At the heart of ACA’s accreditation program are people. Camp professionals who generously share their time, experience, and care to support quality camping for all. For many camp professionals, saying yes to this pre-conference experience is about more than professional development. It is about giving back to the camp community that has shaped their careers and trusting them to help uphold the standards that keep camps safe, strong, and thriving.
This one-day, in-person course is an opportunity to step into that role with intention, preparation, and support, and to do so in a way that fits seamlessly into your Tri-State week at no additional cost.
So why are so many camp professionals choosing to say yes?
A Meaningful Way to Give Back to the Camp Community
Accreditation does not happen without volunteers. Our visitors are the heart and soul of the ACA, NY & NJ accreditation process, ensuring that standards are applied thoughtfully, consistently, and with care for each camp’s unique mission.
The Associate Visitor Course prepares camp professionals to serve in this vital role by building a shared understanding of the purpose and structure of ACA’s accreditation program, the responsibility visitors carry, and the impact their service has on camps across the country.
Here are five reasons camp professionals are stepping forward.
- You Become Part of the Community That Upholds Quality Camping
By joining the Associate Visitor Course, you are contributing directly to the strength and integrity of accreditation. Your time and perspective help ensure that ACA standards are being met in meaningful ways at our youth serving organizations.
Why it matters: Giving back in this way helps protect and strengthen the future of camping for everyone.
- You Build Confidence and Clarity Around ACA Standards
The Associate Visitor Course helps participants deepen their understanding of ACA standards and how they are applied in real situations. You will explore the legal implications of visitor actions, practice gathering and evaluating information, and learn how to make fair, consistent compliance decisions.
Why it matters: A strong understanding of ACA standards and how they are applied in real situations can ease anxiety and build confidence in implementing them at your own camp.
- You Learn by Seeing Camps Through a New Lens
Serving as a Standards Visitor offers the opportunity to see other camps in action. This course helps you develop the skills to observe thoughtfully, ask good questions, and learn from the wide variety of programs that make up the camp community.
Many visitors return to their own camps with fresh ideas, renewed perspective, and a deeper appreciation for how standards support both safety and creativity.
Why it matters: What you learn while serving others often strengthens your own program in powerful ways.
- You Share Experience, Wisdom, and Best Practices with Peers
The course brings together camp professionals who care deeply about quality and continuous improvement. Throughout the day, participants exchange ideas about programming, operations, and leadership, creating a learning environment built on mutual respect and shared experience.
Why it matters: Accreditation is strongest when it is grounded in collaboration and collective knowledge.
- You Support ACA and Are Supported in Return
Visitors who complete the course and go on to serve receive a discount on ACA membership, along with ongoing opportunities for growth and engagement within the association.
More importantly, you become part of a trusted community of volunteers who make accreditation possible.
Why it matters: When we support ACA together, we strengthen the entire camp community.
A Pre-Conference Built for Service-Minded Camp Professionals
The Associate Visitor Course is offered as a one-day, in-person pre-conference that can be added to your Tri-State experience at no additional cost.
Eligibility requirements:
- At least 21 years of age
- Current ACA member
- Completion of an ACA Accreditation Process Workshop
If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back, deepen your understanding of accreditation, and support the future of quality camping, this course is an invitation to step into a role that truly makes a difference.
