Partnerships
Collaborations
4-H
4-H runs youth programs and operates day and overnight camps and conference centers. ACA and 4-H work together toward the end of providing campers and staff with a higher quality experience.
Alliance for Camp Health
The Association of Camp Nursing is now the Alliance for Camp Health (ACH). ACH is a professional organization working toward healthier camp communities by supporting the practice of camp nursing. ACH is an ACA educational resource partner and collaborates closely with ACA in the implementation of guidance for camps related to communicable diseases and the Healthy Camp Initiatives.
American Red Cross
American Red Cross, among many other resources, provides training in key areas camps require training and certifications, including first aid/CPR/AED, lifeguarding, and wilderness first aid. American Red Cross offers a discount to ACA members on certain training certifications.
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publisher (ASCAP)
ASCAP is a professional organization of songwriters, composers, and music publishers. ASCAP licenses music for use at camp. This license is available at no cost for ACA accredited camps.
CampDoc
CampDoc provides education and helps ensure the health and safety of campers via electronic health records, online registration, travel and emergency protection insurance, text message alerts, medical supplies, and EPI pens. CampDoc is an education resource partner and a sponsor of ACA work.
Camp Hope America
Camp HOPE America uses camp to mentor children and teens impacted by trauma. Their mission is to help kids exposed to trauma find pathways to hope and healing. As one of ACA’s subject matter experts on trauma-informed care at camp, they use the science of Hope and an evidence-based perspective to support ACA and the summer learning space.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC develops and disseminates health information concerning youth safety and health. ACA and CDA collaborate on research and guidance for camps. CDC representative serves as liaison to ACA’s Healthy Camp Education and Monitoring Program. ACA is a partner in the CDC's "Heads Up" concussion prevention program.
Chaco
Chaco is the official footwear provider to camp counselors. Chaco supports camps by providing a pro deal discount on shoes to ACA members and by supporting the work of ACA.
Healthy Learning | ACA Bookstore
Healthy Learning is the official book publishing partner and online bookstore of the American Camp Association.
Higher Education Protection Network
HEPNet is an international association serving as a coordinating voice promoting good practices for protecting vulnerable populations on college and university campuses and providing programming and resources to meet the needs of those involved in youth protection on campuses.
International Camping Fellowship (ICF)
ICF promotes camp experiences worldwide through online networking and international events.
JCC Association
The JCC Association and ACA collaborate to provides resources to support quality day and overnight camps of the JCC network and their work toward ACA accreditation.
Jewish Day Camp Network
The Jewish Day Camp Network is a consulting group and ACA educational collaborator that supports Jewish day camps across the country as they strive for highest quality programs.
MINI USA
MINI Takes the States (MTTS) originated as a cross-country rally to celebrate MINI Owners. Every two years, 3,000+ MINI owners rally together on the most stunning routes in America. Along the way, participants motor with the purpose of raising funds and generating awareness for valued non-profit partners like the American Camp Association. The 9th edition of MTTS kicks off in Albuquerque, NM, on July 13 and concludes with a rally finale in Seattle, WA, on July 21. The rally will traverse five states and nine cities covering more than 1,600 miles on twisty back roads on an iconic American road trip. See the latest updates on MTTS 2024.
Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC)
The Motion Picture Licensing Corporation offers movie licensing at discounted rates to camps that show movies at camp.
National Recreation and Park Association
NRPA develops and offers online courses and webinars as well as national programs/initiatives promoting youth health and wellness.
National Summer Learning Association (NSLA)
NSLA promotes summer learning experiences for all children; provides communications, marketing, and outreach to improve youth development outcomes in out-of-school time settings.
PopSockets
ACA is one of PopSockets’ official charities and ACA receives a donation each time you purchase one of the ACA PopSocket designs.
The Redwoods Group
The Redwoods Group provides insurance and management consulting to socially responsible youth-serving organizations. They go to great ends to provide education that helps ensure the health and safety of campers and staff. They support ACA’s work generously.
