About

The American Camp Association (formerly known as the American Camping Association) is a community of camp professionals who, for more than 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 6,700 plus membership and exceptional programs, children and adults have the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else. 

As a leading authority in child development, the ACA works to preserve, promote, and improve the camp experience. Our association is committed to helping our members and all camps provide:

• Camp communities committed to a safe, nurturing environment
• Caring, competent adult role models
• Healthy, developmentally-appropriate experiences
• Service to the community and the natural world
• Opportunities for leadership and personal growth
• Discovery, experiential education, and learning opportunities
• Excellence and continuous self-improvement

The ACA-Accreditation Program

ACA accredits over 2,300 camps. ACA-accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality. 

Partners

ACA works closely with a number of other youth-serving organizations and associations, including:

• Associations

  • American Cancer Society
  • American Red Cross
  • American Academy of Pediatrics

• Youth-Serving Organizations

  • America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • Camp Fire USA
  • Character Counts
  • Girl Scouts of the USA
  • Jewish Community Centers Association
  • YMCA of the USA

• Religious Organizations
  
  
  • Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
  • Presbyterian Church of the USA