"ACA accreditation is very important to our camp," said Pam Young, executive director. "Although the program is voluntary, we owe it to our campers and parents to have the best operation possible. ACA accreditation demonstrates our commitment to quality camp programming."

YMCA Camp Deer Point was founded in 1994 in Fayetteville. The camp is in operation from May to August and offers sessions available from one to ten weeks. YMCA Camp Deer Point also offers out-of-school camps. For more information, parents can contact the camp at 770-719-9622 or visit www.ymcaatlanta.org, click on branches and choose Fayette.

The American Camping Association 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. The standards are continuously reviewed, refined and updated.

The ACA accreditation process is comprehensive and thorough. Only 25 percent of day and resident camps across the country attain ACA-Accredited status. In addition, a team of camp professionals not affiliated with the camp seeking accreditation review the campís operations while in session at least every three years.

Founded in 1910, the American Camping Association is a not-for-profit community of camp professionals and is dedicated to enriching the lives of children through the camp experience. ACA recognizes the camp experience as a significant contributor to the positive development of children and youths. Its membership encompasses all segments of the camp profession. For more information, visit www.acacamps.org .