Springfield College Camp Massasoit Receives Full Accreditation
December 7, 2010SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Dec. 7, 2010 -- Springfield College’s Camp Massasoit has received full three-year accreditation from the New England Section of the American Camp Association (ACA), renewing its longstanding accreditation.
The camp was evaluated for its standards in programming, health and wellness, management, site and food service, and human resources, and received high marks.
Located on the forested shore of Lake Massasoit at the Springfield College East Campus, Camp Massasoit conducts summer programs for youngsters aged five to 16. Programs balance sheer enjoyment with skill development appropriate for each stage of physical and cognitive growth. The camp emphasizes respect for self, counselors, peers and the environment.
Benjamin R. Taylor, Camp Massasoit director, responded to the news of the accreditation saying, “We strive to develop every camper in spirit, mind and body and to provide a wonderful summer camp experience. We’re pleased that the American Camp Association has recognized the quality of our program.”
Angela M. Veatch, assistant director of the camp, added, “The ACA-accredited sign has 50 years of parent trust behind it. It identifies camps that have met about 300 standards, which helps parents sort through the options to choose the right camp for their children.”
The ACA is the principal camp accrediting body in the United States. It also educates camp owners and directors in key aspects of camp operation, program quality, and the health and safety of campers and staff. Additionally, it assists the public in selecting camps that meet industry-accepted and government-recognized standards, and it establishes guidelines for needed policies, procedures and practices.
Camp Massasoit programs include day camp for youngsters aged five to 12 with such activities as swimming, boating, arts, crafts, games, archery and participation in a challenge course and environmental education. Voyager Camp is a transitional program where 11- to 13- year-old youth take their first step toward becoming independent adventurers through the guidance of the camp staff.
At Camp Massasoit’s Walk-A-Bout Camp, 12- to 14-year-old youth further their outdoor skills through daily adventures, both on and off site, to help prepare them for a one-night overnight camping trip. Adventure Camp, for youth aged 14 to 16, includes a one-week camping trip.
Led by outdoor recreation professionals, Camp Massasoit has a summer staff of counselors who are college-aged adults preparing for careers in working with children. Many of the counselors attended the camp as children and have first-hand knowledge of what makes the summer camp experience both fun and educational.
