UNTIL:
- A parent tells me they assumed “someone” was monitoring the camp.
- The media calls and asks what set of best practices/standards my camp follows.
- I am faced with a difficult situation or crisis and feel grateful I already have systems in place due to the standards program.
- I have staff turn-over and my camp’s institutional memory is compromised.
- I realize my state offers my camp regulatory relief because we are accredited.
- I realize I may be eligible for public funding only if I am accredited.
- I realize my insurance carrier requires accreditation and/or my insurance rates will decrease because of accreditation.
- I realize it is the professional standard of my profession.
- I realize it is the right thing to do for kids.
SO NEXT TIME THINK TWICE WHEN:
- It is said, “But parents never ask if I am accredited.”
- I decide not to place the ACA accredited logo on my Web site.
- I think the process is too laborious and time consuming.
- I feel it costs too much.
- I decide I have been in the business so long I already know what I need to know
Photo courtesy of Camp Kamaji for Girls, Cass Lake, Minnesota