American Camp Association - ACA
The American Camp Association (formerly known as the American Camping Association) is a community of camp professionals who, for nearly 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 7,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, children and adults have the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.
As a leading authority in child development, ACA works to preserve, promote, and improve the camp experience. Our association is committed to helping our members and all camps provide:
- Camp communities committed to a safe, nurturing environment
- Caring, competent adult role models
- Healthy, developmentally-appropriate experiences
- Service to the community and the natural world
- Opportunities for leadership and personal growth
- Discovery, experiential education, and learning opportunities
- Excellence and continuous self-improvement
ACA Accreditation Program
ACA accredits over 2,400 camps. ACA-Accredited® camps meet up to 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality. (Safety Tips/Accreditation).
ACA works closely with other youth-serving organizations and associations.
ACA collaborators include:
- Associations
American Cancer Society
American Red Cross
American Academy of Pediatrics - Youth-Serving Organizations
America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth
Boy Scouts of America
Camp Fire USA
Character Counts
Girl Scouts of the USA
Jewish Community Centers Association
National 4-H Council
YMCA of the USA - Religious Organizations
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
Presbyterian Church of the USA
Ramah
Salvation Army
Union of American Hebrew Congregations
United Methodist - Camp Organizations
Association of Independent Camps (AIC)
Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA)
ACA Contact Information
American Camp Association
5000 State Road 67 North
Martinsville, IN 46151-7902
Map to ACA
Phone: 765-342-8456
Fax: 765-342-2065
Web: www.ACAcamps.org
ASSOCIATION FOR CHALLENGE COURSE TECHNOLOGY - ACCT
ACCT is a trade organization, serving Challenge Course Professionals all over the world. The purpose of the association is to promote the use of Challenge Courses and to set minimum standards for Challenge Course installation, operation and inspection. Originally founded by vendors, ACCT members are now predominantly Challenge Course managers and facilitators, in addition to the installers and trainers who are our longtime members. ACCT has been setting challenge course standards since 1993, and is now accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a standards developer.
ACCT holds an annual conference for the challenge course community with workshops for facilitators, challenge course managers, builders, inspectors, consultants, zip line and canopy tour design and operation as well as other resources for the challenge course and ropes course community.
ACCT Mission Statement
The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) establishes and promotes the standard of care and measure of excellence that defines professional practice and effective challenge course programs. ACCT develops, refines and publishes standards for installing, maintaining and managing challenge courses, provides forums for education and professional development and advocates for the challenge course industry.
ACCT Vision Statement
The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) is recognized as the leading professional resource for those who create safe and effective challenge course programs that facilitate learning and positive change in individuals, groups and communities.
ACCT contact Information
P. O. Box 47
Deerfield, IL 60015 USA
Phone: +1-847-325-5860
Fax: +1-847-325-5864
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AMERICAN RECREATION COALITION - ARC
AMERICAN RECREATION COALITION (ARC) — is a Washington-based non-profit organization formed in 1979. Since its inception, ARC has sought to catalyze public/private partnerships to enhance and protect outdoor recreational opportunities and the resources upon which such experiences are based. ARC conducts research on a regular basis, organizes and conducts national conferences and meetings and disseminates information through a variety of newsletters, columns and other media regarding recreational needs and initiatives. ARC also monitors legislative and regulatory proposals that influence recreation and works with government agencies and the U.S. Congress to study public policy issues that will shape future recreational opportunities.
For more than 20 years, ARC has sponsored monthly Recreation Exchange luncheons to stimulate dialogue between the recreation community and national policymakers who play a key role in shaping recreation’s future. ARC also holds quarterly policy forums designed for open discussion and creative new initiatives on public policies influencing outdoor recreation in America. Forums have examined the lessons learned on recreation fees on public lands, recreation and health opportunities in the outdoors, volunteerism on public lands and much more.
ARC Contact Information
1225 New York Ave. NW
Suite 450
Washington, DC 20005-6405
Phone 202-682-9530
Fax 202-682-9529
E-mail
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Association for Experiential Education – AEE
About AEE
The Association for Experiential Education (AEE) is a nonprofit, professional membership association dedicated to experiential education and the students, educators and practitioners who utilize its philosophy. We strive to: Connect educators in practical ways so that they have access to the growing body of knowledge that fuels their growth and development; Publish and provide access to relevant research, publications and resources; Raise the quality and performance of experiential programs through our accreditation program and
Increase recognition of experiential education worldwide .
