About ACA Accreditation - American Camp Association

American Camp Association | Summer camps enrich children's lives!

Camp is just around the corner, and you’ve still got to pack! You might be a pro at packing for camp, but there are always a few things you might forget. That's why The Clorox Company is partnering with the ACA to bring you a simple list of great suggestions for what counselors and staff should make sure is on their packing list this summer. Take a look – it just might save you from leaving something really important off your list!

July/August Camping Magazine

Learn the skills you need to succeed. Camping Magazine is your primary source for the most recent trends in the camp industry, the latest research in the field of youth development, critical management tools, and innovative programming ideas. The July/August 2010 issue features articles that address programming, history, 20/20 Toolbox, and more.

ACA….A Voice for Excellence

Children and youth need a community that: encourages achievement and builds self-esteem; promotes healthy lifestyles, fitness, and activity; teaches in a classroom without walls; instills appreciation, respect, and responsibility for the natural world around them; and inspires the confidence and courage to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Say It Big Coast to Coast!

ACA's Because of Camp…™ outdoor advertising campaign officially launched in early January. Since that time, orders have been arriving daily for billboards, posters, and transit shelters. Several orders have been placed already, and are being shipped to vendors nationwide. Visit ACA's Say It Big Web page to view a map of advertising placements as they are confirmed.

Celebrate ACA's 100th Anniversary

Preserving the rich history of the camp experience is essential for the future. The American Camp Association (ACA) is proud to celebrate our 100th Anniversary in 2010 and the 150th Anniversary of Organized Camping in 2011, and to honor our past with this Web-based tribute.

Find a Camp

Looking for a summer camp? Search over 2,400 ACA-Accredited camps.

Find a Job

Find the perfect summer or year-round camp job. Need Staff? Check Out ACA’s Staff Recruitment Solutions!

Join ACA

Join today and be an integral part of an evolving, versatile, and vibrant organization of people with knowledge to share.

Public Policy

Congressional Recess 2010 — Visit with Your Legislators Aug 9 – Sept 12, 2010

Latest News

Featured Topics

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Accreditation Basics

What's the purpose?

Tell Me More – helpful information for prospective camps, parents, media (PDF - 1MB)

What support tools and services are available to help beginners?

What's in it for me?

Is accreditation right for my program? Are we eligible?

What does being ACA-Accredited mean? To me and my staff? Public? Supervisor/board chair? Funding agency?

How much does accreditation cost? What are the benefits for accredited camps?

What areas of my operation are covered?

The Standards At A Glance

Find out about the camp-related regulations in your state

New Interpretation for Standards (PDF)

Steps to Accreditation

What's the next step?

What are the benefits?

I'm convinced. Help me convince my supervisor or board

Standards-related books and resources

Accreditation FAQ

What can I expect when my camp is visited?

Pre-Camp Training Topics

Dispelling Common Myths

We couldn't meet the standards

We are licensed by the state

We don't have enough staff time right now

We have a new director

It costs too much

Sample Forms

View samples from the Resource Pack for documenting activity leader observations and skills verification! They help meet the requirements of accreditation!

Skills Verification Guidelines

Archery Skills Verification (42k - pdf)

Observation of an Activity Leader (46k - pdf)

Lifeguard Skills Verification (19k - pdf)

Site Specific Lifeguard Rescue and Emergency Procedures Verification (*PA-15) (27k - pdf).

Site Specific Watercraft Supervisor Rescue and Emergency Procedure Verification (*PA- 21) (20k - pdf)

Standards Questions?

E-mail your standards questions.