ACA Accreditation
Camp Ozark has met or exceeded all 290+ ACA requirements since 2001
ACA Accreditation
- Camp Ozark has been accredited by the ACA since 2001. Furthermore, during each site visit by the ACA, Camp Ozark has met or exceeded all of the approximately 290 standards of the accreditation process, far surpassing what is required for accreditation.
- The American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies so that the approximately 290 accreditation standards for camps reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operations.
- The ACA standards and the accreditation process go far beyond state requirements in the camping industry on health, safety, emergency, and risk management practices.
What is required?
- Annual reporting is required to maintain accreditation, necessitating a yearly review of the camp’s safety policies and procedures. Annual reporting emphasizes an ongoing commitment to operational safety and programming improvement throughout the entire accreditation cycle.
- An accreditation onsite visit is conducted every 3-5 years by trained visitors who are experts in the camp accreditation field. During onsite visits, documentation and practices for all standards are reviewed and observed.
A few examples of important ACA standards are:
- Orient campers and staff to written safety rules and certain emergency procedures
- First-aid facilities and trained staff available when campers are present
- Emergency transportation available at all times
- Staff-to-camper ratios appropriate for different age groups
- Developmentally-based goals for camp activities
ACA standards for activities
- The ACA has established specific standards for various activities, including waterfront, horseback riding, adventure and challenge activities, and many other specialized activities. For example, camps are required to obtain certifications and/or licensing in areas including, but not limited to:
- CPR/First-Aid
- Lifeguarding
- Watercraft operation
- Water emergency rescue
- Challenge Courses
- Swimming pools
- Specific shooting sports
- Fireworks
- Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL)
How Are All Camper Screened?
Screening on opening day
All campers are screened by trained staff at their point of entry before being allowed on the camp premises
Bus
Campers are Screened Before Departing
Air Travel
Campers are Screened Before Boarding
Private Automobile
Campers are Screened Before Entering the Camp Premises
1
Temperature Checks (any camper with an elevated temperature according to CDC guidelines is not admitted)
2
Health Questionnaire
- Have you been sick in the last 14 days?
- Have you been around anyone that has been sick in the last 14 days?
- Have you traveled outside the country in the last month?
- Have your medications changed in the last two weeks?
- Do you have any medications with you? (Staff member to collect if yes)
- Hair-check for any evidence of lice
!
Any camper who is symptomatic or is suspicious of being symptomatic will not be allowed inside the Camp Ozark premises or be allowed to travel to camp by bus or airplane.
ONGOING Screening at camp
Continual screening during your child’s stay at Camp Ozark.
1
In 2020, staff will take camper temperatures daily at the cabin and are trained to recognize any additional symptoms of communicable diseases, forwarding campers with elevated temperatures or other symptoms to one of our two Health Centers immediately for further evaluation.
2
One-week campers are screened under the supervision of a medical professional mid-week during a health and wellness check for the following:
- Any evidence of symptoms of communicable illness
- Overall cleanliness including hair, skin, and nails
- Any rashes that need further medical attention
- Any infected bites that need further medical attention
3
Two-week campers are screened under the supervision of a medical professional in both the first and second week during a health and wellness check for the following:
- Any evidence of symptoms of communicable illness
- Overall cleanliness including hair, skin, and nails
- Any rashes that need further medical attention
- Any infected bites that need further medical attention
The Camp Ozark facility and operations infrastructure have been strategically developed over the last 40 years with an emphasis on creating an environment in consideration of camper safety and operational excellence.
