Risk Management
Disaster Preparedness and Response at Camp Project
The Strengthen Disaster Preparedness and Response at Camp initiative advances disaster readiness across the camp community through targeted investment in accreditation support. ACA will launch a cohort-based program focused on camps facing financial hardship and increased vulnerability to weather-related disasters.
Through an application and selection process, up to 50 camps will receive guided assistance 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.
Selected camps will receive:
- Significantly reduced ACA accreditation fees
- Monthly cohort-based training and technical assistance
- One-on-one support from ACA’s accreditation team
- Structured preparation for an on-site peer review and accreditation recommendation
Camps will be selected based on financial need, geographic vulnerability to natural disasters, and readiness to participate in a multi-year cohort experience. Camps will be selected in early 2026.
The initiative is funded by a three-year, $400,000 grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) and also supports ACA’s Climate Symposium, a virtual professional development event open to camp leaders nationwide focused on disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response.
Read the Press Release
Applications Opening Soon!
ACA will open the application window on January 13. The application will outline eligibility, including accreditation confirmation, financial need, and disaster preparedness.
Virtual office hours will be scheduled to help camps with their applications. There will also be opportunity to meet with ACA staff in person at the ACA National Conference in San Diego in February. Times and dates have not been set.
Question? Please reach out to [email protected].
