Camp Pocono Ridge is an accredited camp.

Camp directors and staff know intuitively what camp provides for youth. Many have sought for words and research to back up what we know in our hearts happens in the magic of the experience. The American Camp Association (ACA) shares our camp’s 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
ACA Accreditation means that the camp you are considering for your child 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 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
• Opportunities for leadership and personal growth

Answers to common questions about ACA accreditation:

What’s the difference between state licensing of camps and accreditation by ACA?
Accreditation is voluntary and ACA accreditation assures families that camps have made the commitment to a safe, nurturing environment for their children. Licensing is mandatory and requirements vary from state to state. ACA standards are recognized by courts of law and government regulators as the standards of the camp community.

How do ACA standards exceed state licensing requirements?
ACA 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. ACA applies separate standards for activities such as waterfront, horseback riding, and adventure and travel.

What are some of the ACA standards that camps rely on?

• Staff to camper ratios are appropriate for different age groups
• Goals for camp activities are developmentally based
• Emergency transportation available at all times
• First-aid facilities and trained staff available when campers are present

How can I verify that my child's camp is ACA accredited?
Parents can (and should) verify the accreditation status of any camp at any time by visiting ACA's Web site at www.ACAcamps.org or by calling 1-800-428-CAMP.

If your child's camp isn't ACA 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