any specific procedures. All camps seeking accreditation BY ACA are evaluated in six core standards: Site and Facilities, Administration, Administration of Transportation and Vehicles, Personnel, Program and Health Care. In addition to the core standards there are three activity standards that are applicable only if they are offered and operated by the camp: Aquatics, Trip/Travel and Horseback Riding. In order to be accredited, the camp must meet all mandatory standards that apply, and score at least 80 percent in each section.

1. Site and Facilities

All standards in this area have to do with the physical location of the camp. The criteria differs depending on whether the camp seeking accreditation owns the facility or leases it. The Park District of Oak Park uses many facilities that are not owned by the district, therefore we had a different level of responsibility on some issues, but we still had to be able to explain or demonstrate how all criteria was being met. Examples of issues addressed in this section are:
· Notification of local police and fire departments regarding location of camps, number and ages of participants, number of staff as well as days, hours and dates of operation;
· Availability of blueprints, charts or physical description of shut-off valleys for electrical, gas and water;
· Evidence of a systematic maintenance routine;
· Storage and handling procedures for gas and liquid flammable, explosives and poisonous materials;
· Regulation of hot water taps in hand washing, showering and bathing facilities to prevent scalding;
· Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
· Privacy in restrooms;
· Adequate number of toilets, hand-washing sinks and showers; and
· Issues surrounding serving food to campers.


2. Administration

"The administration standards include those basic administrative practices which relate to creating a positive, protective environment for campers" (ACA Standards Book). All camps are scored for these standards. Unlike site and facility standards, it makes no difference where your camp is held: all standards apply. Issues addressed included:
· Identifying general health and safety concerns and possible emergency situations unique to camp;
· Specify risk management measures taken to reduce, control or prevent identified risks;
· Provide staff with written safety regulations and emergency procedures;
· Written search and rescue procedures for persons lost, missing or runaway;
· A process in place to evaluate the program; and
· Evidence of insurance.

3. Administration of Transportation and Vehicles

This section addresses all aspects of transportation safety including vehicular safety, driver and staff training and camper education. This was an area where we had previously done extensive work due to the fact that Oak Park is an urban setting and all of our sires are exposed to traffic and the problems associated with it. Issues addressed included:
· A plan for the control of vehicular traffic on the camp site;
· Safety standards for all vehicles used in transporting campers;
· Orderly arrival and departure of campers and staff; and
· Training of staff members to handle emergencies involving vehicles.


4. Personnel

As most would agree, your program is nothing if you do not have quality staff this section focuses on issues regarding the hiring and training of staff.
· Age of staff is very important to ACA depending on what position they have. For example, 80 percent of staff used to meet ratios must be at least 18 years of age and all staff must be at least two years older than the oldest camper in their program.
· The recruitment process should help the camp find program and administrative staff who reflect the camper population being served.
· A screening and interviewing process should be implemented that helps determine the suitability of staff to be with campers.
· Specific ratios are required for various age groups: 4-5 years, 1:6; 6-8 years, 1:8; 9-14 years, 1:10.
· The amount of staff training prior to the start of camp as well as in-service training during camp is measured and quantified.


5. Program

"It is here that camp philosophies and objectives are implemented" (ACA Standards Book). It is essential that written material exists regarding the programming aspect of the camp.
· Goals and objectives must be established and communicated to staff.
· Activities must provide balance, an opportunity for campers to experience progression, challenge and success, and intentional opportunities for campers to