Scheduled Courses | Course Descriptions

Scheduled Courses

Which Course Do I Need?

Standards Course - For those new to the standards program or have not taken a standards course using the 2007 Accreditation Process Guide. (5 hour course)

Standards Update Course - For those who have taken a Standards Course based on the 2007 Accreditation Process Guide. (1.5 hour Course)

Visitor Update Course - For Visitors who have been up-dated on the 2007 Accreditation Process Guide (1.5 hour Course)

Associate Visitor Course - For those wishing to be Camp Accreditation Visitors and have completed a Standards Course based on the 2007 Accreditation Process Guide. ( 2 day course)

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Courses Descriptions

Standards Course
Offered by ACA sections to help prepare camp executives/directors/owners for their accreditation visit and to serve as an introduction to ACA’s Standards Program. This course is appropriate for camp directors/administrators/owners who are new to the ACA accreditation process. They may be directors of camps seeking accreditation for the first time or new directors or administrators of currently accredited camps. The person completing the Standards Course is expected to assist the camp in preparation for the accreditation visit and participate in the on-site visit. Also appropriate for persons interested in becoming standards visitors.

This course is typically held in all seasons except for summer. This course serves as an introduction to the ACA's Standards Program and helps participants prepare for accreditation visits. There will be discussion of the purpose and value of standards and accreditation as well as a description of how the process works and what resources and materials are available. There will be specific discussion about the requirements of the standards including: application of the core and specialized activity standards, mandatories and written documentation.

ACA e-Standards Course
While attendance at a face-to-face course is optimal for a variety of reasons, it is not always possible. ACA is now offering a Web-based electronic version of the Standards Course. Learn More.

Associate Visitor Course
Offered by ACA sections to prepare persons to serve as Associate Visitors in the Standards program. Participants must have taken the NEW Standards Course or Standards Update course prior to attending the Associate Visitor Course.

This course helps participants to identify the purpose and structure of ACA's accreditation programs and to understand the steps in the process at the camp, section, and national levels. Participants will become familiar with the legal implications of visitor actions as well as develop skills in gathering information, making compliance decisions, and consistently applying the standards in a variety of situations. This course will stress the awareness and acceptance of the intent of the standards to represent accepted practices of organized camping. Prerequisites: Participants in the Associate Visitor Course must be at least 21 years of age, a current ACA or CCCA member, and have completed the Standards course.

ACA e-Visitor Update Course
The e-Visitor Update Course will only be offered in the spring. This course informs participants on the new and revised standards and other information pertinent to the accreditation visit process. This course is intended for current ACA Visitors. Visitors are required to attend an update to remain an eligible Visitor. Learn More.

Standards Update Course
4-5 hours. Offered by ACA sections to help prepare camp executives/directors/owners and visitor personnel already familiar with ACA Standards Program with information and training on the newly revised camp standards. This course is appropriate for camp directors/administrators/owners who are "experienced" in the ACA accreditation process – have completed the "old" Basic Standards Course and assisted a camp through an accreditation visit. Those attending will have been through the accreditation process, either as a director or visitor. This course is also appropriate for current ACA Visitors and Associate Visitors and is required to maintain visitor certification. This course is held in all seasons except for summer. Required prior to visits in the new camp standards.

New Director Orientation
A special 8 hour session for seasonal or new camp directors, assistant directors, program directors, or persons that have been in other administrative positions and are considering directing camp next summer. This is an overview of all the aspects of the director's job with the primary focus on the summer operation. It is an interactive session beginning with a board game covering the core areas and then going into sessions on risk management, camper behavior and staff training and supervision. Contact your local ACA Section office for more information on scheduled courses. This course is typically held in all seasons except for summer.

Basic Camp Director Course (BCDC)
The BCDC provides the basics and more for camp directors with fewer than six years of experience or for seasoned program directors and site managers. This is an excellent opportunity to be sure you have well-rounded knowledge of the core areas and begin building your personal network of camp professionals. A 4-day course for camp directors with less than five years experience. The course is designed to present specific content in 13 management areas. The expertise, knowledge, and diversity of the participants are integrated into highly interactive learning sessions that focus on real situations, problems, and solutions.

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