Future Stars Summer Camp, which serves more than 1,500 families across New York, announced it has earned accreditation from the American Camp Association for the 2026 season. This accreditation signifies the camp has undergone a comprehensive review of up to 290 standards covering all aspects of operations, from staff qualifications to emergency management and program quality.
The importance of this accreditation lies in its independent verification of safety and quality that goes beyond state licensing requirements. State regulation varies widely and often provides only minimum standards, while ACA accreditation represents a thorough peer review process that evaluates health, safety, and program standards at a higher level. This matters to families because it provides an additional layer of assurance about the environment where their children spend summer days.
"Achieving ACA accreditation validates what we've known for decades: families trust us to provide not just an exceptional summer experience, but a safe, nurturing environment where children thrive," said Jordan Snider, COO and Future Stars Purchase Site Director. The camp maintains an 8:1 camper-to-staff ratio and employs certified teachers and coaches, which were key factors in meeting ACA's rigorous standards.
The American Camp Association is the only independent accrediting organization for camps in the country and collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to establish industry-recognized standards. "ACA accreditation means that Future Stars submitted to a thorough review and complied with the highest standards in the industry," said ACA President and CEO Henry DeHart.
For parents evaluating summer options, this accreditation provides concrete evidence of quality. The camp's existing reputation is strong, with 96% of parents recommending Future Stars and 70% of campers returning each year. Founded in 1980, Future Stars has grown from a small tennis program into one of New York's most comprehensive specialty camp operations, offering 35+ programs ranging from traditional sports to STEAM education, circus arts, and horseback riding.
The camp operates at premier facilities across multiple locations, including SUNY Purchase College, SUNY Old Westbury, Farmingdale State College, and several other sites. New for 2026, Future Stars is opening its 11th location in Sayville. For families seeking more information about accreditation standards, the American Camp Association provides resources at https://ACAcamps.org.
This accreditation has broader implications for the summer camp industry as it sets a benchmark for quality that other camps may strive to achieve. When camps pursue and maintain ACA accreditation, it elevates standards across the sector, potentially influencing safety practices and program quality industry-wide. For communities, accredited camps contribute to child development and family well-being by providing structured, safe environments during summer months.
The recognition comes at a time when parents are increasingly concerned about child safety and program quality in extracurricular settings. By meeting these rigorous national standards, Future Stars demonstrates its commitment to maintaining practices that reflect the most up-to-date, research-based approaches to camp operation. This matters not just for current families but for the broader community seeking reliable summer programming options.
