What Is ACA Accreditation and Why It Matters for Virginia Summer Camps

A parent’s guide to ACA accreditation and why choosing an accredited Virginia summer camp can give your family extra peace of mind.

When searching for the best summer camps in Virginia, you’ll likely come across the term ACA accredited. But what does that really mean, and why should Virginia families care?

The American Camp Association (ACA) is the leading authority in camp safety and quality. Camps across Virginia — from day camps in Charlottesville to overnight camps in the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia — can seek ACA accreditation by meeting rigorous national standards for health, safety, staff training, and program quality. For parents, choosing an ACA-accredited camp provides added peace of mind that your child will be cared for in a safe, well-managed environment.

Why ACA Accreditation Matters for Virginia Families

• Peace of Mind for Parents Across the Commonwealth
  Whether you’re in Richmond, Virginia Beach, or Roanoke, ACA accreditation ensures consistent standards no matter the region.
• Confidence When Sending Kids to Overnight Camps
  Families from Central Virginia to Northern Virginia sleepaway camps know staff are trained, screened, and prepared.
• Trusted by Local Communities
  Many of the camps featured in our Virginia Summer Camp Directory are ACA accredited, giving you reliable options close to home.

Do All Virginia Camps Have ACA Accreditation?

Not all camps in Virginia pursue accreditation — some excellent smaller programs may follow best practices without it. However, ACA accreditation is a strong signal, especially when choosing overnight camps where safety and staff training are top priorities.

Next Steps for Virginia Families

As you search for the best summer camps in Virginia, keep ACA accreditation in mind as one of your decision-making tools.

• Visit the American Camp Association’s Find a Camp tool to see which Virginia camps are accredited.

Browse our Virginia Summer Camp Directory, where you can explore ACA-accredited day camps, overnight camps, and specialty programs across the state.