American Camp Association Standards Update Course Participant Handout Packet
Mandatory Standard Introduced in 2016 Number HR.8.B (between standards HR.8 and HR.9) Title ONE ON ONE CAMPER/STAFF INTERACTION (Mandatory) HR.8.B.1 Does the camp provide training to all staff to minimize the potential of any staff member being in a one on one camper/staff situation when out of sight of others. AND/OR HR.8.B.2 Does the camp advise rental groups to provide training to all staff to minimize the potential of any rental group personnel being in a one on one camper/personnel situation when out of sight of others. Contextual Education Appropriate supervision and interaction between campers and staff are key to camper/staff safety. Policies and staff training should be provided to all camp staff (counselors, administrative, and support staff) to make them aware of the need to avoid situations where they might be in a one onone situation with a camper. This includes: Restroom and shower protocols Healthcare setting protocols Protocols for when special needs campers need personal care assistance Desire/need for staff/camper 1:1 conversations Program design Methods to consider are: operating with rule of three, being in auditory or visual range if a situation does require 1:1 interaction, and providing settings that are in the sight of others yet not in the middle of it all. ACA resources include Spring 2014 CampLine article (www.acacamps.org/campline/spring 2014/supervision) and the recorded webinar Camper Supervision Under the Microscope: What Your Staff Are Staff Missing and What You Can Do About It. Compliance Demonstration Written documentation: Training schedule, which indicates when this training occurred Visitor interview: Director description of what was covered during the training Visitor observation: Groups of campers/staff during tour the camp and program Modes All (c)2015 American camping Association, Inc. (revised 2016) 1
Standards Changes Introduced in 2016 Visits New Standard HR.8.B ONE ON ONE CAMPER/STAFF INTERACTION (Mandatory) HR.8.B.1: Does the camp provide training to all staff to minimize the potential of any staff member being in a one on one camper/staff situation when out of sight of others. AND/OR HR.8.B.2 Does the camp advise rental groups to provide training to all staff to minimize the potential of any rental group personnel being in a one on one camper/personnel situation when out of sight of others. Missing Four (4) or More Mandatory Standards Any camp that misses four or more mandatory standards will be required to have a complete visit the following summer, even if the Immediate Corrective Action (ICA) is accepted. Why the change? The National Standards Commission judges that camps are fully aware of all mandatory standards and the need for these standards to be continually met, and therefore this is an appropriate action to help maintain and strengthen the integrity of ACA accreditation. Other NSC Changes Effective 2016 Effective as of 2016, when any change/revision to standards is made (mandatory or not), the change/revision will become effective in the next season. In the past, only mandatory standards were effective immediately, and all other changes/revisions were effective on the camp s next visit. As ACA moves to a 5 year visit cycle, potentially waiting 5 years for a camp to come into compliance with any standards is too long. Be Sure You Have a Current APG! Look at Your Pages Page 95 HW.24 Health Screening for Resident Camp Staff Delete HW.24.1 B 3, the requirement for healthcare staff to collect staff medication. Page 126 HR.3 Hiring Policies Add to Contextual Education to clarify to whom standard HR.3.3 applies, and add mandatory requirement for criminal background check for yearround staff (every five years). Page 177 PD.29.3 Protective Headgear Add DNA PD29.3 does not apply when climbing on a manufactured climbing walls that use an auto belay system (Effective immediately. It is at the discretion of the camp should they use helmets on a wall with this type of belay system.) Posted April 2015. Page 179 PD.31.5 Safety Apparel Add DNA PD.31.5 does not apply for ear protection for air rifle and BB guns. (c)2015 American camping Association, Inc. (revised 2016) 2
Review: Matching Exercise Directions: Match the term with its appropriate definition 1. Criteria for Accreditation A. Legal term for the principle of being in place of the parent. It applies when the camp has supervisory responsibility for minors. 2. Landlord B. Volunteers trained and certified by ACA to conduct accreditation visits in the ACA Accreditation Program. 3. Annual Accreditation Report C. A designated section within a standard to provide camp administrators and visitors assistance in understanding the terminology of the standard, education regarding the standard and its intent, and assistance in the consistent application of a standard in a variety of situations. 4. In Loco Parentis D. A narrative report submitted to ACA in nonvisit years to demonstrate a camp s continuous compliance with the standards. 5. Visitor E. Provider of a facility and basic services to groups. Has a duty to provide a reasonably safe facility and to provide information about which users may not have special knowledge. State laws may dictate specific responsibilities. 6. Contextual Education F. Compliance is required for accreditation to be granted, regardless of scores achieved in other areas of the standard. 7. Camp Self Assessment G. The camp must fully comply with each of the applicable mandatory standards and attain scores of at least 80 percent in each applicable section of standards. 8. Mandatory Standard H. A required review of written documentation for 20 preselected standards. It must be completed prior to the start of staff training for the summer season. Your local office may require earlier completion. 2016 American Camping Association, Inc. 3
