ACA Accreditation Standards and Immunizations

The main purpose of the American Camp Association Accreditation program is to educate camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, particularly those related to program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff. The following ACA Standard concerns health records regarding past medical treatment, immunizations, etc., for campers and staff:

Standard HW – 2 asks: "Does the camp receive from each camper and seasonal staff person a current, signed health history, requesting all of the following information in relation to the activities in which the camper/staff may participate in camp:

• Description of any camp activities from which the camper/staff should be exempted for health reasons,
• Record of past medical treatment, if any,
• Record of allergies, dietary restrictions,
• Record of immunizations including date of last tetanus shot,
• Record of current medications, prescribed and over the counter, and
• Description of any current physical, mental, or psychological conditions requiring medication, treatment, or special restrictions or considerations while at camp?"

With regard to immunizations, this Standard further explains: "If camps have staff or minors who do not have immunizations or other medical records for religious or other reasons, a "record" can be a signed refusal or a signed waiver form." In other words, this standard can be met by an individual even if they, for whatever reason, choose not to be immunized through written documentation.

An individual camp might choose to set a more stringent policy as might a State or other government entity. In this situation, the camper/staff must meet the highest or most stringent policy/regulation or standard. It is important to understand the requirements of the camp your child might be attending as well as those of the state in which the camp is located.

Healthy Kids