Ensuring the Highest Standards for an Unforgettable Camp Experience 

Camp Keff’s Journey to ACA Accreditation – Ensuring the Highest Standards for an Unforgettable Camp Experience 

When you send your child to Camp Keff, you’re trusting us to provide an experience that will shape their memories, friendships, and growth. At Camp Keff, we take this trust seriously, and we celebrate it! We are so proud that our commitment to safety, inclusivity, and enriching, joyful experiences is why we continue to maintain the American Camp Association’s (ACA) accreditation, a mark of excellence achieved by fewer than 20% of camps nationwide. This distinction reflects our dedication to being a place where each child is nurtured, encouraged, and inspired to grow, play, and connect with others in a safe, supportive environment. 

The Gold Standard in Camping: What ACA Accreditation Means for Families 

ACA accreditation is recognized across the U.S. as the gold standard for quality and safety in camping. Achieving this accreditation means Camp Keff adheres to over 300 rigorous standards that assess every facet of our camp program, from emergency procedures and healthcare practices to programming and staff qualifications. The ACA’s standards cover a comprehensive array of criteria that ensure camp quality at every level, including: 

• Health & Safety: ACA-accredited camps like Camp Keff meet high standards for health, wellness, and safety practices. This includes proper management of camper and staff health records, protocols for responding to medical emergencies, and proactive strategies for promoting a safe environment. From medication management to healthy meal planning, every detail is reviewed to ensure a setting where kids can thrive. 

• Qualified Staff & Training: ACA accreditation requires that all camp staff, including counselors, undergo thorough training in child development, safety procedures, and positive behavior management. At Camp Keff, our staff’s extensive training not only fulfills ACA requirements but reflects our dedication to creating a camp environment where every child feels safe, respected, and encouraged to have fun and grow. 

• Program Quality & Development: Accredited camps are assessed on their ability to offer enriching, fun programs that support a child’s social, emotional, and physical development. ACA accreditation emphasizes a balanced mix of traditional camp activities and innovative experiences that foster life skills like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Each summer, Camp Keff designs its programming to spark curiosity, creativity, and friendship through Jewish values and traditions like Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), Kehillah (Community), and Chaverut (Friendship). 

• Safety-First Operations: ACA standards cover operational safety across all camp activities. This includes safe ratios of staff to campers, regular inspections of facilities, detailed emergency action plans, and best practices for everything from swimming to archery. As part of an ACA-accredited camp, we uphold a culture of safety and preparedness, giving parents peace of mind and kids the freedom to explore, play, and have fun safely. 

Why ACA Accreditation Matters: A Camp You Can Trust 

Choosing a camp with ACA accreditation means choosing a program that has voluntarily gone above and beyond to meet and maintain high standards of safety and quality. The ACA’s assessment process is thorough, requiring camps to continuously update practices and policies to align with the latest in child safety, health, and development research. By earning this accreditation, Camp Keff affirms our dedication to providing a summer experience that meets the highest standards for quality. For families, ACA accreditation signifies a commitment to safety, security, and the well-being of each camper. 

Camp Keff: A Team Committed to Excellence 

Achieving and maintaining ACA accreditation is not just about meeting standards; it’s about our incredible team’s dedication and heart. Every summer, our counselors, directors, and support staff bring their passion for children’s well-being to Camp Keff, carefully crafting a program where each camper can experience a profound sense of belonging. The Camp Keff team views ACA accreditation as part of our responsibility to you and your family. It’s a symbol of our commitment to a camp culture that encourages kids to be themselves, build friendships, and learn about community and respect, all while having outrageous fun. 

The Importance of a Safe and Inclusive Environment 

Camp Keff has always been more than just a camp—it’s a community where every child is welcomed and valued. Guided by Jewish principles, our camp culture focuses on inclusion, kindness, and empathy, creating a space where children from all backgrounds can explore their individuality and make connections. ACA accreditation supports our mission to be a camp that nurtures a child’s emotional, physical, and social development. Safety and quality aren’t just policies; they’re the foundation of a community that fosters friendships, creativity, and confidence. 

Grateful for Our Community of Families and Camp Team 

We know that the magic of Camp Keff is made possible by our community—our campers, their families, and our phenomenal team. Our counselors and staff bring Camp Keff to life, creating an environment that allows campers to explore freely, make lifelong friendships, and grow into confident, thoughtful, and kind individuals. We are incredibly grateful for the families who entrust us with their children each summer, and for our talented staff who make every day at camp exceptional. 

Our team’s dedication to fulfilling the high standards required by ACA accreditation exemplifies our commitment to building a community that celebrates each child’s unique gifts, providing an unforgettable summer experience. Camp Keff is proud to stand among the select camps with ACA accreditation, a distinction that reflects our gratitude and dedication to being a safe, supportive, and outrageously fun place where every child can flourish. 

Join the Camp Keff Community 

When you choose Camp Keff, you’re not only choosing a summer filled with fun activities, new friendships, and unique experiences; you’re choosing a camp committed to safety, quality, and community values. ACA accreditation is one way we show our commitment to excellence, but it’s our team, our families, and our campers that make Camp Keff truly special. We are honored to be a part of your family’s journey and to welcome you into our vibrant community. Thank you for being part of what makes Camp Keff such an incredible place to be.