The American Camping Association and its members are committed to safety. Safety is at the core of ACA's accreditation system, educational programs and materials. A camp must comply with up to 300 standards for health, safety and program quality before receiving accreditation status. Accredited camps are regularly reviewed to ensure consistent compliance. Camp attendance is usually a choice made by the camper and is eagerly anticipated, while school attendance is mandatory.
Camps have a greater level of supervision.
Camps average one counselor to every seven campers, while the ratio at schools is typically one teacher to 20 or 30 students. Counselors are with campers through the entire day. Observations are not limited to fifty minute increments. Campers generally don't come to camp with rage at the boiling point due to relationships with other campers or staff. Camp provides many of the essential elements that experts say contribute to a healthy mental state in children.