Why ACA New England Accreditation Matters for Your Family

As a parent, choosing the right summer camp for your child is a big decision. You want a place where your child feels supported and safe. Where they’ll grow in confidence, make new friends, and come home full of stories about their adventures. 

Picture your child laughing with new friends, trying something new for the first time, and building memories that last a lifetime. At WSYMCA camps, moments like that aren’t just possible — they’re what we’re all about. 

At the West Suburban YMCA, we know that trust matters. That’s why all four of our camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) New England — a trusted organization that sets the gold standard for quality and safety in youth camping. This accreditation isn’t just a badge we display; it’s a promise we keep to you and your family. 

What Does ACA Accreditation Mean for You and Your Child? 

• Peace of Mind – Our camps meet more than 200 nationally recognized standards for health, safety, staff training, emergency preparedness, and program quality. Every standard is reviewed by experts — so when you drop your child off at camp, you can do it with total confidence.
• Focus on Safety and Well-Being – From water safety to allergy management, ACA standards guide every detail of our programs. Your child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being always come first — giving them the freedom to explore, have fun, and grow. 
• Aligning Values – We believe summer camp should be more than fun — it should help kids build resilience, develop friendships, and gain confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment. ACA accreditation ensures those values are built into everything we do.

At the West Suburban YMCA, maintaining our ACA accreditation is a vital part of our commitment to safety, quality, and positive youth development. We are active with the ACA year-round, participating in cohorts, meetings, trainings, and conferences. We have camp staff members who serve as accreditation reviewers and visitors for other camps, bringing a deep understanding of best practices back to our programs. In between accreditation years, we submit an Accreditation Audit Report for each camp to demonstrate our ongoing compliance.

The West Suburban YMCA is proud to announce that Camp Wells earned its ACA Accreditation in early 2026. By earning and maintaining this accreditation, we reaffirm our dedication to giving every camper a safe, inclusive, and opportunity-filled experience. The WSYMCA offers a variety of summer camps designed to meet the unique needs and interests of every child.

Camp Chickami – Day Camp 

A classic outdoor day camp experience filled with swimming, arts, games, and so much more! Campers join a supportive community where they build confidence and friendships that last a lifetime. 

Camp Pikati – Day Camp 

Perfect for campers who want to enjoy a variety of activities! From relay races and archery to camp-wide themed days, there’s something for every child to enjoy — all in a fun and energetic Y environment. 

Camp Wells – Day Camp 

For campers that are craving an adventure! Action-packed days combine exciting sports, skill-building, and traditional camp fun. Campers grow through teamwork, sportsmanship, and outdoor exploration. 

Camp Frank A. Day – Overnight Camp

Through outdoor adventures, community-building, and hands-on learning, campers gain self-reliance, a love for nature, and the confidence to lead while forming friendships that last far beyond the summer. 

Choosing a summer camp is about more than activities and fun; it’s about finding a place where your child is safe, supported, and empowered to grow. At WSYMCA camps, ACA accreditation, year-round dedication to best practices, and a commitment to inclusivity ensure that every camper has a meaningful, safe, and joyful experience. When your child joins us for a summer of adventure, friendship, and discovery, you can trust that they’re in a place that cares as much about their growth and well-being as you do. 

When you choose WSYMCA camps, you’re choosing a trusted partner in your child’s summer experience. One that’s dedicated to creating meaningful memories and a lasting impact.