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Fun And Safety — ACA Camps
Set the Standard
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ACA Accreditation means that the camp you are considering
for your child cares enough to undergo a thorough (over 300
standards) review of its operation — from staff
qualifications and training to emergency management.
American Camp Association collaborates with experts from The
American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and
other youth service agencies to assure that current
practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date,
research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA
form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun
in an environment committed to safety.
ACA helps accredited
camps provide:
-
Healthy,
developmentally-appropriate
activities and
learning
experiences
-
Discovery
through
experiential
education
-
Caring,
competent role
models
-
Service to
the community
and the
environment
-
Opportunities
for leadership
and personal
growth
What’s the difference between state licensing of
camps and accreditation by ACA?
Accreditation
is voluntary
and ACA
accreditation
assures
families
that camps
have made
the
commitment
to a safe,
nurturing
environment
for their
children.
Licensing is
mandatory
and
requirements
vary from
state to
state. ACA
standards
are
recognized
by courts of
law and
government
regulators
as the
standards of
the camp
community.
How do ACA
standards
exceed state
licensing
requirements?
ACA goes
beyond basic
requirements
for health,
cleanliness,
and food
service into
specific
areas of
programming,
including
camp staff
from
director
through
counselors,
emergency
management
plans,
health care,
and
management.
ACA applies
separate
standards
for
activities
such as
waterfront,
horseback
riding, and
adventure
and travel.
What are
some of the
ACA
standards
that camps
rely on?
-
Staff to
camper
ratios
are
appropriate
for
different
age
groups
-
Goals
for camp
activities
are
developmentally
based
-
Emergency
transportation
available
at all
times
-
First-aid
facilities
and
trained
staff
available
when
campers
are
present
How can I
verify that
my child's
camp is ACA
accredited?
Parents can
(and should)
verify the
accreditation
status of
any camp at
any time by
visiting
ACA's Web
site at
www.ACAcamps.org
or by
calling
1-800-428-CAMP. |
