What is a BCCA accredited camp?
As a parent or guardian, why should I consider whether or not the camp I am considering for my child is accredited by the British Columbia Camping Association? The British Columbia Camping Association (BCCA) advocates for accredited camp experiences. As a voluntary non-profit association our primary purpose is to promote the quality of children's camping in BC, and one way we do this is by maintaining a standards and accreditation program for camps. These standards outline what the BC camping community feels are the key aspects of administering camps that will provide safe and effective experiences for youth. The BCCA promotes these standards to camp owners, directors, staff and volunteers. While every camp needs to meet minimum regulations found in legislation such as the Health Act and Employment Standards Act, the BCCA Accreditation Standards go a step further in addressing the specific areas of programming, health care, and management practices. BCCA Accredited camps measure themselves against up to 457 standards supporting best practices in all aspects of camp operations.
A parent or guardian searching for a camp can be assured that BCCA Accredited camps have met the comprehensive set of standards, established by camping professionals over four decades. BCCA Accreditation is the best evidence parents and families have of a camp's commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment. A voluntary process, accreditation assures that the camp's practices have been measured and met.
The BCCA Accreditation Standards are evaluated and updated yearly. The BCCA follows trends in legislation and best practices within related industries to be sure the standards are current and sound. Input from member camps and individuals, based upon trends, public policy, and events worldwide guide these updates. Camps are visited at least once every four years, dependent upon accreditation history. A team of visitors and hosts tour the camp's facilities, when in session, to investigate and discuss how that camp meets the standards. Records are kept and submitted to the BCCA for evaluation, at which time accreditation status is decided and publicized.
The BCCA certainly acknowledges that no environment is risk free. However, we are assured that camps accredited by the BCCA have taken an important step towards preventing illness or injury to campers, providing positive environments for growth, and ensuring fun for all.
BCCA Accreditation Standards can be viewed at our website, www.bccamping.org
Brandon McClounie
12 April 2010
http://www.vancouversun.com/What+BCCA+accredited+camp/2877540/story.html
