Crisis Planning & Response
Disaster Preparedness and Response at Camp Project
As part of this national initiative, ACA will support participating camps, especially those particularly vulnerable to weather or climate-related impacts, as they work toward obtaining or maintaining ACA accreditation.
Selected Camps Will Receive:
- Financial support for ACA accreditation fees for up to three years depending on need and previous accreditation status (actual award will vary based on applicant need, and provided in a step-down approach: e.g. 100% fees covered in Year One, 50% covered in Year Two, and 25% covered in Year Three; details will be provided in award letter)
- Monthly cohort-based program designed to support participants as they work toward a summer 2027 on-site accreditation visit
- One-on-one support from ACA’s accreditation team
Up to 50 camps will be selected to participate in the cohort-based accreditation program, receiving guided assistance with a group of peers as they work toward ACA accreditation – an established framework that strengthens safety practices, emergency planning, and overall program quality. This support is designed to help camps build comprehensive preparedness systems that may otherwise be out of reach, and will require a time commitment from your on-site leadership staff. Cohorts will meet virtually for one to two hours every month of the off-season, and individual support will vary based on camp needs, especially during the busy summer months.
The selection criteria are: eligibility for ACA’s accreditation program, vulnerability to climate/weather-related disasters, financial barriers to seeking accreditation, on-site leadership capacity to participate in the cohort.
ACA's 2026 Climate Symposium
This initiative also expanded access to ACA’s 2026 Climate Symposium, a virtual professional development event held March 30-31, 2026. Thanks to the support of this initiative, all attendees received discounted registration rates. The Symposium featured expert keynote speakers and breakout sessions focused on:
- Disaster preparedness and emergency response
- Climate-related risk mitigation
- Practical tools and best practices for camp operations
Application Outline
- Section A: Camp Information & Eligibility
- Section B: Disaster Risk & Preparedness
- Section C: Financial Need
- Section D: Project Participation
Note — you can download a PDF file of the Question List. The PDF is also available on the portal by clicking "Question List" button inside the application (located in the top right corner).
Frequently Asked Questions
General Program Questions
What is the Disaster Preparedness Cohort-Based Accreditation Program?
This program is a multi-year initiative from the American Camp Association? (ACA) designed to help camps strengthen disaster preparedness and response while working toward ACA accreditation. Selected camps will receive reduced accreditation fees, cohort-based training, and individualized technical assistance.
The program is part of a national effort supported by a grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies to help camps most vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
Is this a grant or direct funding program?
No. This program does not provide cash grants to camps. Instead, it provides financial relief and technical support through:
- Reduced ACA accreditation fees
- Free access to training and cohort gatherings
- One-on-one support from ACA staff
Who is eligible to apply?
Camps may apply if they:
- Are located in the United States
- Offer in-person, multi-day programming (three or more consecutive days)
- Serve children and/or youth
- Face financial barriers to accreditation
- Are located in areas vulnerable to natural disasters
What types of camps can apply?
Both day and overnight camps are eligible. Camps do not need to be ACA members at the time of application.
Accreditation & Readiness Questions
Do we need to be currently accredited to apply?
No. Many camps selected for this program are expected to be:
- New to accreditation
- Previously accredited but not currently
- Interested but unsure how to begin
This program is specifically designed to support camps as they work toward accreditation.
What if we already are accredited with ACA?
Accredited camps are welcome to apply if their next visit is in 2027 or 2028. If camps are unsure when their next visit will be, they can email [email protected].
What if we are not familiar with ACA accreditation?
That’s okay. Familiarity is not required to apply.
The cohort includes education about:
- ACA standards
- Documentation requirements
- Accreditation timelines
- Preparing for an on-site peer review
ACA will provide guidance throughout the process.
How long does the accreditation process take?
Accreditation preparation typically takes 12–18 months or longer, depending on a camp’s starting point. Camps selected for this program should expect to engage in preparation activities beginning in late 2026, with on-site visits planned for summer 2027 or 2028.
What if we’re not sure we’re “ready”?
Readiness does not mean being fully prepared—it means being willing to learn, participate, and engage.
Camps that answer “possibly, with support” to readiness questions are still strong candidates for this program.
Accreditation Process Preparedness Focus
Is this program about disaster preparedness?
Disaster planning and emergency preparedness are addressed in multiple accreditation standards. The cohort will learn about ACA’s full accreditation framework, which includes, but is not limited to, health and safety, staffing, facilities, and program operations. Improving disaster preparedness often strengthens overall camp quality.
What kinds of incidents are associated with climate vulnerability?
This program supports camps facing a range of climate-related risks, including:
- Flooding
- Wildfires
- Hurricanes and severe storms
- Extreme heat
- Winter storms
Camps do not need to have experienced a disaster to apply.
Participation & Time Commitment
What is expected of camps if selected?
Selected camps will be expected to:
- Participate in monthly cohort gatherings (excluding summer months)
- Engage in training and technical assistance
- Work toward developing or strengthening policies and documentation
- Prepare for an on-site accreditation visit
- Participate in surveys and reflection activities
Who from our camp should participate?
Typically, the camp director or another senior leader participates, but camps may involve additional staff as appropriate. ACA encourages camps to identify more than one staff member when possible to support continuity.
What if staff change during the project period?
ACA understands staff transitions happen. Camps will be asked how they plan to maintain continuity, and ACA will provide support to help new staff get oriented if changes occur.
Financial & Selection Questions
How many camps will be selected?
Up to 50 camps will be selected through a competitive application process.
How are camps selected?
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Geographic vulnerability to natural disasters
- Financial need
- Potential to benefit from cohort-based support
- Readiness and commitment to participate
This is a capacity-building program—camps are not evaluated based on polish or prior experience.
Will applying affect our future relationship with ACA?
No. Applying—or not being selected—does not affect a camp’s relationship with ACA or eligibility for future programs.
Climate Symposium Questions
What is the ACA Climate Symposium?
The ACA Climate Symposium is a virtual professional development event focused on climate-related challenges facing camps, including disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response strategies.
Do we need to be selected for the cohort to attend the Symposium?
No. The Climate Symposium is open to camp leaders nationwide. Scholarships will be available for those facing financial barriers.
Application Process & Tips
How long does the application take to complete?
Most applicants should expect the full application to take 45–60 minutes, depending on how much information is readily available.
What makes a strong application?
Strong applications are:
- Honest about challenges and barriers
- Clear about disaster risk and need
- Thoughtful about commitment and capacity
- Focused on learning and growth, not perfection
Can we save and return to the application?
Yes. The application platform will allow you to save progress and return before the deadline.
Who should we contact with questions?
Questions can be directed to ACA’s grant operations team at:
[email protected]
Final Encouragement
If your camp is facing increased climate-related risks and accreditation feels out of reach due to cost or capacity, this program was designed with you in mind. The application process is intended to be supportive, transparent, and aligned with real camp operations.
Updated April 17, 2026. FAQs are updated periodically; please send any questions not included here to [email protected].
Bristol Posatko: 765-349-3533
Karen Greenesmith: 765-342-1341
