ACA, Illinois is a membership and volunteer-driven organization. As a small organization, we thrive and move forward because of the collaboration of committed & active volunteers, members, and staff. The volunteers and staff of ACA Illinois partner each year to make a truly transformative impact on our state, camps, and the world. Annually, this group of remarkable individuals:

• Leads our organization to send over 4,000 economically disadvantaged young people to camp through our DFI Title XX Camping Services Program.
• Steps-up to respond to the needs of camps and the community during times of adversity and crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Raises funds to provide young people who need extra support services with camperships and camp experiences.
• Facilitates the national Accreditation Program to ensure that our member camps have the most up-to-date resources and tools to meet the industry's professional standards for best practices in facilitating camps.
• Provides our members with a robust catalog of events, networking groups, and training opportunities at subsidized rates.
• Strengthens relationships with our local and state public officials to ensure camp has a seat at the table.

Whether you’re new to the camp profession or a seasoned expert, you’ve probably heard all about the ACA Accreditation Program. The Accreditation Program is only made possible because of, you guessed it, VOLUNTEERS! Here are a few of the benefits to being a Visitor:

• Exclusive, FREE Professional Development Events that increase your skill development. When you become a member of our Volunteer Visitor Crew, you'll not only be able to participate in any of our professional development opportunities, you'll be able to participate in skill-building opportunities just for Volunteer Visitors.
• Access to tremendous opportunities to grow your professional, and personal, network. Not only do you get access to the largest group of volunteer camp pros, you'll have dozens of occasions to collaborate with these folks, share tips and tricks, get advice, and find future job opportunities.
• Be on the forefront of trends and changes in the industry. Where do you go for the latest news and current industry trends? ACA staff and volunteers! We are the epicenter of essential information for camps, growth opportunities and industry education. Whether you’re still new and building foundational knowledge of the industry or an advanced camp pro, being a Visitor puts you front and center of it all.

Click here to learn more about our Volunteer Visitor Crew!