The American Camp Association (ACA) is a community of camp professionals who, for nearly 100 years, have joined together to share knowledge and experience and to set standards to ensure the quality of camp programs. The ACA is a leading authority in childhood development, and its mission is to "preserve, promote and improve the camp experience."

ACA Accreditation means that your child's camp cares enough to undergo a thorough review of its operation by the ACA.  From staff qualifications and training to emergency management, the ACA rates summer camps on over 300 standards of health, safety and program quality. These standards go beyond the typical licensing standards that may be set by the camp's state. A camp that is licensed is not the same as a camp that is ACA-accredited. Some examples of ACA standards:

• Staff to camper ratios are appropriate for different age groups
• Goals for camp activities are developmentally based
• Emergency transportation available at all times
• First-aid facilities and trained staff available when campers are present

The ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices at accredited summer camps 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.

If your child's camp is not ACA-accredited you should ask why.

Read about how PremierCamps summer camps strive to exceed the summer camp safety standards set by the ACA.