Alberta Camping Association

Week 1 of Accreditation visits is officially in the books!

We had an incredible time visiting 4 of our amazing member camps, all busy creating lifelong memories for kids from all across Alberta. Here’s a quick look at where we went:

Camp Alexo – Tucked away in the woods right at the edge of the mountains in Nordegg, rich with unique history.
Bar Harbour Camp – Nestled on the beautiful shores of Buffalo Lake, keeping the camp magic alive for over 100 years!
InterVarsity Circle Square Ranch Halkirk – Home to a well-established, incredibly welcoming equine program.
Tim Horton Children's Ranch (Tim Hortons Foundation Camps) – Quite literally one of the most beautiful facilities you will ever visit, complete with a stellar team and gorgeous mountain landscapes.

Stay tuned each week this summer as we highlight the member camps we’re lucky enough to visit and support through our accreditation process!

Want to join us for a future visit? Let us know! Email us at [email protected]

Want to learn more about our member camps? Check out their details and links to their websites here: albertacamping.com/find-a-camp Always remember to "Look for the logo!"

Happy July!

The latest ACA newsletter just hit inboxes, and it is packed with great things!

The official dates and location for the 2027 Conference are OUT! Start planning your winter professional development.

Summer Fireside Chats: Feeling the summer chaos? Pull up a virtual chair and connect with fellow camp leaders to swap stories and wins.

Accreditation Visits: Our team is hitting the road this month! Check out how to follow along with our summer camp highlights.

Security Alert: Important information on a recent phishing scam targeting our camps.

Don't miss out: Tap the link in our bio or below to read the full issue and get involved!

https://mailchi.mp/e1560bd598b1/aca-may-newsletter-17463365

Gear check!

The Alberta Camping Association shirts and hats are ready, which means one thing: Accreditation visits start in just two weeks!

While these visits are all about ensuring high standards and safety policies across our province, they’re also so much more than a checklist.

For us, this is our favorite time of year to:
- Support our incredible camp professionals.
- Share fresh ideas and resource solutions.
- Celebrate the massive amount of hard work, heart, and dedication you put into making camp a magical experience.

We can’t wait to hit the road and see you all in action!

Say “hello” to your Summer 2026 Student Accreditors starting TODAY!

We are thrilled to introduce the incredible team who will be out on the road helping to keep Alberta's camps safe, enriching, and full of magic this season. Keep reading to get to know them a little better below! 👇

My name is KJ and I have worked previously for Elections Canada, as a youth group leader, and as a library assistant. I am in the last year of my English degree and in my free time I enjoy cooking, watching documentaries, and spending time with my cats. My favourite part about camp has always been the opportunity to unplug and admire the wonderful world we live in. I’m looking forward to supporting Alberta’s camps in providing safe and enriching experiences for everyone!

Hi everyone, I’m Matthew! I’m excited to return as a camp accreditor this year after recently graduating from the UofA with a BSc in Science and Psychology. I love spending summers outdoors (minus the mosquitoes!) and grew up attending summer camps. I still cherish those childhood memories of rowdy cabins and campfires. I’m really looking forward to experiencing your unique camp cultures, connecting with the community, and seeing you all soon!"

Give them a warm welcome in the comments, and get ready to see them at your camps soon!

Did you know that camp magic lingers long after the campfire goes out?

Research proves that just one week in a camp community can significantly boost a young person’s "perceived competence."

What does that actually mean? It means when campers head home, they aren’t just carrying a bag of dirty laundry, they're carrying a massive wave of confidence!

By navigating new friendships, trying new activities, and stepping outside their comfort zones in a supportive environment, campers return home feeling way more capable of tackling challenges.

Camp isn't just a break from routine; it's a launchpad for personal growth.

Have you seen this confidence boost in your own campers? Drop a comment below and tell us about it! 👇

The busy camp season is officially here, and the latest ACA newsletter just hit inboxes to help you kick it off smoothly. Here is a quick look at what’s inside:

*Say "hello" to our Summer 2026 Student Accreditors
*We’ve partnered with Paddle Alberta to bring subsidized Canoe Instructor Training right to your region starting Spring 2027. Find out how your camp can participate or host!
*We’re looking for fresh voices to join our committees.
*Peak season can get overwhelming. Remember, you don’t have to climb the mountain alone, the ACA team is always here to support you via call, email, or a visit.

Click the link below to read the full newsletter and fill out the expression of interest forms!

https://mailchi.mp/328e3a4d8370/aca-may-newsletter-17462450

Did you know?

Tandem paddling isn't just a great workout, it’s a lesson in physics and cooperation. Moving a fully loaded canoe requires more than just muscle, it requires rhythm and communication.

Just like so many of the experiences at camp, canoeing teaches the next generation that you can travel fast and far when you work in sync with others.

Meet Keida: Our Furriest Accreditation Visitor

Keida is a seasoned veteran in community support, having volunteered for the past four years at with campers and staff. She also works with PAWSS Association, visiting schools and universities to offer support to students.

This summer, Keida will be hitting the road to assist with some of our camp accreditation visits.

Keida is looking for human teammates to join her. Volunteering as an accreditation visitor is a great way to support the industry, network with other professionals, and see the incredible work being done at camps across Alberta.

If you are interested in volunteering as a visitor alongside Keida this summer, please email [email protected] TODAY!

Big things are happening at ACA! Our May newsletter is officially LIVE.

Don’t miss out on the full update. Click the link in our bio or link below to read more!

https://mailchi.mp/e6a96ba560be/aca-may-newsletter-17461758

Love the Alberta camp community? Now is your chance to help it thrive!

We’re looking for fresh perspectives and passionate voices to join our committees. Whether you’re a policy pro, a networking natural, or an event-planning extraordinaire, there is a seat at the table for you.

Why join?

- Shape the future of camp standards
- Build lasting professional connections
- Give back to the industry we love

Ready to make an impact? Click the link in our bio or go to the link below to see where you fit best!

https://forms.gle/sNhDhRnYwUhgkiyg6