What is the OCA? The Ontario Camping Association (OCA) is a not-for-profit organization of professionals involved in operating children’s summer camps. The OCA sets voluntary operating standards for camps. For parents, one of the most important aspects of the OCA is the operation of our accreditation program. What is accreditation? Accreditation means that a camp has shown adherence to over 400 standards covering all areas of the camp’s operation. These standards have been developed by camping professionals and, in many cases, exceed existing government regulations. As well, these standards cover areas where no government regulations exist. What are Standards? Standards describe good camping practices in all areas of camp operation: health, food service, water supply, leadership, site and facility, program areas, off-site trips, insurance, transportation and administration. How does a camp become accredited? On approval of the application for membership in the OCA, a camp becomes a provisional member. For the next two summers, the camp works toward meeting all the standards. After a visit from an experienced standards visitor and approval by the OCA Board, the camp becomes an accredited member. What does accreditation mean to you? The underlying basis of our accreditation program is to ensure the health and safety of campers. You should feel free to ask a camp director about any aspect of the camp’s operation, e.g. How old are you counsellors? What is the staff/camper ratio? Can you accommodate the needs of my child? What are the qualifications of the person responsible for health care? What is your camp’s philosophy? Choose an OCA accredited camp! Directors of accredited camps are committed to ensuring a healthy, safe, fun-filled camp experience for your child. And if you are considering a camp that is not accredited by the OCA, ask “why not”.
- Barb Gilbert Printed with permission from the OCA Barb Gilbert has been involved in camping and OCA for many years. She sat on the OCA Board of Directors for more than ten years in various roles including President, Chair of the Standards Committee and Chair of the Annual Conference Committee. Barb was awarded the Dorothy Walter Award of Excellence and both she and her husband, Peter, are Honorary Life Members of the Ontario Camping Association.