What is Accreditation?
ACA Accreditation means that a camp cares enough
to undergo a thorough (over 300 health and safety
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
camp 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.
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What is 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.
If a state requires licensing, it is mandatory;
licensing requirements vary from state to state.
ACA standards are recognized by courts of law
and government regulators as the standards of
the camp community.
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Does ACA accreditation require a criminal background
check?
ACA accreditation standards require a staff screening
system which may include criminal background
checks where permitted by law. When talking to
a camp director, ask what the screening process
for that camp includes.
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How can parents be sure their child will
be safe at camp?
Nothing substitutes for the vigilance and care
of parents in determining a safe situation for
their children. While no institution--schools,
churches, youth programs, camps, or families--can
absolutely guarantee a child's safety,
parents should take an active role in determining
that camps are fully committed to providing a
summer of fun and growth in well supervised and
nurturing camp environments.
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What questions should parents ask to help
them find the right camp for their child?
Talking to a camp director will give you a good
idea about the camp's philosophy. It is
also an opportunity to ask the director some
questions including:
- What training do counselors receive?
- What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
- What are desired qualities in camp staff?
- How are behavioral and disciplinary
problems handled?
- How does the camp handle homesickness and
other adjustment issues?
- Is
the camp accredited by the American Camp Association?
Why? Why not?
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Crisis Communications
Following a death/accident/abuse allegation,
media questions are often pointed and difficult
to field. Listed below are some of the common
questions and general responses that can be tailored
to address individual situations. As always,
utilize proven key messages and the resources
available within ACA for help.
Is the camp accredited?
Yes (or no) Camp ___ is (or is not) an ACA-accredited
camp. You can find the current listing of ACA
accredited camps on ACA's Web site at www.ACAcamps.org.
[We do not provide this information unless directly
asked.]
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Will you (ACA) investigate?
We are an educational organization. State authorities
have not granted us authority to investigate,
gather testimony, secure confidential reports,
or subpoena confidential records. We rely on
officials with such authority to conduct investigations.
ACA is always deeply saddened when we learn of
any tragedy or allegation of wrongdoing that
affects the life of a child. We are committed
to finding new ways to educate camp staff on
best practices, safety, standards, and risk management
within the camp community.
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Will you (ACA) remove accreditation?
Accreditation is normally granted or removed
based on results of a full accreditation visit
and verified compliance with accreditation criteria.
This includes compliance with up to 300 health
and safety standards covering health, safety,
and program issues. When those authorized under
state law to conduct investigations have completed
their work, a re-accreditation visit may or may
not be warranted.
Accreditation is not automatically removed from
a camp based on an accident or injury. No accreditation
process, no licensing program, no set of regulations
or laws can guarantee safety. However, accreditation
can be withdrawn from a camp if ACA is notified
by appropriate authorities that laws which significantly
affect the health and safety of campers or staff
have been violated
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Was accreditation ever removed from this/a
camp?
Official records of a camp's accreditation
history are maintained at our national office.
We do not maintain that record. You may contact
the standards department at the national office.
Camps can lose accreditation for other reasons,
such as for non-payment of fees or for failure
to get an accreditation visit in the required
cycle. So, that information alone may not be
helpful.
ACA has, however, removed accreditation from
camps for significant health and safety violations.
Therefore, though not a guarantee, current ACA
accreditation is still the best evidence of a
camp's commitment
to providing a safe and nurturing environment
for children.
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Are there complaints against this/a camp?
ACA has a process for complaint resolution on
issues about camps. This process focuses on finding
resolution. The details of complaints are not
available as a public record. However, violations
of ACA's Code of Ethics may result in penalties
for the camp, including removal of accreditation. View
Complaint Resolution Process Manual.
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What is your standard for ____?
A brief summary of all the requirements of ACA
standards can be found on ACA's Web site.
Answers to some of the frequently asked questions
about standards can be found at www.campparents.org/funsafety.php.
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Should this have happened?
All institutions in our world – churches,
schools, youth programs, camps, families – recognize
that no one has an impenetrable safety net from
the ills of society or from harm. ACA training
and guidelines are designed to educate camps
to take all reasonable precautions to provide
an environment that makes safety for children
the top priority.
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Has this happened before? How
common are drownings in camps? Abuse, fires,
etc?
Because “camp” is defined by society
very broadly, we do not have specific data on
crisis situations in the industry at large. Within
ACA, we hear of few such incidents each year.
But any tragedy that affects the life of a child
is a concern for those of us devoted to the well-being
of children through safe and positive camp experiences.
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Are background checks required
for staff in camps? What about for international
staff?
Criminal background checks are just one piece
of ACA's comprehensive approach to evaluating
the background of applicants and their acceptability
to work with youth. Our standards also require
reference checks, personal interviews, and
work history reviews. The screening requirements,
along with strong training and supervision
guidelines, combine to provide a comprehensive
approach to child protection.
The screening and training requirements for international
staff are no different than those for U.S. staff.
International placement agencies, familiar with
the resources and agencies in the countries from
which international staff come, help with the initial
application and screening steps.
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