DRIVER TRAINING Staff Member: Vehicle Used: Date of Orientation: Beginning Time: Ending Time: Skills Covered Completed Comments Init Key location Backing vehicle into parking spot Orientation of campers Emergency equipment/info.: first aid kit fire extinguisher reflectors phone/orientation health forms emergency procedures driving procedures packet lease information registration information insurance information Vehicle safety procedures: checking tire inflation adjusting mirrors adjusting seat ignition/steering column location of flashers location of turn indicators location of horn location of heat/air/vents radio features cruise control explanation seat belts location of gas tank refueling procedures (campers) Start once everyone has seat belts on Speed limits (in/out of camp) Entrance of camp Observation of handling vehicle Driving vehicle off edge of road Backing up (note location) Loading/unloading passengers Dealing w/vehicular breakdowns Dealing w/passenger illness Handling camper behavior Evacuation procedures Camp Director/Designate Signature Date 4
CAMP INFORMATION FORM FOR 2017 ACCREDITATION VISIT This form must be completed by any camp requesting a visit in 2017. Return this 2 page form by February 1, 2017. When the visit is assigned, this form will be available to you and to the visitors via a link in the visitor assignment e mail. The information collected will be used only for arranging the visit. To update your camp s contact information, contact accreditation@acacamps.org. CAMP INFORMATION Camp Name: ACA Camp ID #: Name of Operating Organization, if different: Camp Director Name: Camp Website: Office/Winter Physical Address: Camp/Summer Physical Address, if different: Does your camp operate at more than one site during the summer, excluding trip/travel programs or field trips? Yes No (If yes, include a list of the locations for ALL sites.) STANDARDS COURSE/STANDARDS UPDATE COURSE must be after September 1, 2014, for a 2017 visit. Name of person(s) completing course on behalf of camp: Standards Course Type: Online Virtual (webinar with live instructor) In person (location: ) Date of Course Completion: ACCREDITATION VISIT ARRANGEMENTS Arrange Camp Visit with (name): Position at Camp: Phone: Date Camp Staff Training begins: E mail: Camp SEASON Dates: A visit should be scheduled when camp is operating on its regular schedule, and when as many activities can be observed as possible. Please list/describe any dates that would not work for your on site visit (changeover days, trip days, visiting days, etc.) CAMP SELF ASSESSMENT REVIEW The camp must compile the Camp Self Assessment Review standards and have them reviewed by the visitor by May 1. Are your camp s written documents (please check one): Paper Electronic Both What is your preferred method for conducting the Camp Self Assessment Review? Via the My Accreditation web portal In person E mail or other electronic means Postal mail When will your materials be prepared for your Camp Self Assessment Review? My materials are ready now Late February Early March Late March Early April Late April Which modes of operation will be scored on your visit? (Refer to pp. 23 24 of the Accreditation Process Guide 2012 Edition for more information.) Day Camp Resident Camp Short Term Residential Camps that Rent to Others Which program areas will be scored on your visit? Specialized Activities (see page 2 of this form) Aquatics (ANY swimming or watercraft activities) (see page 2 of this form) Trip and Travel (three nights or more) Do you primarily serve campers with any special needs or special medical needs? Yes No Does your camp operate on a site/property that already has ACA accreditation? Yes No If yes, what is the name/aca camp ID # of your host camp/landlord? Please return this form to accreditation@acacamps.org by February 1, 2017. Or mail to: American Camp Association, 5000 State Road 67 North, Martinsville, IN 46151 Page 1 of 2 5
