NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos can be found in this Dropbox link. Photo credits are contained in the file name (example: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium).
CUMBERLAND, OH – The American Camp Association® (ACA) and The Wilds announced today that WildeCamp has received ACA-Accredited® Camp status for 2025.
"American Camp Association accreditation means that WildeCamp submitted to a thorough review of its operation by the ACA — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management — and complied with the highest standards in the industry," said Interim ACA President and CEO Henry DeHart.
"Parents expect their children to attend accredited schools. They also deserve a camp experience that is reviewed and accredited by an independent organization," DeHart said.
"Achieving ACA accreditation underscores WildeCamp’s dedication to providing a safe, enriching, and unforgettable camp experience," said Danny Lough, Director of Conservation Education and Engagement at The Wilds. "This partnership with the American Camp Association reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional programming that inspires campers to explore, learn, and gain a deeper appreciation of nature.”
WildeCamp is a week-long residential camp located at The Wilds, a stunning safari park and conservation center in southeastern Ohio, offering one of the “wildest” summer experiences for youth ages 8 to 18. This dynamic program blends traditional outdoor activities—like swimming, canoeing, archery, hiking, and fishing—with immersive educational opportunities focused on wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.
Campers stay in cozy, on-site yurts at the WildeCamp facility and engage in hands-on learning about endangered species, biodiversity, and habitat preservation. Activities also include team-building exercises and leadership development while interactive lessons on ecology and conservation science emphasize real-world applications help foster a deeper appreciation for nature with unforgettable encounters with rare and endangered species.
Registration for WildeCamp Summer 2025 is now open. For more information about WildeCamp and other educational opportunities, please visit TheWilds.org and follow The Wilds’ social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
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About American Camp Association®
American Camp Association (ACA) is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country. ACA's nationally recognized standards program focuses primarily on the program quality, health and safety aspects of a camp's operation. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. For more parent-focused information about accreditation, visit ACAcamps.org.
About The Wilds
The Wilds sits on almost 10,000 acres of lush landscapes along the Appalachian Byway and attracts nearly 120,000 visitors annually. With the mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife., The Wilds is among one of the largest, cutting-edge conservation centers in North America and is home to more than 500 animals representing 28 rare and endangered species from around the world. The Wilds operates tours, overnight accommodations, special events, and summer camps as a source of revenue. The Wilds is located at 14000 International Road in Cumberland, Ohio, about 90 minutes east of Columbus. The Wilds is open year round, with a full line of tour options running from May through October and specialty tours available from November through April. For more information, visit TheWilds.org.