Trinity/HPSI
Trinity/HPSI is a national purchasing group offering substantial discounts for ACA camps, including Food services, propane, office supplies, paint and hardware products, mattresses, pool supplies, and ropes, and more.
YMCA of the USA
Y-USA has made a commitment that all YMCA camps will ultimately become ACA accredited. Y-USA and ACA are education resource partners and collaborate on advocacy and public policy for the safety of campers and staff.
UltraCamp Foundation
Summer 2024
The American Camp Association is pleased to partner with The Daniel and Joelle Ashley Foundation (dba UltraCamp Foundation) to help provide camp opportunities for young people. ACA raises funds, and ACA and the UltraCamp Foundation work together to distribute camper scholarships to qualifying ACA-accredited camps across the United States.
Few tools exist that can so profoundly shape the future of children. Camp provides positive encouragement and fosters a sense of community as well as an outlook of social and environmental responsibility – character traits vital to a healthy, caring society.
Grant Application Dates
- The UltraCamp Foundation begins taking applications on February 5, 2024.
- The application deadline is March 14, 2024.
- Grant status will be announced to camps, whether promised or denied, by April 23, 2024.
- Postcamp reports for awarded camps is due September 12, 2024.
Send a Child to Camp – Learn More.
UltraCamp Foundation grant process – Learn More.
Chaco
Through this partnership, ACA members who qualify will receive a 40% "pro-deal" discount on any footwear purchased through Chaco, and Chaco will donate a portion of your "pro-deal" purchase to ACA in support of Research, Project Real Job, and Education. To be eligible for this pro-deal you must be an active ACA member who works at a camp (paid or volunteer staff).
Follow these steps in placing your Chaco pro-deal order:
- Obtain a membership number from ACA, if you do not already have one. This can be done at www.acacamps.org/membership/free. If you have never been a member of ACA before, let us know. We'll provide you with a code you can use at checkout, and you will receive your first year of ACA membership free (a $200 savings).
- Go to www.chacos.com/aca to create a new account with Chaco.
- Review the program guidelines and choose Accept
- Enter your information: For user type — If your camp is a member or accredited camp, choose “ACA Summer Camp.” If your camp is not a member or accredited camp, or you are unsure, choose “Summer Camp – Non-ACA”
- Under referred by — Please enter The American Camp Association
- Under employment verification contact person — Please list your camp director or your camp’s hiring manager
- Under employment verification email address — Please list the email of your camp director or your camp’s hiring manager
- Chaco will notify applicants regarding account status via email within 15 days of the application date.
If you have questions about this program, please email ACA at customerservice@ACAcamps.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a partnership between the ACA and Chaco mean?
Chaco is the official footwear provider to camp counselors and professionals at ACA-accredited camps across the USA. Through this partnership, ACA members can sign up for a pro-deal to purchase Chaco footwear at a 40% discount. Chaco will also donate a portion of ACA member purchases to ACA.
How do I take advantage of the pro-deal discount offered by Chaco?
Visit www.chacos.com/aca to sign up. Use your ACA member number in the “Account Number” field to verify your membership.
Who is eligible for the Chaco pro-deal discount?
All ACA member camp professionals (staff, counselors, directors, owners, and volunteers) may take advantage of this opportunity. Head to www.chacos.com/aca.
What if I am not currently an ACA member?
Through the ACA’s partnership with Chaco, we are offering a one-year free membership for those who have not been ACA members previously. You will do this by using code GO-CHACO at the ACA member checkout.
I am a camp director or owner as well as a member of ACA. May I place bulk orders for my staff?
Bulk ordering is not available. Each staff must become a member of ACA. If the staff has never been an ACA member they would qualify for a free one-year membership.
Chaco products may not be resold at camp stores or commissaries under any circumstance. Users are expressly forbidden from selling, at any price, Chaco products purchased through the pro-deal program (e.g., camp store, canteen). Those in violation will have their pro-deal status deactivated immediately.
