Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center was recently awarded accreditation from the American Camping Association

Press release from Alachua County

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for more than 100 years, have joined together to share knowledge and experience to ensure high-quality camp programs for children, youth, and adults. ACA works to preserve, promote, and improve the camp experience. ACA-Accredited Camps meet up to 290 health and safety standards of operation by the American Camp Association (ACA) — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to ensure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.

“ACA Accreditation serves as an assurance to families that our camp cares enough to submit to a transparent, thorough review of our entire operation. Our goal is to provide parents with as much information about our camp, to reassure your choice in a camp. Our voluntary participation in the professional development and accreditation process of the American Camp Association demonstrates our commitment to providing you and your child with the best possible camp experience,” said Jamie Bass, Camp Manager. “This was a huge effort from several departments including risk management and human resources to be able to pull all the information together prior to the visit this summer, as well as the seasonal and full time staff at Cuscowilla – I am thankful for everyone who helped make this great accomplishment happen.”

Mandatory standards also include requirements for staff screening, emergency exits, first aid, aquatic-certified personnel, obtaining appropriate health information, staff-to-camper ratios that are appropriate for different age groups, and goals for camp activities that are developmentally based. Cuscowilla is open for reservations and rental groups throughout the year and also holds a 7-week day camp for ages 7- 14 years old.

Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat summer camp registration will open on March 1, 2025.