Our Vision
The vision of the Association for Experiential Education is to contribute to making a more just and compassionate world by transforming education.
Our Mission
The mission of the Association for Experiential Education is to develop and promote experiential education. The association is committed to supporting professional development, theoretical advancement and the evaluation of experiential education worldwide.
AEE Contact Information
AEE
3775 Iris Avenue, Suite #4
Boulder, CO
80301-2043 USA
www.aeeinfo.org
Phone: (+1) 303-440-8844
Toll Free: (+1) 866-522-8337
Fax: (+1) 303-440-9581
Email:
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Association Of British Climbing Walls - ABC
The Association of British Climbing Walls (ABC) was formed in 1994 and meets three times a year to discuss and address the many issues and opportunities facing this service industry.
As the representative body of Climbing Centre Managers and Owners, the ABC has three main objectives upon which to base its agenda.
- Development and benchmarking of safe practice and quality management processes for operating climbing centres.
- Production and promotion of a sustainable national climbing centre development strategy.
- Promotion and development of sustainable and synergistic ABC members network.
- The ABC is an associate Member of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and recognises its role as the representative body of mountaineers and climbers. The ABC also fully adheres to and supports the BMC’s Participation Statement.
ABC Contact Information
Jon Wilson -ABC Membership Secretary
20 Blenheim Close
Chandlers Ford
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO45 1BR
Europe
Tel: 07809 140466
http://www.abcclimbingwalls.co.uk
The Association of Independent Camps - AIC
The Association of Independent Camps serves success oriented camp professionals who together identify emergent issues and develop programs, services, and products to enhance camp business operations. More specifically we are a member-driven kindred group of the ACA that is dedicated to people who own, direct, or work at independent camps, either for-profit or not-for-profit. Because of our similarity, we are able to assist each other and facilitate dialogue pertaining to the opportunities and challenges of operating an independent camp.
When We Gather
THE ANNUAL AIC NATIONAL KINDRED EVENT takes place in conjunction with the ACA National Conference. Continuing education and networking social events focus on areas of special interest to the independent camp industry.
THE ANNUAL FALL TOUR allows members to visit camps in different sections of the country each year. The 2008 Fall Tour will be held just prior to the 2008 International Camping Congress in Quebec. http://www.iccquebec2008.com/en/CCT/Welcome.html
WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS Previous events include a Bully-Prevention Workshop with Joel Haber and a MySpace/Facebook Seminar with Bob Ditter.
Member Benefits
AIC is the national association linking all independent camps and independent camp associations.
Member rates on the ANNUAL AIC NATIONAL KINDRED EVENT
Member rates on the ANNUAL FALL TOUR providing networking, diverse program, facility ideas, and more.
AIC Membership Directory of all Camps and Business Affiliates.
Annual Surveys through ACA that delineate independent camps' data on salaries, enrollment, and more.
Support materials on the AIC Website for staff and camper policy statements, internships, and more.
AIC Inc Link Newsletter sent by PDF via e-mail.
E-mail blasts on emergent issues, trends, and news.
Listing on the AIC Web site with a link to your own camp website.
Camaraderie and support of other independent camp professionals.
The Association of Independent Camps
5000 State Road 67 North
Martinsville, IN 46151
Phone: 765-342-8456 Ext. 397
Fax: 765-342-2065
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http://www.aiccamps.com
The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education - AORE
The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) is an organization developed by and for outdoor recreation and education professionals and students. Founded at the International Conference on Outdoor Recreation in 1993, AORE is a grass roots organization dedicated to advancing the field of outdoor recreation and education.
AORE is the only organization dedicated to serving the needs of recreation and education professionals in non-profit settings. Through AORE members have a mechanism to interact with and affect decisions made by public land managers and the human powered outdoor recreation industry.
AORE is committed to promoting ecologically sound stewardship of the natural environment and serves as a collective voice for its members regarding topics of regional and national concern.
Mission
The mission of the Association is to provide opportunities for professionals and students in the field of outdoor recreation and education to exchange information, promote the preservation and conservation of the natural environment, and address issues common to college, university, community, military, and other not-for-profit outdoor recreation and education programs.