Connecting to Camps
Opportunities vary based on your needs and capacity, but may include:
- Print and digital advertising in ACA publications or your publications
- Access to ACA mail list
- Online education and networking
- Exhibiting at regional and national conferences
Contact us about opportunities to promote your business to camps across the country
Back to Brand Alliance Partners
Aligning ACA with Your Brand
Brand Alignment can include:
- Cause marketing
- Awareness campaigns
- Sponsorship of programs or trainings
Contact us to explore how your company and ACA can work together
Corporate Social Responsibility
Here are just some of the ways you can make a difference for youth through support of ACA:
- Sponsor research and marketing
- Sponsor training tools and events
- Help expand diversity, equity, and inclusion at camp
- Share awareness-building resources such as ad space and promotion
Contact us to explore how your company and ACA can work together
Camp-Related Organizations
ACA Organizations and Kindreds
- Camps on Campus
- Faith-based Camp Professionals Kindred
- Medical and Disability Camp Kindred
- Not-for-Profit Council and Forum
- Emerging Professionals in Camping
Camp-Related Organizations
- 4-H
- American Red Cross
- America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth
- American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
- Association for Challenge Course Technology
- Association for Experiential Education
- Association of Independent Jewish Camps
- Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE)
- Boy Scouts of America
- Camp Fire
- Christian Camp and Conference Association
- Diabetes Camp and Education Association (DECA)
- Easterseals
- Foundation for Jewish Camping
- Girl Scouts of the USA
- Jewish Community Centers of America
- Jewish Day Camp Network
- The International Association of Conference Center Administrators
- National Afterschool Association
- National Collaboration for Youth
- National Outdoor Leadership School
- National Recreation and Park Association
- National Youth Development Information Center
- North American Association for Environmental Education
- Outdoor Ed
- Parks and Recreation State Associations
- Western Association of Independent Camps
- YUSA
- YWCA of the USA
Camp Associations
- International Camping Fellowship
- Camp Owners and Directors Association
- Midwest Association of Independent Camps
- Western Association of Independent Camps
State Camp Associations (independent organizations)
- Alabama - Association of Alabama Camps
- Connecticut - Connecticut Camping Association
- Maine - Maine Youth Camping Foundation
- Massachusetts - Massachusetts Camping Association
- New Hampshire - New Hampshire Camp Directors Association
- New York - New York State Camp Directors Association
- North Carolina - North Carolina Youth Camp Association
- Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Camp Association
- Rhode Island - Rhode Island Association of Camps
- Texas - CAMP - Texas
- Vermont - Vermont Camp Association
American Red Cross
Your 20% discount for Red Cross Health and Safety training applies to:
- Red Cross Training Service courses that an ACA-accredited camp offers as an authorized provider.
- Full-Service Courses provided by the American Red Cross at an ACA-accredited camp’s location.
- Make sure you have updated your agreement with Red Cross to ensure the discount is reflected in your pricing.
The discount is automatically applied when the course record is submitted; no coupon needed for course record entry.
At this time, the American Camp Association requires that any aquatic, first aid, and CPR/AED certification must include, at minimum, 50 percent of course time spent on in-person instruction, hands-on practice, and skills assessment under the direct supervision of a certified instructor. If the preceding requirement is met, it is acceptable to complete a Blended Learning course which includes an online portion and an Instructor-led classroom skills session.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports US military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
To access the discount, you will need to have an active ACA individual membership.
How to Utilize Your Training Discount
- Contact your American Red Cross Aquatics Representative or call 1-800-741-7145
Camp Entities must have a current Red Cross Licensed Training Provider Agreement on file. - Provide your contact information along with your ACA-accredited camp number, and your pricing will be incorporated into your agreement to be automatically visible when course records are entered.
- Coordinate with your Aquatics representative the list of courses that you will be offering as a Licensed Training Provider or schedule full-service classes.
- The discount is automatically applied when the course record is submitted, no coupon needed for course record entry.
