Book excerpt: A field-friendly, binder-format guide for camps featuring ACA's 2012 camp programs and services accreditation standards and implementation guidelines. To the public, ACA accreditation means that ACA has evaluated the entire camp operation. The 2012 standards are designed to do just thatcovering all the major services and programs offered. The main purpose of the ACA 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 standards establish guidelines for implementing policies, procedures, and practices. Another purpose of ACA accreditation is to assist the public in selecting camps that meet industry-accepted and government-recognized standards.