American Camp Association

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a prominent nonprofit organization in the United States that serves camp owners, camp professionals, and individuals interested in summer camps and similar camp programs. Founded in 1910, the ACA is dedicated to promoting the quality, safety, and accessibility of organized camp experiences through education, research, and accreditation.

History

The organization originated as the Camp Directors Association of America (CDAA) in 1910, founded by Alan S. Williams. It was created to establish standards and models for organized camp experiences for youth. In 1924, the CDAA merged with the National Association of Directors of Girls' Camps, becoming the Camp Director Association (CDA). By 1935, the name was changed to the American Camping Association, Incorporated. The organization adopted its current name, the American Camp Association, in 2004.

The tradition of organized American camping traces back to the Gunnery Camp, initiated by Frederick W. Gunn and his wife Abigail in 1861. The Gunns operated a home school for boys in Washington, Connecticut, and initiated a pioneering camping trip that set a precedent for future camping programs.

Mission and Activities

The ACA's mission centers on building belonging and empowering camps to provide safe, inclusive, and meaningful camp experiences. It serves as a community for over 12,000 members including camps, individuals, and businesses engaged in the camp industry. Annually, ACA members impact approximately 7.2 million campers and over 11,000 learners.

The organization emphasizes inclusion and belonging as core values essential to thriving camp environments. It supports camps through education, training, public policy advocacy, and the dissemination of research relevant to camp operations and youth development.

Accreditation Program

Since 1948, the ACA has administered the only nationwide peer-review accreditation program for organized camps. This voluntary program requires camps to meet up to 300 health, safety, and risk management standards established by ACA as best practices in the industry. The accreditation process involves a comprehensive review to ensure that camps provide quality programming with a focus on the health and safety of campers and staff.

ACA accreditation serves as an educational framework, guiding camp operators in managing resources, implementing effective policies and procedures, and striving for continuous improvement. Currently, the ACA accredits more than 2,500 camps across the United States.

Structure and Outreach

The ACA operates through a national office and 23 local offices spread throughout the country. It hosts annual conferences at both national and local levels, facilitating professional development and networking among camp professionals. The organization also provides up-to-date information regarding laws and regulations relevant to camps, further supporting the camp community's operational standards.

Significance

As the sole nationwide accrediting body for organized camps in the U.S., the American Camp Association plays a crucial role in promoting safe, healthy, and enriching camp experiences. Its long history and extensive membership make it a foundational institution in the American camping movement.

This article is based on publicly available information about the American Camp Association, reflecting its history, mission, and key functions as a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing organized camps in the United States.