鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) Accreditation means that your child’s summer camp cares enough to undergo a thorough peer review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at your child’s camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.

鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) helps member camps provide:

  • Healthy, developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences
  • Discovery through experiential education
  • Caring, competent role models
  • Service to the community and the environment
  • Opportunities for leadership and personal growth

Answers to Parents' Most Frequently Asked Questions About Camp Accreditation


What’s the difference between state licensing of camps and accreditation by 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录)?

Accreditation is voluntary and 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) accreditation assures families that camps have made the commitment to a safe, nurturing environment for their children. If a state requires licensing, it is mandatory; licensing requirements vary from state to state. 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the camp community.


How do 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) standards exceed state licensing requirements?

鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) goes beyond basic requirements for health, cleanliness, and food service into specific areas of programming, including camp staff from director through counselors, emergency management plans, health care, and management. 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) applies separate standards for activities such as waterfront, horseback riding, and adventure and travel.


What are some of the 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) standards that camps rely on?

  • Staff-to-camper ratios that are appropriate for different age groups
  • Training for staff to minimize 1:1 camper/staff interactions
  • Goals for camp activities that are developmentally based
  • Emergency transportation available at all times
  • First-aid facilities and trained staff available when campers are present
  • Staff appropriately trained to lead program


Does 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) accreditation require criminal background checks?

鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) accreditation standards require a staff screening system, which includes an annual criminal background check on all seasonal staff and at least every five years on year-round staff. When talking to a camp director as you consider enrolling your child, ask what the screening process for that camp includes.

In addition to the criminal background checks referenced above, 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) standards require additional staff screening which includes an application, interview and reference checks upon initial hire (along with a criminal background check); annual checks of the National Sex Offender Public website and an annual voluntary disclosure statement.  Staff training and staff/camper supervision are also critical to 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) standards. 


How can I verify that my child's camp is 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录) accredited?

Parents can (and should) verify the accreditation status of any camp at any time by visiting 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录)'s Web site at www.鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录)camps.org or by calling 1-800-428-CAMP.

If your child's summer camp isn't 鲸鱼电竞app赛事(鲸鱼电竞注册登录)-accredited, ask WHY NOT?

Keep in Mind — Informed parents are best prepared to select a camp that meets their standards for staff, programs, safety, and facilities and strives to promote the welfare of every child.

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