Pine Tree Camp Earns ACA-Accredited Camp Status

The American Camp Association® (ACA) announced today that Pine Tree Camp, a program of Pine Tree Society, has received ACA-Accredited® Camp status.

"ACA Accreditation means that Pine Tree Camp submitted to a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation by the American Camp Association (ACA) — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management — and complied with the highest standards in the industry," said Cindy Moore, National Standards Commission.

"Parents expect their children to attend accredited schools. They also deserve a camp experience that is reviewed and accredited by an expert, independent organization," Moore said.

"Pine Tree Camp and ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety," said Dawn Willard-Robinson, Pine Tree Camp’s director of program management.  "ACA accreditation demonstrates our commitment to quality camp programming."

Pine Tree Camp was founded in 1945 and is located in Rome.  Pine Tree Camp offers Maine children and adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities an extraordinary summer camp experience.  The 280-acre facility is fully adapted to meet the special needs of campers. The barrier-free setting and commitment of our staff allow campers to fully participate in activities that are not normally available to them like playing adaptive soccer, hiking on accessible nature trails, swimming, boating, sleeping overnight in a tent and spending time in Maine’s only accessible treehouse.

Pine Tree Camp has never turned anyone away because they could not afford to pay tuition. This tradition is kept alive by thousands of generous friends, supporters and volunteers. For campers, Pine Tree Camp is a highlight of their year. It gives them the opportunity to spend time with their friends in a setting that meets their unique needs. For families, Pine Tree Camp offers an extended period of greatly needed respite from care-giving.

Pine Tree Society helps Maine people lead richer, more socially connected lives. We share a spirit of innovation and desire to discover new ways to break down barriers that many find insurmountable. It started as a bold new idea in 1936 and it continues every day. To learn more, please visit www.pinetreesociety.org.

ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country. Its nationally-recognized standards program focuses primarily on the program quality, health and safety aspects of a camp's operation. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. For more parent-focused information about accreditation, visit ACA's www.CampParents.org.