The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) is an organization developed by and for outdoor recreation and education professionals and students. Founded at the International Conference on Outdoor Recreation in 1993, AORE is a grass roots organization dedicated to advancing the field of outdoor recreation and education.
AORE is the only organization dedicated to serving the needs of recreation and education professionals in non-profit settings. Through AORE members have a mechanism to interact with and affect decisions made by public land managers and the human powered outdoor recreation industry.
AORE is committed to promoting ecologically sound stewardship of the natural environment and serves as a collective voice for its members regarding topics of regional and national concern.
AORE Contact Information
AORE
National Office
6511 Buckshore Dr.
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
Tel: 810-299-2782
Fax: 810-299-3436
www.aore.org
Christian Camp and Conference Association - CCCA
Driven by the need to solve common problems and gather new ideas, several regional groups of Christian camp and Bible conference leaders in the United States and Canada began to meet informally in the late 1940s and early 1950s. These independent coalitions later combined their efforts under the name Christian Camp and Conference Association International, and eventually incorporated in 1963.
As the association’s influence spread around the world, the name was changed to Christian Camping International (CCI). In 2005, the leadership of CCI/USA decided to eliminate the often misleading term "camping" from the organization's name, and return to the moniker Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA). Today, CCCA is the largest of 18 autonomous associations on six continents.
Most major denominations and church associations, as well as many nationally recognized youth and adult ministries, are represented in CCCA. About half of the more than 900 member camps and centers are independent organizations.
There is an incredible, healthy diversity among the CCCA constituency. Though they share basic values, no two CCCA members are the same in terms of program or facility.
Every year, nearly eight million people are involved in the programs of CCCA member camps and conferences, and tens of thousands come to faith in Jesus Christ through that experience. What’s more, 120,000-plus churches in America are served by CCCA member organizations, and more than 420,000 adults are now involved in full-time Christian work as the result of decisions made at CCCA member camps and centers.
Contact CCCA
CCCA
P.O. Box 62189
Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2189
(719) 260-9400 Phone
(719) 260-6398 Fax
http://www/ccca.org
Climbing Wall Association - CWA
The Climbing Wall Association, Inc. (CWA) is a 501(c)(06), non-profit, trade association incorporated in May of 2003. The CWA is the only trade association addressing the needs and interests of the climbing wall industry and climbing wall operators. The mission of the Climbing Wall Association is to support the development of the climbing wall industry, to promote the sport of climbing, and to advocate for the interests of our members
CWA Contact Information
Climbing Wall Association Inc.
1460 Lee Hill Rd., Unit 2
Boulder, CO 80304-0870
Phone: 720-838-8284
FAX: 720-528-8200
Email:
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http://www.climbingwallindustry.org
The Climbing Wall Manufacturers Association - CWMA
Climbing walls are the most exciting innovations to appear in sports and specialist centres throughout Europe in the new Millennium. In the UK even people with no experience of climbing find walls an exciting and energetic challenge. Building a climbing wall, however, is a complex process where issues of safety are of paramount importance.
The Climbing Walls Manufacturers Association gives those building a wall confidence that the highest standards are maintained in all aspects of construction and installation.
Manufacturers need to meet rigorous criteria for membership so clients can be confident they are getting the best advice and construction standards available.
Members of the CWMA need to have:
- Built climbing walls for a minimum of 12 months
- Built at least three climbing walls, each more than 50 metres square, with the appropriate specifications and engineering calculations
- Provided details of insurance cover for Public, Product and Employer liability of a minimum of £2 million
- A Health & Safety policy for both its employees and the public
- The CWMA makes sure that each of its members has testing procedures and quality assurance that meet its own high standards. Members must show that their employee training and workplace conditions are properly maintained.
- New companies have the chance to become probationary members. These need not have been in business for twelve months, but must have built at least one permanent wall.
The association also provides a forum to discuss problems and offer conciliation between members and clients. The CWMA liaises with the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) - the sports recognised official body - and Government agencies including the Department of Trade and Industry and the Health & Safety Executive over legislation - including draft CEN standards - which affect climbing wall construction.
The CWMA offers members and clients the chance to share their experiences in this fast growing industry. We are dedicated to keeping it properly regulated.
