CHESTER COUNTY, PA — All eight summer camps operated by the YMCA of Greater Brandywine have earned accreditation from the American Camp Association, placing the organization among a select group of camp providers nationwide that meet some of the most rigorous safety and quality standards in the industry.
The accreditation, announced this week, is a voluntary designation considered the “gold standard” for youth camps. It requires providers to meet more than 290 standards covering everything from emergency preparedness and aquatics safety to staff training, youth development, inclusion practices and risk management.
The YMCA’s achievement goes far beyond Pennsylvania’s basic licensing requirements for camp operations.
“Choosing a summer camp is not an easy decision for families to make,” said Bridgette Barbera-Byrne, Senior Association Director of Youth Sports, Programs and Summer Camp. She said ACA accreditation gives families “confidence in our commitment to safety and quality.”
The ACA process evaluates camps through independent, third-party review — examining transportation procedures, environmental safety, CPR and first-aid training, staff supervision practices, and program quality. Accredited camps are also required to routinely undergo expert review to ensure ongoing compliance and continuous improvement.
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine serves more than 5,000 campers each summer across Chester County with programs ranging from sports and swimming to STEM, theater, leadership development, adventure and outdoor exploration.
Camp registration for 2026 opens January 13, with families receiving a 10% early-bird discount for registering that day. The organization also provides income-based pricing to ensure access for children across the region.
More information on YGBW summer camps is available at ymcagbw.org/summer-camps-ymca.
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