new to aca & accreditation?
If you're new to the world of ACA and Accreditation, you might be asking yourself "what is accreditation?" The primary purpose of the American Camp Association Accreditation Program is to educate camp owners, directors, or anyone at the camp involved in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, particularly those related to program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff. The American Camp Association standards establish guidelines for policies, procedures, and practices. The camp is responsible for the ongoing implementation of these policies each year.
The second purpose of the American Camp Association Accreditation is to assist the public in selecting camps that meet industry-accepted and government-recognized standards.
The second purpose of the American Camp Association Accreditation is to assist the public in selecting camps that meet industry-accepted and government-recognized standards.
why accreditation?
American Camp Association Accreditation means that your camp or program cares enough to undergo a thorough review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training, health care procedures, and emergency management. The American Camp Association, Illinois collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at your loved ones camp or program reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp and program operation. Camps and the American Camp Association form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
To learn more about the tops reasons camps/programs become accredited, review our page on Four Reasons to Be Accredited.
To learn more about the tops reasons camps/programs become accredited, review our page on Four Reasons to Be Accredited.
who qualifies for accreditation?
Camps and/or agencies that qualify for accreditation are:
Your Camp/Program May be Eligible for Accreditation if You are a/an:
- Camps with one site located in the United States; and
- Camps whose participants are 5 years or older.
Your Camp/Program May be Eligible for Accreditation if You are a/an:
- Independently owned agency
- Not for profit organization
- Religiously affiliated organization
- Therapeutic program
- Seasonal or year-round operation
- Camps operating on college or school campus
- Afterschool programs, and out-of-school program
- City/county governmental agency (park & recreation facility),
- Day camp
- Resident/Overnight camp
- Travel program
What is the value of accreditation?
Just a few of the main benefits of Accreditation are:
You can check out more information about our Accredited Camp/Program Membership, or the many benefits of being an accredited camp/program here.
- Access to discounts on events and trainings
- Templates for various documentation required for accreditation
- Advocacy on behalf of your organization
- COVID-19 related resources and support
- Community networking opportunities
- Marketing materials to show your community the work you did to receive an accredited status
You can check out more information about our Accredited Camp/Program Membership, or the many benefits of being an accredited camp/program here.
how do i get started?
If you're interested in learning more about accreditation, contact Allie Boyaris at: allie@acail.org or 312-332-0833 x4.