is not achieved until action by the local leadership confirms that all accreditation criteria are met. The “accreditation year” is November 1 through October 31.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions or need assistance related to your visit, please feel free to contact a member of the Accreditation & Standards Team.

ACA Accreditation

Wed, 06/08/2022 - 11:55
ACA is the only national accrediting body for camps of all types. ACA’s accreditation standards focus on health, safety, and risk management, and are used as benchmarks by...
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Exploring Accreditation

Tue, 12/22/2020 - 08:48
Are you considering going through the accreditation process but unsure what the process really is? This webinar will help you understand more about what it takes, including how much time you’ll need and what it costs. We’ll provide ideas for getting the work done, and we’ll cover common misperceptions.

Accreditation Volunteer Resources

Fri, 12/04/2020 - 14:03

If you are looking for other resources and cannot find them or need assistance during a visit, please contact your accreditation staff member. Thank you for your support of the accreditation program!

Visit Assignment Tools & Resources

Click the button below for more information, tools, and resources to help best prepare yourself for any assigned accreditation visits.  Resources include:

  • Site-Visit Roles & Responsibilities
  • Visit Preparation Tools
  • Site-Visit Forms
  • Post-Visit Resources
  • and more...

​Visit Assignment Tools & Resources

Help Spread the Word!

Help us spread the word about the amazing professional development opportunity that is being an ACA Visitor!  If you identify a fellow camp professional who would be an excellent ACA accreditation volunteer, please have them check out the "Become a Visitor" page using the link below!

Become an Accreditation Volunteer!!

Accreditation Volunteer Portal

Portal access is only available for current Accreditation Volunteers, and membership fees must be current for access. Access requires individual login. Highlights of the portal include:

  • Digital Accreditation Process Guide (APG) v.2019
  • My Visits Portal
  • Annual Accreditation Report for Reviewers
  • and more...

​Accreditation Volunteer Portal

Volunteer Role Service Description

Accreditation Process Guide v.2019

Pull-and-Replace Pages November 2019

Annual Accreditation Report for Reviewers

AAR Reviewer Access and Resources

 

Become an Accreditation Volunteer

Fri, 12/04/2020 - 10:28

Are you ready to become an Accreditation Volunteer? Apply Now!

Do you have questions about becoming an Accreditation Volunteer? Keep reading and/or join us for an Accreditation Volunteer Interest Session. These brief, informal sessions are held September through December. 

Get Started

These 2 steps will get you on the path to becoming an ACA Accreditation Volunteer! 

The Accreditation Volunteer Course consists of two parts: 

  • Part 1 is online, asynchronous, and takes about 4-5 hours to complete based on your individual learning styles and preferences. Part 1 focuses on learning the principles of the accreditation program and functions of being a visitor. It must be completed prior to your attendance at Part 2. You will receive access to Part 1 approximately one month prior to your scheduled date for Part 2. 
  • Part 2 is a live, synchronous, 8-hour course that focuses on practical application of the knowledge you gain in Part 1. This is interactive and requires active participation throughout. Almost all of the course dates offered are virtual, via Zoom, though some in-person courses are offered. You must complete Part 1 prior to being admitted to Part 2.

Accreditation Volunteer Courses are offered November-April. The annual course schedule is published in early September.

Additional Steps

Visitor Benefits

A Chance to Learn

  • During your training, you will build a network of other camp pros and polish your skills of observation and information gathering. Develop into the peer-mentor you always wished you had!
  • You may read about programming in Camping Magazine and even listen to a colleague explain how a program works, but the value of seeing other programs in operation is unmatched.
  • You will see first-hand how other camps accomplish their missions and reach their goals. See how they make it work in day-to-day operations.
  • Get tips and ideas you can use in your own camp.

A Chance to Share

  • The ACA accreditation program is a voluntary peer-review program and process.  Your involvement and investment as an ACA accreditation volunteer is a significant contribution to the camp community:
    • Our campers deserve the best. ACA is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through the camp experience. When you help more camps maintain their accreditation or become accredited, you play a significant part in fulfilling our ACA mission.
    • It's a way to give something back. You have learned so much about how to operate a quality camp through the accreditation program, now you have a way to make sure that others can have the same chance for knowledge and growth that you have had.

A Chance to Save Money

 

Questions? Contact Us:

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