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American Camp Association Accreditation describes
the operation of the programs and services by an
owner/director. This may be sought by a camp operating
on its own property, on the property belonging
to someone else, or by camps that rent/lease facilities
to other groups who retain the responsibility for
part or all of their own program. The visitation
requires establishing compliance with standards
related to the camp site, program, and operation,
and it must occur while the camp is in full operation.
Accreditation applies to all camp programs and
services offered under the same camp name throughout
the year, except for single day events.
To apply for or maintain accreditation, a legal
representative must sign the statement of compliance
annually, and must agree to an on site visit as
determined by the Section, but at least once every
three years.
Annual Statement of Compliance
1. I hereby concur with the definition of camping
as set forth by the American Camp Association:
Camping is a sustained experience which provides
a creative educational and recreational opportunity
in group living in the out-of-doors. It utilizes
trained leadership and the resources of the natural
surroundings to contribute to each camper's mental,
physical, social and spiritual growth.
2. I hereby confirm that the camp listed below
is operating under the applicable federal, state,
and local laws, codes and regulations, and that
all required permits and licenses have been obtained.
The compliance with legal requirements of the
jurisdictions within which a camp is located
is the responsibility of the camp; enforcement
is the responsibility of the appropriate government
official. The American Camp Association does
not consider itself a legal agency to enforce
the law. Where the ACA Standard requires higher
performance than the legal requirements, a camp
must comply with the Standard to be accredited.
3. If continuing accreditation, I affirm that
the camp continues to meet the standards verified
by the visitors on the day of the visit.
4. I understand that accreditation may be withdrawn
a. if false information is knowingly provided
to the visitors or ACA section or national personnel;
or
b. if it is verified that compliance with mandatory standards is not being
continually maintained; or
c. if ACA has been notified by appropriate federal, state or local authorities
that laws which significantly affect the health and safety of campers or
staff have been violated, or ACA has documented reason to believe that such
violations have occurred; or
d. At the discretion of the ACA Section Board, following a Section Review
and notification of the National Standards Commission (NSC) prior to such
action being taken. The camp has the right of appeal to the NSC in the event
of such action. The NSC has the final and absolute authority in such matters.
5. My camp has complied and will continue to comply
with all of the applicable mandatory
standards for
accreditation.
6. I affirm that I am willing to be held accountable
for, and understand that my camp can lose its accreditation
for violations of the Code of Ethics of the American
Camp Association as revised February 2002.
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