The American Camp Association (ACA), formerly known as the American Camping Association, is a
501(c)(3)
A 501(c)(3) organization is a United States corporation, trust, unincorporated association or other type of organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. It is one of the 29 types of 50 ...
nonprofit
A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
that serves the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
. It is an association for camp owners, camp professionals and others interested in
summer camp
A summer camp or sleepaway camp is a supervised program for children conducted during the summer months in some countries. Children and adolescents who attend summer camp are known as ''campers''. Summer school is usually a part of the academ ...
s and similar camp programs.
Since 1948, the ACA has offered the only nationwide external professional peer-review accreditation program for camps. According to ACA, to become accredited, camps must meet up to 300 health and safety standards, which are considered best practices throughout the industry. The accreditation process is voluntary, and ACA currently accredits more than 2,500 camps nationwide.
[About ACA](_blank)
, ACA Web site. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
ACA claims a diverse 12,000 plus membership.
It has membership types for individuals, camps, and businesses.
[Join ACA Today!](_blank)
ACA Web site. Retrieved March 16, 2008. The American Camp Association has 23 local offices throughout the country. Annual conferences are held across the country by local chapters, in additional to the ACA National Conference.
History
The American Camping Association® (ACA) was founded in 1910 under the original name, Camp Directors Association of America (CDAA). CDAA was founded in 1910 by Alan S. Williams. Founder Alan S. Williams created a model and standardizing influence for the organized camp experience for the young. The CDAA merged with the National Association of Directors of Girls' Camps in 1924 and changed its name to the Camp Director Association (CDA). In 1935, the name was changed to the American Camping Association, Incorporated (ACA). This name would stay the same until 2004, when it was changed to the American Camp Association®.
The Gunnery Camp is considered the first organized American camp. Frederick W. Gunn and his wife Abigail operated a home school for boys in Washington,
Connecticut
Connecticut () is the southernmost state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, New York to the west, and Long Island Sound to the south. Its cap ...
. In 1861, they took the whole school on a two-week trip. The class hiked to their destination and then set up camp. The students spent their time boating, fishing, and trapping. The trip was so successful, the Gunns continued the tradition for twelve years.
Leadership
Governed by a Board of Directors, the organization's mission is advanced through a partnership with governance volunteers, staff, and grass-roots volunteers located throughout local offices.
Chief Executive Officer
*
Maurice B. Stein, former president
*Tom Rosenberg, current CEO
President/CEO
/ref>
See also
* List of recreational organizations
This is a list of recreational organizations.
International
* Royal Family Kids' Camps
* Toastmasters International
* YMCA
* YWCA
United States
* American Bowling Congress
* American Camp Association
* Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is an ...
References
{{Reflist
External links
American Camp Association
Scouting-related associations
Camping in the United States