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Q: Who are the
people who will visit my camp?
A: Visitors are volunteers. They are persons
with a background in camp administration
who have completed at least twenty-one hours
of training prior to conducting visits for
ACA. They have also completed an "apprenticeship"
with an experienced visitor. Many visitors
are camp directors themselves. They understand
the importance of accreditation and the
scope of laws, regulations, and procedures
of camp.
Q: How much time
will it take to prepare for the visit?
A: It really depends on the scope of the
camp's program. Larger camps with a wide
variety of activities may take longer than
smaller camps that focus in only a few areas.
Typically, we recommend planning for 6-9
months to organize and prepare written materials.
Q: Is the accreditation
visit like an inspection?
A: Many directors feel like the ACA visit
is going to be like an inspection from the
state health department. However, the emphasis
of the ACA accreditation program is on education.
Our visitors are trained to be helpful,
supportive, and knowledgeable about CAMP
things. Accreditation is a voluntary process,
arranged in advance with the cooperation
of the camp and the visitor. Inspections
differ from visits in that they often occur
without notice, and have a "punitive"
feel to them.
Q: I need to
determine the difference between day camp
and child care so I can determine if I need
a state license versus ACA-accreditation.
A: Every state is different when it comes
to licensing requirements. For state-specific
questions, please contact your
local ACA office personnel.
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