Fun And Safety — ACA Camps Set the Standard
ACA Accreditation means that our resident camps have undergone
a thorough (up to 290 standards) review of our 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-serving 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.
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
Why we at GSSGC believe insuring our resident camps are ACA
accredited is so important for our resident camps..
ACA Accreditation means that we care enough to undergo a thorough
peer review of our 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-serving agencies to assure that current
practices at our camps reflect the most up-to-date, research-based
standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that
promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
