Why Camp Ondessonk is Essential for Children Today: The Importance of Accreditation
In a world where children are often over-scheduled and disconnected from nature, Camp Ondessonk offers a transformative experience that fosters essential life skills like responsibility, independence, and personal growth. What sets Camp Ondessonk apart, beyond the natural beauty and enriching programs, is its dedication to maintaining the uppermost standards of safety, quality, and education—standards that are reinforced through its accreditation by the American Camp Association (ACA) and the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA).
These accreditations underscore Camp Ondessonk’s commitment to providing children with a safe and structured atmosphere where they can thrive. The American Camp Association’s rigorous standards ensure that everything from health and safety to staff training and program quality meets the highest levels of excellence. When parents send their children to an ACA-accredited camp like Camp Ondessonk, they can be confident that their child’s well-being is a top priority. The ACA requires adherence to more than 250 individual standards, encompassing everything from emergency procedures to camper supervision and transportation safety.
The Camp’s certification through the Certified Horsemanship Association further elevates its offerings. Ondessonk’s horseback riding program, a beloved activity for many campers, operates under CHA guidelines, ensuring that the horses and riders are handled with expert care. This fosters a safe riding experience and promotes confidence, leadership, and responsibility in campers as they learn to care for and respect these majestic animals. Certified staff members uphold CHA standards, providing skilled instruction and supervision that prioritizes the safety and growth of each participant.
To better understand the Camp’s impact, Camp Ondessonk conducted studies to explore how campers perceived changes in their responsibility and independence after a weeklong experience. A 28-item survey asked campers to reflect on their growth. For example, campers were asked how true they found statements like, “If I mess something up, I try to make things right,” and, “I can make decisions without adults helping me.” These statements measured how much responsibility and independence the campers felt they had gained during their time at Ondessonk.
The results were powerful. In one study, 91.9% of campers reported increased responsibility, while 89% felt they had become more independent after just one week. These findings emphasize how Camp Ondessonk, through a blend of intentional programming, expert guidance, and accredited standards, creates a meaningful environment for children to grow.
Accreditation by the ACA and CHA provides parents and caregivers with peace of mind, knowing that their children are participating in a program that meets the highest safety and educational standards. For campers, it means they are stepping into an experience designed for growth, responsibility, and self-confidence—all while enjoying the adventure and freedom that comes with a week in the woods. In today’s world, where kids are often shielded from challenges, Camp Ondessonk provides the opportunity to face them head-on, giving them the freedom to grow and thrive.