Altogether Outdoors is one of only two ACA-accredited day camps in Boulder County. We chose to pursue accreditation because we believe that the ongoing excellence of our operations is as important as the excellence of our program offerings. The partnership that now exists between AO and the ACA ensures summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to quality and safety.

The ACA is the only independent camp-accrediting organization in the country. It evaluates camps on over 300 standards including: program quality, staff training and qualifications, emergency management, and health and safety. Collaborating with experts from The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies, the ACA helps all accredited camps reflect the best, most current, research-based practices in their daily operations.

Every parent should ask if the camp they send their child to is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). If the answer is “no,” the next question should be, “why not?” (And please ask every program the question "Are you licensed by the State of Colorado?" Many in this area are not and need to be. Only single-activity and religious programs, like soccer or church camps, can claim an exemption. Even half-day programs should be licensed! It's the law.)

To learn more about the American Camp Association, visit their Parent Resource Page.