This summer, Camp Starfish reached a moment we’ve been working with great effort toward: we are officially an ACA-accredited program. That achievement alone is worth celebrating, but the timing makes it even more meaningful. This recognition arrived during our 25th summer of camp, a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and why our mission continues to matter.
What ACA Accreditation Means
Accreditation by the American Camp Association (ACA) is the gold standard in the camp world. It reflects a rigorous, multi-year review process that evaluates hundreds of standards related to health, safety, program quality, staff training, operations, and youth development. Accreditation isn’t a one-time badge, it’s a commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.
For families, partners, and supporters, ACA accreditation is an assurance: Camp Starfish meets nationally recognized best practices and places camper well-being at the center of everything we do.
A Journey Built Over 25 Summers
When Camp Starfish opened its doors 25 summers ago, we started with a simple but bold belief: that children who struggle socially, emotionally, or behaviorally deserve a camp experience designed specifically for their success. Over the years, that belief has shaped every program decision, staff training, and relationship we’ve built with families and communities.
Reaching ACA accreditation during our 25th summer feels especially fitting because this milestone wasn’t achieved overnight. It reflects:
- Decades of learning from our campers and families
- Intentional program design grounded in evidence-based practices
- Dedicated staff and leadership committed to growth, reflection, and excellence
- A culture of care and structure that supports each child’s unique needs
In many ways, this accreditation formalizes what families have trusted for years: that Camp Starfish is a place where safety, growth, and belonging come first.
Honoring the People Behind the Achievement
This accomplishment belongs to a wide community. Our staff, past and present, have poured their hearts into building a camp environment rooted in compassion, consistency, and professionalism. Their willingness to train, reflect, and hold high standards made this possible.
We’re also deeply grateful to the families who have entrusted us with their children and partnered with us year after year. Your feedback, advocacy, and belief in our mission helped shape the camp we are today.
And to our supporters, board members, and collaborators, thank you for investing in a vision that took time, patience, and persistence to fully realize.
Looking Ahead
While we’re proud of this recognition, ACA accreditation isn’t a finish line—it’s a foundation. As we celebrate our 25th summer, we’re also looking ahead to the next chapter of Camp Starfish: expanding access, strengthening programs, and continuing to evolve to meet the needs of the children we serve.
This summer, as laughter echoes across camp and campers build confidence one small victory at a time, we’re reminded that milestones matter not because of the title attached to them, but because of the impact behind them.
Becoming an ACA-accredited camp during our 25th summer is a testament to who we’ve always been and who we’re committed to becoming.
Here’s to 25 summers of growth and many more to come.
