National Camp Association

For many New York families, the search for the perfect summer camp is a crucial annual endeavor. Parents seek environments that offer not just fun and recreation, but also opportunities for growth, learning, and character development. In this pursuit, understanding the role of organizations dedicated to camp quality becomes invaluable. While the name "National Camp Association" might suggest a singular campground in Pomona, NY, the address actually points to the regional office of the American Camp Association (ACA) for New York and New Jersey. This organization plays a pivotal role in ensuring high standards for camps and helping New York families find accredited, safe, and enriching summer experiences.

The American Camp Association (ACA) is a community of camp professionals who have dedicated over a century to sharing knowledge and ensuring the quality of camp programs. For New York residents, this means that when you see an ACA-accredited camp, it signifies a commitment to industry best practices in health, safety, and program quality. The ACA, NY & NJ office in Pomona serves as a regional hub for this mission, providing resources, professional development, and advocacy for the camp community.

This article will clarify the role of the "National Camp Association" (referring to the ACA, NY & NJ office at the provided address), highlighting its importance to New York locals in their quest for quality camp experiences. We'll explore its location, the services it offers to both camps and families, and why it's a critical resource for anyone involved in or seeking the summer camp tradition in the Empire State.

The address provided for "National Camp Association" is 74 Call Hollow Rd, Pomona, NY 10970, USA. This location is the regional office for the American Camp Association, New York & New Jersey (ACA, NY & NJ). Pomona is a hamlet within the town of Ramapo in Rockland County, New York.

For New York residents, this location offers significant accessibility, particularly for those in the greater New York City metropolitan area, including Westchester County, Long Island, and surrounding Hudson Valley regions. Pomona is situated near major roadways such as the Palisades Interstate Parkway and the New York State Thruway (I-87), making it relatively easy to reach by car. This accessibility is crucial for an organization that serves a broad network of camps and camp professionals across two states.

While the address is for an administrative office rather than a public campground, its presence in Rockland County places it within a region rich with summer camps and outdoor recreational opportunities. This strategic location allows the ACA, NY & NJ to effectively support its member camps, facilitate professional development events, and provide resources to families looking for accredited camps in the area and beyond. It’s a central point for the camp community in the lower Hudson Valley.

The American Camp Association, NY & NJ (which is what "National Camp Association" at this address refers to) provides a comprehensive array of services, primarily aimed at supporting the camp community and guiding families. These services are crucial for upholding standards and connecting people with quality camp experiences.

• Camp Accreditation: A core service, the ACA offers a rigorous accreditation program. Camps that achieve ACA accreditation meet over 300 standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and program quality. This is a vital service for families seeking assurance about a camp's commitment to safety and excellence.
• "Find a Camp" Search Tool: The ACA provides an online search tool (Find a Camp) that allows parents to search for accredited camps based on various criteria, including location, type of camp (day, overnight, family), activities offered, and age groups served.
• Professional Development and Training: For camp professionals, the ACA offers conferences (like the Tri-State CAMP Conference, one of the largest in the world), workshops, webinars, and resources for staff training (e.g., lifeguarding, archery, wilderness first aid), leadership development, and best practices in camp management.
• Advocacy and Research: The ACA advocates for the camp experience at local, state, and national levels, promoting the benefits of camp for youth development. They also conduct and disseminate research on positive youth development outcomes at camp.
• Resources for Parents: Beyond the "Find a Camp" tool, the ACA provides expert advice and resources on topics such as camp selection, readiness for camp, child and youth development, and addressing common concerns parents might have.
• Member Services: For member camps and individuals, the ACA offers discounts on conferences, access to member-only content, publications like Camping Magazine, and networking opportunities.
• Crisis Hotline: The ACA provides a resource for camps in crisis, offering a trained third party to help navigate difficult situations.

The "National Camp Association" (ACA, NY & NJ) in Pomona stands out due to several key features and highlights that underscore its mission and value to the New York camp community.