CWMA Contact Information
CWMA
'Rokeby', Waterloo Road,
Matlock Bath, Derbyshire,
DE4 3PH.
Europe
http://www.cwma.co.uk/
European Ropes Course Association – ERCA
Our association includes european trainers, builders and inspectors of ropes courses as well as organizations working with temporary or stationary ropes courses. The board and teams represent the interests of all ERCA members and aim at developing ropes courses further. At least once a year a general meeting takes place offering the opportunity to set standards, to give the teams assignments, to define new teams and organize workshops and conferences dealing with our topics. Three elected members represent the board.
Aim
We update and optimize existing ERCA standards concerning construction, inspection and operation of ropes courses. We view ourselves as a basis for the exchange of ideas and for research. We represent and support our members.
Today there are already teams dealing with the following subjects:
• Safety research and prevention of accidents
• Material research
• Public relations
• Adventure Parks (October 2007)
ERCA Contact Information
European Ropes Course Association (ERCA)
The Association For The Promotion Of Ropes Courses e.V.
Verein zur Förderung von Ropes Courses e.V.
Klaus-Müller-Kilian-Weg 2
D-30167 Hannover
Germany
E-Mail: ERCA - Office (Geschäftsstelle)
Fon: +49-511-16989937
Fax: +49-721-151-372924
http://www.erca.cc/
Outdoor Industry Association - OIA
Founded in 1989, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the premier trade association for companies in the active outdoor recreation business. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. Outdoor Industry Association seeks to ensure a healthy and diverse specialty retail and supply chain based on quality, innovation and service. To this end, OIA works diligently to raise the standards of the industry; increase participation in outdoor recreation to strengthen business markets; provide support services to improve member profitability; represent member interests in the legislative/regulatory process; promote professional training and education; support innovation; and offer cost-saving member benefits.
The Outdoor Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 established by Outdoor Industry Association to inspire and grow future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. The Foundation’s vision is to be a driving force behind a massive increase in active outdoor recreation in America. We invite you to share our aspirations of promoting healthy outdoor lifestyles and providing an inspirational bridge to the outdoors for a diverse range of individuals and organizations. To learn more about The Outdoor Foundation and its programs, please visit http://www.outdoorfoundation.org.
OIA Contact Information
4909 Pearl East Circle, Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80301
Tel: 303.444.3353
Fax: 303.444.3284
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http://www.outdoorindustry.org
Professional Ropes Course Association – PRCA
The mission of the PRCA is to develop user friendly standards, ropes challenge course documents, and to define, document and outline the construction / operational practices for the ropes challenge course and canopy tour industry. The documents of the PRCA will be used for course evaluations, insurance criteria, and professional development.
Further, for the purpose of inclusiveness, other industry standards have been reviewed and applicable portions have been adapted specifically for the use of the ropes challenge course industry; e.g. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Cordage Institute (CI). These standards are for educational use, construction resource for properly trained professionals, and to provide a venue for collaboration among challenge course practitioners.
The PRCA was created by ropes challenge course professionals for ropes challenge course professionals. It is a non-profit association comprised of a board of directors, peer reviewed vendors, organizational members, and individual members. Within the ropes challenge course industry, there has been a perceived need for an association and standards document that was reflective of a democratic process. To address this need and to strengthen the effectiveness of the PRCA standards, a solid representation within the ropes course industry was sought. By collaborating with other industry organizations and input of other industry leaders, a more inclusive situation has been achieved.
PRCA Contact Information
Professional Ropes Course Association {PRCA}
6260 E. Riverside Blvd.,#104
Rockford, IL 61111 USA
P - 815.986.7776 F - 815.637.2964
E-mail:
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Website - www.prcainfo.org
Wilderness Education Association - WEA
About WEA
The Wilderness Education Association is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to educate the general public and outdoor leaders in the appropriate use of wildlands and protected areas by developing and implementing educational curricula, programs and by forming strategic alliances with federal land management agencies, conservation groups and all organizations that benefit from wildlands and feel that the existence of wildlands is important to the quality of life.
WEA Contact Information
Wilderness Education Association
900 E. 7th Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
Ph 812.855.4095
Fx 812.855.8697
www.weainfo.org
Associations
