American Camp Association

The American Camp Association (ACA), formerly known as the American Camping Association, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves the United States. It is an association for camp owners, camp professionals and others interested in summer camps and similar camp programs.

ACA runs an accreditation criterion for camps. According to ACA, to become accredited, camps must meet up to 300 health and safety standards. The accreditation process is voluntary, and ACA currently accredits more than 2,400 camps nationwide.

ACA claims a diverse 9,000 plus membership. It has membership types for individuals, camps, and businesses. The American Camp Association has 23 local offices throughout the country. For example, the American Camp Association- New York represents one of the largest networks of camp professionals in the country with over 500 members representing over 300 affiliated camps.

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. 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.

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. ACA's current president/CEO is Tom Rosenberg.

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