Salem, Massachusetts – Camp Fire North Shore has earned ACA-Accredited® Camp status from the American Camp Association® (ACA) following completion of the accreditation process, including an on-site review by trained external reviewers.
“ACA accreditation means that Camp Fire voluntarily participated in a thorough review of its operation against applicable ACA standards,” said ACA President/CEO Henry DeHart. “ACA collaborates with experts from across many fields to develop and maintain research-informed standards for camp operations.”
“Becoming ACA accredited reflects our commitment to health, safety, and quality camp operations,” said Sam Collins, Senior Director of Operations.
About ACA Accreditation
The American Camp Association® (ACA) is the only recognized accrediting body for the camp experience in the United States, accrediting approximately 2,400 camps nationwide. ACA accreditation is voluntary and includes regular on-site visits conducted by trained volunteer external reviewers.
ACA standards address areas including:
Staff qualifications, training, and supervision
Health, wellness, and first aid
Emergency preparedness, training, drills, and communication
Program safety
Transportation, facilities, and camp operations
ACA accreditation is not simply a camp saying it follows ACA standards. The accreditation process includes external review of whether the camp meets applicable standards.
For more information about ACA accreditation, visit ACAcamps.org.
Our Commitment to Excellence — and What That Means to You and Your Child
As camp professionals, we understand that your biggest concern is the safety of your child. We also know you have goals for your child’s development related to the powerful lessons the camp experience provides in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living. We share those same goals, which is why we have taken the added step of becoming accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).
Why Is ACA Accreditation Important?
ACA Accreditation is not simply a camp saying it follows ACA standards. It includes external review of whether the camp meets applicable standards. As the only recognized accrediting body for the camp experience in the United States, ACA accredits approximately 2,400+ diverse camps nationwide. ACA accreditation reflects a camp’s commitment to health, safety, and quality camp operations.
If your camp is not accredited, ask the owner or director why. ACA accreditation matters.
What Are the Standards of Accreditation?
The ACA accreditation standards focus on health, safety, and risk management. They are widely used as operational benchmarks for the camp industry by local, state, and federal government entities, insurance companies, and courts of law. Our camp and program completed the external review process, which includes a visit by an ACA-trained team of standards volunteers, signifying that we meet the standards applicable to our program. ACA collaborates with experts from across many fields to develop and maintain research-informed standards for camp operations.
We Set Our Standards High
Earning and maintaining ACA accreditation takes time and commitment. We set our standards high to provide your child with an environment where they are having fun and are unaware of all of the work related to safety and learning, which has been carefully incorporated into the daily routine.
To be accredited by ACA, we had to demonstrate sound practices in many areas of camp management, including site, transportation, health and wellness, operations, programs and activities, and staff qualifications.
What the ACA Accreditation Standards Mean to You and Your Child
ACA accreditation means our camp has voluntarily submitted to a transparent, thorough review of our operation. Our goal is to provide parents with as much information as possible about our camp. Our voluntary participation in the professional development and accreditation process of the American Camp Association demonstrates our commitment to providing you and your child with the best possible camp experience.
For more information about ACA accreditation, contact our camp director or visit the American Camp Association website at ACAcamps.org.