• Industry Leadership and Expertise: With over 100 years of experience, the ACA is a recognized leader in the camp industry. Their expertise in best practices, safety standards, and youth development is a primary highlight.
• Comprehensive Accreditation Program: The rigorous ACA accreditation process is a hallmark feature. This voluntary process goes beyond basic licensing requirements, evaluating hundreds of standards related to health care, safety, staff qualifications, and program integrity. For parents, this is a strong indicator of a camp's quality and commitment.
• Largest Camp Conference in the World (Tri-State CAMP Conference): The ACA, NY & NJ is home to the Tri-State CAMP Conference, which attracts thousands of attendees and hundreds of vendors. This event is a crucial platform for innovation, networking, and professional growth within the camp industry, benefiting camps and staff who serve New York youth.
• Extensive "Find a Camp" Database: The online "Find a Camp" tool is a powerful feature for New York families. It provides a centralized, reliable resource to search for accredited camps, making the camp selection process easier and more informed.
• Focus on Youth Development: Beyond just recreation, the ACA emphasizes the role of camp in fostering character, leadership, resilience, and other essential life skills. Their research and resources highlight these profound benefits.
• Advocacy for the Camp Experience: The organization actively works to preserve, promote, and enhance the quality of the summer camp experience, ensuring that future generations of New York children have access to these valuable opportunities.
• Community of Professionals: The ACA fosters a strong community among camp professionals, allowing for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the industry.
• Resources for Staffing: The ACA supports camps with resources for recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining high-quality staff, which directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of camp programs for New York children.

As an association focused on industry standards and professional development, the "National Camp Association" (ACA, NY & NJ) does not offer typical consumer promotions like discounts on specific campground stays. Instead, its "offers" and benefits are geared towards its members (camps and individuals) and the general public seeking information.

• Membership Benefits: Members (camps and individual professionals) receive discounts on conferences, access to member-only content, publications, online courses, and webinars. For a new camp staff member, there's even a "Free One-Year Membership" using a promo code (e.g., "ACAFREE").
• "Find a Camp" Tool: This free online resource is a valuable "offer" for New York parents, providing a robust, vetted database of accredited camps to aid their search.
• Educational Resources: The ACA provides a wealth of free and paid educational resources, guides, and articles on camp selection, child development, and safety, which are beneficial for families.
• "Send a Child to Camp Fund": While not a direct promotion, the ACA supports initiatives like the "Send a Child to Camp Fund," allowing individuals to donate to help children access camp experiences, which indirectly benefits families seeking assistance.
• Free Suicide Prevention Training: The American Legion, an organization also associated with youth programs, may offer free suicide prevention training, which, while not directly from ACA, aligns with the broader goal of youth well-being in camp settings.

For specific pricing on conferences, workshops, or membership fees, interested parties should visit the official American Camp Association, NY & NJ website or contact them directly.

For inquiries related to camp accreditation, finding a camp, professional development, or general information about the American Camp Association, NY & NJ, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 74 Call Hollow Rd, Pomona, NY 10970, USA

Phone: (877) 456-7924 (This number is broadly associated with "Camp" inquiries, and may direct to a central ACA line or specific regional office based on automated prompts.)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-456-7924 (This is the same number, often listed as a mobile contact for general accessibility.)

It is highly recommended to visit the official website of the American Camp Association, NY & NJ (acanynj.org) for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, including specific contact forms or departmental phone numbers, particularly if you have a specialized inquiry (e.g., accreditation, membership).

For New York locals, the "National Camp Association" (specifically the American Camp Association, NY & NJ office) in Pomona is not a campground to visit for a weekend stay, but rather an indispensable resource for ensuring and finding quality camp experiences for children and youth across the state. Its suitability for locals stems from its foundational role in upholding the standards that make summer camps safe, educational, and truly transformative.

The ACA's rigorous accreditation program is paramount. For parents in New York, knowing that a camp is ACA-accredited provides invaluable peace of mind, signaling that it meets comprehensive health, safety, and program quality benchmarks that often exceed basic state licensing requirements. This means New York families can more confidently choose a camp where their children will be well-cared for and have enriching experiences.

Furthermore, the ACA, NY & NJ's "Find a Camp" tool is a free and powerful resource for local families navigating the often overwhelming process of selecting a summer camp. It simplifies the search, allowing parents to filter options based on their specific needs and preferences, ultimately connecting them with suitable and accredited camps within New York and New Jersey. The organization's commitment to professional development for camp staff also directly benefits New York children, as it ensures that the counselors and leaders guiding their summer adventures are well-trained and dedicated to fostering positive youth development.

In essence, while you won't pitch a tent at the Pomona address, the "National Camp Association" (ACA, NY & NJ) is an invisible yet vital force behind countless memorable and impactful summer camp experiences for children throughout New York. It's the standard-bearer and connector that empowers local families to confidently embrace the cherished tradition of summer camp, knowing their children are in good hands.

National Camp Association

74 Call Hollow Rd, Pomona, NY 10970, USA