The American Camp Association® (ACA) announced that West Virginia University Jackson's Mill has again received ACA-Accredited® Camp status for 2018.
"ACA Accreditation means that Jackson’s Mill submitted to a thorough 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."
The facility will not undergo another site visit until 2023 as a result of the exemplary accreditation visit noted by the ACA (accreditation site visits are typically done every three years).
"WVU Jackson’s Mill and ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety," said Truman Wolfe, director, WVU Jackson’s Mill. "ACA accreditation demonstrates our commitment to quality camp programming."
Chad Proudfoot, who served as the camp’s ACA Accreditation compliance officer, noted the significance of the accreditation process. “ACA maintains very strict standards for camp facilities through the United States, and we are committed to maintaining those high standards. This extended accreditation is a true testament to the work of the whole staff and their pride and dedication to making this an outstanding camping facility for future visitors.”
WVU Jackson’s Mill was founded in 1922 and is the world’s first state 4-H camp. The entire camp was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 as the Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp Historic District. Each year the camp hosts thousands of guests at 4-H camps, Mountaineer Boys’ State, band camps, corporate meetings, reunions, weddings, and many other groups.
ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country. ACA's 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.