Why is ACA Accreditation important?

• There are no federal regulations for camps and some states (including Rhode Island) don't have a process for regulating camps. ACA standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the camp community.

• Accreditation assures families that the accredited camps have made the commitment to a safe, nurturing environment for their children by establishing guidelines for needed policies, procedures, and practices.

• ACA standards focus on health, safety, and risk management practices. The standards also go beyond these basic requirements, and into specific areas of programming.

• Accreditation is voluntary, which means accredited camps are going above and beyond to provide the best experience possible for campers, staff, and rental groups.

The American Camp Association is the only nationwide accrediting organization for all types and designs of organized camps.