ACA Accreditation
Exciting news—Shepherd’s Fold Ranch is currently going through great lengths to complete the process of becoming accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA)! Our hope is to be accredited by June 2013. We have submitted our application, paid our dues, and are awaiting a visit from the American Camping Association to do our evaluation!
Once we are accredited, Shepherd’s Fold will have the ACA-Accredited logo (a logo with 50 years of parent trust behind it) to accompany ours. We will also be listed on ACA’s website, which only lists camps whose programs which offer a solid foundation of health, safety, and program quality standards. According to ACA, being accredited provides “solid proof of accountability, credibility, and commitment.” Being ACA-Accredited means we will continually work with ACA to improve our camp standards program.
Here’s how the American Camping Association describes accreditation:
ACA Accreditation means that your child’s camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) 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 ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
ACA 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
Do you still have questions about what ACA accreditation is? Visit their website!
We are very excited to be undergoing this process! We are ready to do anything and everything we can to make our camp the safest and most fun camp possible!