What Does ACA Accredited Mean?

The American Camp Association (ACA) is the undeniable leader in the summer camp industry and the sole national accrediting body for camps. ACA accreditation involves a rigorous peer-review process to ensure camps meet high standards for health, safety, and program quality. However, only about 20% of all camps are ACA accredited. So what does that mean for families when they search? Let’s break it down.

What Does ACA Accredited Mean?

ACA Accreditation means a summer camp meets over 250 high standards for health, safety, and program quality, as set by the American Camp Association. This rigorous peer-review process ensures that camps provide a safe, enriching environment for children, giving parents peace of mind.

Does a camp need ACA accreditation?

No, camps don’t need to be ACA accredited to operate. ACA accreditation is a voluntary process that camps undergo to further show their commitment to operating a fun and safe camp operation beyond state and local regulations. Only about 20% of all camps in the United States are ACA accredited.

Why would a camp not be ACA accredited?

There are a few reasons why a camp might choose not to pursue accreditation. If a camp you like isn’t accredited, ask them why not.

• State and local regulations may already be stringent, making ACA accreditation redundant
• The accreditation process is costly and time-consuming
• Total compliance can be challenging for camps with unique programs
• May be unnecessary for camps with a strong existing customer base

How do I know if a camp is ACA accredited?

Camps will usually display the coveted ‘ACA Accredited’ logo somewhere on their website, typically towards the bottom in the footer. All accredited camps on Sleepawayz will display the logo in their listing also. Additionally, you can search the camp’s name on the ACA’s official site to also check its accreditation status.

What does this mean for my family?

Knowing a summer camp is ACA Accredited can be very reassuring and is typically a great indicator of camp quality. However, it’s not the sole indicator of quality and shouldn’t necessarily be a deal breaker. Many excellent camps choose not to pursue ACA accreditation but still adhere to strict guidelines and regulations. So while the ‘ACA Accredited’ is great to see, remember that only 20% of all camps are ACA accredited.

If you want to learn more, visit the American Camp Association’s accreditation page.