The American Camp Association (ACA) shares our commitment to the growth of youth through the camp experience. In 2004, an independent research firm completed the largest research study of camper outcomes ever conducted in the United States with over 3,000 families from 92 camps across the U.S. participating.

Results confirmed that camp builds many of the skills necessary to prepare campers to assume roles as successful adults. Parents, campers, and camp staff independently reported growth in areas such as self-confidence, learning new skills, getting along with others, making friends, and making healthy decisions. Indeed, camp provides growth experiences for youth that can reap results through adulthood.

Fun And Safety!  ACA Camps Set the Standard
Our CYO Day Camps & Camp Happiness are ACA Accredited. This means that we care enough to undergo a thorough (over 300 standards) review of its operation - from staff qualifications and training to emergency management.  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 the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
 

ACA helps accredited camps provide:

  Healthy, developmentally-appropriate activities and learning experiences

  Discovery through experiential education                           

  Caring, competent role models

  Service to the community and the environment

A Resource for Parents

CampParents.org is a comprehensive camp resource for families, offering expert advice from camp professionals on camp selection, readiness, child and youth development, and issues of importance to families.

CampParents.org helps you find the right camp for every child. Find a Camp, ACA's camp locator has data from over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps nationwide, allowing you to customize your search for the perfect summer camp and identify camp programs that best fit each camper and camp family.