WildeCamp Earns Prestigious ACA Accreditation for 2025
This summer, adventure awaits at WildeCamp! The immersive wildlife conservation camp at The Wilds, one of North America’s largest private, non-profit conservation centers, has earned coveted ACA-Accredited® Camp status for 2025. This designation underscores WildeCamp’s dedication to providing a safe, enriching, and unforgettable camp experience for youth ages 8 to 18.
A Commitment to Safety and Excellence
“American Camp Association accreditation means WildeCamp underwent a thorough review, from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. We are proud to have complied with their highest standards,” said Henry DeHart, Interim ACA President and CEO. He added, “Parents expect their children to attend accredited schools. They also deserve a camp experience that is reviewed and accredited by an independent organization.”
Danny Lough, Director of Conservation Education and Engagement at The Wilds, echoed DeHart’s sentiments, saying, “Achieving ACA accreditation underscores WildeCamp’s dedication to providing a safe, enriching, and unforgettable camp experience. 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.”
A Wild and Educational Adventure
Nestled in southeastern Ohio, WildeCamp calls the stunning 9,000-acre landscape of The Wilds home. Campers live in cozy onsite yurts and immerse themselves in nature through a blend of traditional outdoor activities, such as swimming, canoeing, archery, hiking, and fishing.
Beautifully woven into this fun adventure are immersive educational opportunities focused on wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. Campers engage in hands-on learning about endangered species, biodiversity, and habitat preservation.
Team-building exercises and leadership development activities further enhance the experience. Interactive lessons on ecology and conservation science emphasize real-world applications. Throughout their week, campers enjoy unforgettable encounters with rare and endangered species, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Register Now for Summer 2025
Registration for WildeCamp Summer 2025 is now open. For more information about WildeCamp and other educational opportunities, visit TheWilds.org and follow The Wilds’ social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
About The Wilds
The Wilds sits on almost 10,000 acres 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 May through October, and specialty tours available from November through April. Y
What specific aspects of WildeCamp’s programs and location make it unique and focused on wildlife conservation?
## WildeCamp Earns ACA Accreditation: An Interview with Danny Lough
**[Host]** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re excited to be joined by Danny Lough, Director of Conservation Education and Engagement at The Wilds, to discuss the recent exciting news about their summer camp, WildeCamp. Danny, congratulations on earning ACA-Accredited Camp® status for 2025!
**[Danny Lough]** Thank you so much! We are thrilled about this accomplishment. It reinforces our commitment to providing a top-notch experience for our campers.
**[Host]** Can you tell us a bit more about what it means for WildeCamp to be ACA-Accredited?
**[Danny Lough]** Absolutely. The ACA accreditation process is incredibly thorough. It means our camp has undergone a rigorous review of everything from our staff qualifications and training to our emergency management protocols. Essentially, it shows families that we meet the highest standards of safety and excellence in the camping industry. [[1](https://www.acacamps.org/accreditation/overview/introduction-aca-accreditation)]
**[Host]** That’s reassuring for parents, for sure.
**[Danny Lough]** Definitely. As Henry DeHart, the Interim ACA President and CEO, pointed out, parents deserve to know that their children’s camp experience is held to the same high standards as their schooling.
**[Host]** WildeCamp sounds like a unique experience. Can you tell us a little bit more about what makes it special?
**[Danny Lough]** WildeCamp is an immersive wildlife conservation experience for young people aged 8 to 18. We’re located at The Wilds, one of North America’s largest private, non-profit conservation centers, so campers are literally immersed in nature.
**[Host]** So they get to learn about conservation firsthand?
**[Danny Lough]** Absolutely! We offer hands-on activities that foster a deep appreciation for nature and inspire campers to become future conservationists. Plus, they get to stay in cozy yurts right on the property! It’s truly an unforgettable adventure.
**[Host]** Well, congratulations again to you and the entire team at WildeCamp. We wish you continued success in your mission to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