Camp Name: ACA Camp ID #: Specialized Activities An activity is considered a specialized activity if: It requires the use of equipment, animals, or tools whose use by campers requires supervision by a person skilled in their use; It involves camper use of fire or of heat producing equipment or substances; It requires injury protection equipment, such as helmets, goggles, or padding; or It requires a specialized skill set or knowledge to do the activity safely. Refer to pp. 147 148 of the Accreditation Process Guide 2012 Edition for more information on specialized activities. Check the boxes for any specialized activities offered at your camp. This list is not exhaustive. List any additional specialized activities that are part of your camp program in the spaces provided. All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) Archery Aviation Backpacking Bicycling/Biking Campcraft/Camping Skills/Outdoor Living Skills (knife, axe, or other tool use) Camp Stove (use by campers) Caving Ceramics/Pottery/Enameling Challenge Course/Ropes Course (high or low elements requiring spotting) Cheerleading with Stunts Circus Arts in the Air (trapeze, tightrope, etc.) Climbing/Rappelling Competitive Sports Edible Plants Fencing Fire building (by campers) Go Karts Gymnastics (tumbling, using apparatus) Hockey (broom, ice, roller) Horseback Riding (English, western, pony rides) Ice Fishing Knife, Axe, or other Tool Use Lacrosse Llama Trekking Martial Arts Motorized Sports Mountain Boarding Paintball Power Tools Pyrotechnics Rocketry Shooting Sports (riflery, air rifle, pellet guns, etc.) Skating (board, ice, in line, roller) Snow Sports (boarding, skiing, sledding/tubing) Specific Sport focused program (basketball camp, soccer camp, etc.) Wood burning Tools Woodworking Wrestling Other (please list): Aquatic Activities Please use the space below to list all aquatic activities offered at your camp. Examples include recreational and instructional swimming or boating, water skiing, wake boarding. If your camp has previously been ACA accredited, what activities have been added since your last accreditation visit? Page 2 of 2 6
Planning the Day of the Visit The Tour This worksheet can help you organize the tour of your facility and program areas during your on site ACA Visit. When to go to various areas depends on your camp s daily schedule. Use this page as a guide to help you plan an agenda for your volunteer visitors. You may also use the resources at www.acacamps.org/accreditation/first visit. Best time for the visitors to arrive: Where to meet: Where visitors park: Do visitors need to bring lunch? Any other things visitors should know? (Dress code, nametags required, etc.) Kitchen/Dining Hall Visit with the food service director. Observe some food service preparation or clean up, washing dishes, refrigeration units, etc. Health Center Meet the healthcare supervisor, ask questions about daily routines, and see health center. View logs, forms, medication storage, etc. Living Quarters Show visitors a sampling of different types, units, etc. Plan a time when you can avoid disturbing guests or cabin groups. Visitors do not tour residences of directors, caretakers, etc. Restrooms Show different types, including central washrooms or shower buildings, smaller units within camper cabins, etc. Vehicles Show a sampling of vehicles. Check for emergency equipment, logs, etc. Transportation Pick up or drop off areas. Show how traffic is controlled. Maintenance Area Show placement of power tools and hazardous materials. Review blueprints or site maps if they are kept here. Pool/Lake/Aquatic Activities Ideally, visitors should see the aquatic activities taking place and have an opportunity to meet and visit with the aquatic supervisor. Show all aquatic areas including swimming, boating, etc. Specialized Activities Visitors will want to visit with a key person in these areas and see these activities in operation. If an activity happens only in the afternoon, it s fine to take a break from scoring to go and observe. Overnights and Trips 3 days, 2 nights or fewer Horseback Riding Adventure/Challenge High and low ropes course elements, climbing walls (natural or constructed), rappelling, group initiatives, zip lines, etc. Target Sports Riflery, archery Bicycling Boarding or Skating Activities Shop/Crafts/Arts These are not always specialized activities, but they can be Go carts, ATVs Camp Craft/Outdoor Skills Fire building, outdoor cooking, etc. Other: Trip and Travel Trips of 3 nights or more. Consider showing visitors where trips depart, allow visitors to interview a key person. They will understand it is difficult to actually see the group. 2016 American Camping Association, Inc. 7
Unique Scoring Situations Who s Responsible? Staffed Public Facility Standards / Camps that Rent to Others Staffed Public Facility Standards What You Need to Know The key to making the decision about the necessity of scoring staffed public facility standards is for the camp director to answer the question, Do I have total control of how the activity is conducted and for supervision of the staff in this activity? If the camp does not have these controls, for purposes of scoring the standards, the camp is using a staffed public facility, even if the facility is not used by the general public or is managed by the camp s own sponsoring organization. Do you score the staffed public facility standards in the following situations? Yes or No 1. I take my campers to a horseback riding stable in a nearby town. My staff members go along to help the campers get on the horses. 2. I take my campers to a swimming pool run by my own organization. My staff members do not lifeguard. 3. I take my campers canoeing on a nearby river, renting canoes from a river concessionaire. My staff members lead the trip. 4. I take my campers to a neighboring camp to use their ropes course. My fellow camp director generously provides his staff to lead the program. 