Note: the discount does not apply to Learn-to-Swim Facility fees or to Aquatic Examiner Service fees
At this time, the American Camp Association requires that any aquatic, first aid, and CPR/AED certification must include, at minimum, 50 percent of course time spent on in-person instruction, hands-on practice, and skills assessment under the direct supervision of a certified instructor. If the preceding requirement is met, it is acceptable to complete a Blended Learning course which includes an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skills session.
To help camps through the recent health crisis, American Red Cross has expanded its course offerings and offer a 50% discount on many online only courses.
May is Water Safety Month, and now, more than ever, our work to keep people safer in, near and around water is so important. During this difficult time we wanted to keep you informed about a number of resources and programs that you can use to serve as a voice of safety for our communities as this unique summer season approaches, whether online, at home or out in the community.
Red Cross Learning Center Resources for Facilities:
- COVID-19 Guidance
- Aquatic Support Forum During COVID-19
- Water Safety Instructor Trainers
- For Lifeguarding Operations
- For Aquatics Providers
Free Online Resources
Red Cross online resources are great sources of water safety information that are easily accessible for children and adults:
- Water Safety Information for the general public about water safety, water competency. Please visit Redcross.org/water safety as a resource center with downloadable materials.
- Water Safety for Kids is a go-to source of information for all about the importance of water safety with activities and quizzes for kids, WHALE Tales video lessons, and "live" links to other helpful safety sites. WHALE Tales features eight water safety topics to help teach elementary-school aged children about water safety while they are at home and can be utilized for "dry-land" online and classroom training.
- Red Cross Swim is a free mobile app that features drowning prevention and emergency response information. Text "SWIM" to 90999 to download the app
Online Safety Courses
These FREE online safety courses are available for individuals and for providers. If you are interested in taking the course please visit Redcross.org or if you are a provider interested in offering these courses, visit the Red Cross Learning Center and the course catalog for information:
- Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers (Available in Spanish)
- Becoming a Water Safety Ambassador (Available in Spanish)
Supplies & Products Discount
Coupon code grants 10% OFF Supplies & Products for American Camp Association members. The coupon cannot be combined with other site promotions. Improper use of the coupon code, including, but not limited to, selling of the coupon code is prohibited. This action could result in the voiding of the coupon code if used and may constitute fraud. Visit the Red Cross Online Store to receive this discount, use the discount code (available by end of July 2021).
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports U.S. military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
Foundation Partners
Lilly Endowment Inc.
COVID-19 Relief Funding to Support Camps. Building Systems to Support Program Quality in Camps
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
Achieving Access and Inclusion at Camp through Counselor-in-Training Programs
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
Professional Development Support for Type 1 Diabetes Camps
Redwoods Group Foundation
General support for ACA Research Initiatives
UltraCamp Foundation
Dedicated to making opportunities for young people, who would otherwise not be able, to experience camping by providing grants to qualifying camps within the United States
CampDoc - Research Partner
As a Research Partner, CampDoc continues its shared commitment with ACA and ACH to enhance the education for camps, and offer significant insights to reduce illnesses and injuries, and address other health-related issues across all camp settings.
CampDoc has collaborated on multiple camp health research studies, with publications in prominent medical journals and presentations at conferences for leading medical organizations:
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine
- Society of Academic Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Academic Societies
The CampDoc platform allows camps to instantly access vital camper and staff health information, including allergies, medications, and immunization records, as well as track medication administration, and record illnesses and injuries electronically.
In collaboration with the ACA and ACH, this research partnership will allow CampDoc to leverage its extensive 13+ year data repository to develop camp-related illness and injury insights and benchmarks.
CampDoc, ACA, and ACH will participate as equal partners in the research to support the processes of data collection, analysis, and future reporting, including insights for the Healthy Camp Toolbox and Healthy Camps Committee.
Visit go.campdoc.com/aca to learn more about online registration and electronic health records for your camp!