What ACA Accreditation Means for Your Child’s Safety and Experience

What Is ACA Accreditation?

The American Camp Association (ACA) sets the gold standard for camp safety and program quality nationwide. To earn accreditation, camps must meet hundreds of rigorous standards covering everything from emergency preparedness and staff qualifications to food service and transportation.

Accreditation isn’t automatic—it’s voluntary. That means when a camp chooses to become ACA-accredited, it’s choosing to go above and beyond state licensing requirements to keep campers safe and supported.

Safety You Can Trust

At ACA-accredited camps like Catalina Sea Camp, AstroCamp, and Camp CHOP, every detail matters:

• Certified staff training in first aid, child development, and risk management

• Regular safety audits and on-site inspections by independent ACA professionals

• Health and wellness protocols reviewed annually

• Emergency procedures for land and water activities

These standards ensure every camper can explore with confidence—because their safety always comes first.

A Higher Standard of Program Quality

ACA accreditation also evaluates how camps design their programs and train their teams. The goal isn’t just to keep kids safe, but to ensure each camper has a meaningful, growth-oriented experience.

That includes:

• Clear learning objectives and structured activities

• Inclusive community practices

• Emotional safety and positive staff-camper relationships

For parents, ACA accreditation is reassurance that your child’s camp experience is both fun and thoughtfully designed to promote personal growth.

Why It Matters for California Families

When choosing among the best overnight camps in California, ACA accreditation is one of the most reliable indicators of quality. It means your camp follows nationally recognized standards that go well beyond the basics.

At Guided Discoveries, every program—Catalina Sea Camp, AstroCamp, and Camp CHOP—is proudly ACA-accredited. For over 45 years, we’ve upheld our mission: to make a difference in the lives of children through unique opportunities for discovery.

Peace of Mind for Parents

Sending your child to camp is an act of trust. ACA accreditation gives parents peace of mind, knowing that their camper’s safety, well-being, and happiness are backed by professional standards and decades of experience.

When it comes to choosing a summer camp, safety and quality should never be a question.
Learn more about the best overnight camps in California.

Explore how Catalina Sea Camp, AstroCamp, and Camp CHOP combine accredited excellence with life-changing adventure.