5. I take my campers to a state park to go swimming. There is a ranger, and we pay a fee to use the park. My staff members serve as the lifeguards. Standards for Camps that Rent to Others Mode of Operation What You Need to Know The standards applicable to the Camps that Rent to Others mode of operation are scored when camps operate in the role of landlord. If a camp rents or leases facilities from another organization on which to run their own program, they will never score this mode. Do you score standards for Camps that Rent to Others mode in the following situations? Yes or No 1. I run my camp program at a rented ACA accredited camp facility. 2. I lease my camp to other organizations on weekends in the spring and fall. 3. I run weekend programs for my camper families in the fall. 4. Groups within my organization come to camp on weekends to do their own programs. 2014 American Camping Association, Inc. Revised Fall 2016. 8
A Quiz About the Visit TRUE/FALSE 1. The lead visitor decides when the visit will be and notifies the camp within 10 days of the visit. 2. If a camp misses a mandatory standard, the camp has 7 days to submit documentation verifying compliance to the ACA administrative office of immediate correction before losing accreditation. 3. In nonvisit years, to maintain accreditation, camps continue to adhere to all applicable standards. 4. Camps are required to complete a Camp Self Assessment (review of a set of 20 selected standards) prior to their visit. 5. Insurance policies, contracts, and/or letters of confirmation of coverage may be located off site such as at the main year round office. 6. In nonvisit years in order to maintain accreditation, camps are required to complete an Annual Accreditation Report, sign a Statement of Compliance, and remain current in camp membership fees. In nonvisit years in order to maintain accreditation, camps are required to complete an Annual Accreditation Report, sign a Statement of Compliance, and remain current in camp membership fees. 2016 American Camping Association, Inc. 9
(c)2016 American Camping Association, Inc. 1 Activity Specialized Activities American Camp Association Standard Number - PD. 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 Program Equipment Maintenance and Safety Supervisor Qualifications Adventure/Chall enge Supervisor Qualifications Horseback Riding Supervisor Qualificatons Staff Skill Verification Supervision of Activity Leaders First-Aider Safety Orientation Competency Demonstration Access of Specialized Activity Areas Spotters and Belayers Supervision Ratios for Specialized Program Safety and Emergency Procedures All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) X* X X X X X X X X X X X* Archery X* X X X X X X X X X X X* Aviation X* X X X X X X X X X Backpacking X* X X X X X X X X X Bicycling/Biking X* X X X X X X X X X X* Camp Stove use by campers X* X X X X X X X X X Campcraft/Camping Skills/Outdoor Living Skills (knife, axe, or other tool use) X* X X X X X X X X X Caving X* X X X X X X X X X Ceramics/Pottery/Enameling (use of kilns) X* X X X X X X X X X Challenge Course/Ropes Course (high or low elements requiring spotting) X* X X X X X X X X X X X X* Cheerleading with stunts X* X X X X X X X X X X Circus arts in the air (trapeze, tightrope, etc.) X* X X X X X X X X X X Climbing/Rappelling X* X X X X X X X X X X X X* Competitive sports X* X X X X X X X X X MAYBE Edible plants X* X X X X X X X X X Fencing X* X X X X X X X X X Fire-building by campers X* X X X X X X X X X Go-Karts X* X X X X X X X X X X X* Gymnastics (tumbling, using apparatus) X* X X X X X X X X X X Hockey (ice or roller ) X* X X X X X X X X X X* X* Horseback Riding English or western X* X X X X X X X X X X X* X X X X X X Horseback Riding - Pony rides X* X X X X X X X X X X* X X X Ice Fishing X* X X X X X X X X X Knife, axe, or other tool use X* X X X X X X X X X Lacrosse X* X X X X X X X X X Llama trekking X* X X X X X X X X X X Martial Arts X* X X X X X X X MAYBE X X Motorized Sports X* X X X X X X X X X X* Mountain Boarding X* X X X X X X X X X X* X* Paintball X* X X X X X X X X X Power tools used by campers X* X X X X X X X X X Pyrotechnics X* X X X X X X X X X Rocketry X* X X X X X X X X X Shooting Sports (riflery, air rifle, pellet guns, etc.) X* X X X X X X X X X X X* Skating (board, in-line, roller) X* X X X X X X X X X X* X* Snow Sports (boarding, skiing) X* X X X X X X X X X X* Specific sport-focused program (basketball camp, soccer camp, etc.) X* X X X X X X X X X MAYBE X = REQUIRED, X*=Part Required. Camps scoring PD.38-39 for Staffed Public Facility use must still score applicable standards PD.17-37! Wood-burning tools used by campers X* X X X X X X X X X Woodworking X* X X X X X X X X X Wrestling X* X X X X X X X X X Annual Inspection of Adventure/Chall enge Course Archery Safety Rifle, Pellet Gun, and Air Gun Safety Go-Kart Safety ATV Safety Protective Headgear Protective Headgear for Horseback Riding Safety Apparel Horse and Livestock Medication Pony Rides Classifying Horses Horse Suitability/Soun dness Rider Classification Riding Facilities