Patricia Hammond
Accreditation is a statement to our guests
that we care, a statement to the community
that we are accountable, a statement to
the legal system that we have taken the
initiative to be aware of and comply with
the law, and a statement to our industry
that we are interested and cooperative.
Neil Fichthorn, director
of Sandy Cove Ministries in North East,
Maryland.
Myth #1 We don't
have enough time right now to prepare.
Other variations
on this theme:
- Getting accredited takes too long .
. . is too involved . . . takes too much
work.
- We're a small operation (or one-man
show) and we (I) can't do that while we're
(I'm) doing everything else.
- We're in the midst of a capital campaign
. . . long-range plan . . . building phase
. . . staff restructuring . . . and need
to wait until that's over to begin.
Reality:
In today's world, we'll never have
enough time to do all we want to do. We
do what we make time to do. Rather than
perceiving preparation for accreditation
as an intrusion on available time, think
of it as an investment that will pay off
in time saved later. Think about how many
times you've had to re-explain procedures
or correct mistakes made by new employees
or volunteers because they weren't sure
"how it's been done." How many
times have you said to your assistant, or
spouse, or board, "We need to get that
organized?"
Sure, preparing for accreditation involves
some work. But much of that work can be
delegated to staff or volunteers who are
involved in the operation of the camp or
conference center and who have a vested
interest in seeing things done right. All
facilities currently operating with any
degree of success already have much of what
is required for accreditation.
Myth #2 Our facility
needs too much work
Variations on
this theme:
- We need to add to/update our facilities
first.
- All our facilities are not accessible.
Reality:
ACA standards do not require modern
buildings with the latest equipment or amenities.
Camp facilities can be rustic and primitive,
as long as they are in good repair. Cabins
don't need air conditioning or electricity,
as long as they are clean and screens, stairs,
and bunks are in good repair. Accreditation
criteria do not require 100 percent compliance
with standards. Some non-mandatory requirements,
such as shower ratios, can be missed and
the camp or conference center can still
be accredited.
Myth #3 Accreditation
costs too much
Variations
on this theme:
- It will cost too much to update our
facility (see Myth No. 2 above).
- Our board thinks the cost is too high.
Reality:
The sliding scale for ACA service
fees varies according to ACA
local offices. In any ACA section, however,
the cost to a camp is less than 1/2 of 1
percent of the program's operating budget.
Camp directors realize the value for their
money once they understand how
the fee system works. Where else can
you get the risk management benefits for
such a tiny portion of your total budget?
Myth #4 We don't
need accreditation - the state licensing
criteria are adequate.
Variations on
this theme:
- Parents don't ask or care if we're accredited.
- We've been in operation for years and
have never had a problem.
- We don't need accreditation for recruitment
or marketing purposes.
- We follow standards - we don't need
someone to come in and tell us how to
operate.
Reality:
ACA accreditation is the only system for
evaluating camp and conference center operations
that has been developed by and for camp
professionals. Often state or county regulations
cover only parts of a camp's operation,
such as the kitchen or pool. In fact, in
some states, having ACA accreditation helps
ensure fewer and speedier inspections by
state and county officials, who recognize
the comprehensive evaluation of accreditation
and a facility's commitment to seeking that
outside evaluation by camping professionals.
In addition, some companies, scholarship
committees, and other national
organizations recognize ACA accreditation
and offer discounts and special services
to accredited camps.
Also, quality is essential to baby boomers
- for themselves, their kids, their whole
families . . . Thus, they seek program providers
who can demonstrate a measure of quality,
such as accreditation.
Myth #5 We have
a new director (administrator) who needs
to get settled before beginning the task
of accreditation.
Variations on
this theme:
- See Myth No. 1.
Reality:
One of the best ways to orient a new director
to the operation is to systematically evaluate
all aspects of that operation (that is,
to prepare for accreditation). A new director
or administrator can involve key staff in
reviewing policies and procedures, locating
records, and compiling staff and program
profiles. Site and facilities, food service,
administration, personnel, health care,
and program all are reviewed in the accreditation
process.
In addition, once a camp is accredited,
the tasks of board members and administrators
during a transition in leadership can be
significantly reduced. The documentation,
procedures, and training materials for a
successful operation are in place for a
new director to pick up. The administration
also has the peace of mind knowing that
the important health and safety issues have
been covered.
Don't Buy Into
the Myths
As you examine your reasons for not getting
started with accreditation, make sure you
are not perpetuating myths. Look for the
benefits to you, your operation, and your
ministry.
What better way to demonstrate to your
funding prospects or board that your camp
or conference center program meets the standards
of the camping industry? Can you really
afford not to make time to get verification
that you meet recognized industry standards?
Originally printed in Christian Camp
and Conference Journal; copyright 1997.
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