For camps, campers and their families, fall is still a hot time of the year! Summer 2007 is long gone and plans for summer 2008 are well underway. That is where the American Camp Association, New England comes in. And part of that planning includes the accreditation process.

Chewonki of Wiscasset just received the news that they have been accredited by the American Camp Association. What is accreditation? According to Bette Bussel, executive director of ACA New England, "Accreditation is voluntary. Camps agree to follow as many as 229 standards that focus on basic health and safety, staff screening and training, and risk management. In some cases, our standards require camps to go above and beyond state regulations."

ACA accreditation is a mark of distinction from the only national nonprofit organization accrediting camps. Explains Bussel, "Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety. Camp is such an essential part of the growth and development of our young people. In many ways, camps take over where schools and families leave off. It is ACA New England's job to promote safe, healthy and nurturing camp environments and to help families find them. With all that is going on in the world today, ACA accredited summer camps are committed to really being there for kids."

"By being ACA-accredited, Chewonki demonstrates that it cares about its campers, understands the importance of maintaining an optimal environment and strives to meet the highest quality standards designed specifically for camps."

"Many people think camps are dormant during the non-summer months," says Bussel. "The reality is there's a buzz about camp year 'round! Fall is an extremely busy time for our camps and for our organization. Administering the ACA accreditation program in New England is a key way we support campers, camp seekers and camp professionals. We are proud to announce that Chewonki has attained accredited camp status through our comprehensive and thorough review."

The American Camp Association, New England is the leading source for camp information in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. ACA New England is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families through quality camp experiences.

Located in Lexington, Mass., ACA NewEngland, www.acane-camps.org, oversees more than 350 day and overnight camps in the six state region.