We’re thrilled to share some amazing news — Variety’s Adventure Camp is now officially accredited by the American Camp Association® (ACA)!
This national accreditation recognizes what our families, staff, and campers already know: Adventure Camp is a place where safety, inclusivity, and joy come together to create truly unforgettable experiences for kids and teens with disabilities here in St. Louis!
“Variety Adventure Camp and ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an inclusive environment committed to safety,” says Robin Diehl, Variety’s Director of Enrichment Programs. “ACA accreditation demonstrates our commitment to quality camp programming.”
So what does this all mean? ACA accreditation isn’t just a badge of honor, but a promise. Camps that earn this recognition meet up to 266 standards covering everything from staff training and emergency management to health care and inclusion. It’s the camp world’s version of a gold star, showing that Variety’s Adventure Camp meets the highest national standards for safety and excellence.
A Camp Like No Other
Since 2004, Variety’s Adventure Camp has been creating one-of-a-kind, fully accessible camp experiences for local kids with disabilities, completely free of charge to families. Each summer our campers, children and teens ages 4 through 21 from across our 30-county service area, dive into six weeks of adventure, laughter, and friendship. From swimming and art to STEM projects, ice skating, rock climbing, and even fishing, there’s no shortage of new experiences to explore. Every activity is designed to meet kids where they are and help them shine.
To make sure every child feels supported, our camps maintain a 1:1 or 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio, with a team that includes one registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, and a registered behavior technician who are all on-site daily. That means every camper gets the attention, care, and encouragement they need to build confidence, independence, and foster a sense of belonging.
Impact That Grows Every Year
This past year, we welcomed a record-breaking 360+ campers. About half of our campers use a mobility or assistive device, and more than one-third live with multiple disabilities. Every child, regardless of diagnosis or support level, gets the chance to make new friends, try new things, and experience the magic of camp — the way it should be.
This accreditation is a huge milestone for our team and a celebration of what makes Adventure Camp so special: our campers, our staff, and our incredible community of supporters who make it all possible.
As we look toward another summer of fun and growth, we’re proud to know that our camp meets the very best national standards while staying true to our mission: empowering local kids and teens with disabilities to discover their potential, one adventure at a time.
Want to learn more or join in the fun?
👉 Visit varietystl.org/AdventureCamp for details!
To view the official press release, click here.