About the CCA

Mission

Unite provincial camp associations, industry leaders and like-minded organizations to elevate and advocate for the Canadian camp sector.

Our Dream for the Camp Sector

In 2050, the canadian camp sector is a diverse, inclusive and continuously growing place for all Canadians, where camp is synonymous with human connection. It is an industry recognized for its significant educational, health, environmental and social impact, propelled by a highly professional workforce known for developing leaders of all ages.

Values

Acting with Integrity

We prioritize transparency and consistency in all our actions to build a foundation of trusting and respectful relationships. We recognize and honour the sincere and dedicated work of each contributor.

Driven to Innovate

We are pioneers, drivers of change, proactively adapting to evolving needs and always seeking ways to better serve the camp sector.

Stewarding to be Sustainable

We strive to build an enduring organization committed to quality and focused on professionalism, contributing to a thriving sector for generations to come.

Committed to Inclusion

We hold space for all voices and strive for diversity in all its forms. Within our organization and across our national community, we champion inclusion and equity.

Leading Through Collaboration

We collaborate openly and generously with contributors, internal and external. We believe in the power of teamwork and collective engagement to reach our common goals.

In Service to Our Community

We continuously endeavour to build strong, resilient and connected communities, locally and globally. Community building is core to our organization's impact.

Our History

Founded in 1936 under the leadership of our first President, Taylor Statten, the Canadian Camps Association (CCA) is a non-profit, national federation of eight provincial camping associations: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island. The CCA represents over 800 camps across Canada.

The first meeting of the Canadian Camps Association/Association des camps du Canada (CCA/ACC) was held on May 20, 1936 at the Central Y.M.C.A., Toronto. At this meeting, the participants created an Association, adopted a constitution, named officers and initiated steps to nominate a board of directors. The first officers of the Association were: Taylor Statten, president; Mary Edgar, vice-president; Dr. George S. Patterson, secretary and Mary C. Donaldson, treasurer. At the time, the primary objective of the CCA/ACC was to "further the interests and welfare of children, youths and adults through camping as an educative, recreative, and character developing experience." Over the years this primary goal has remained the focus of the Association with the addition of several other goals.

Photo of Taylor Statten standing at a podium

Taylor Statten, Founding President of CCA/ACC Director of Camp Ahmek, Algonquin Park, Ontario

Learn more

Our Priorities

The CCA is active in areas of research, advocacy, public awareness, networking, and outreach on behalf of Canadian camps and camping leaders.

How we Serve the Canadian Camp Industry

  • National Representation

    • The CCA is the national voice of the Canadian camp sector. We unify the camp agenda and advocate for policies that support growth and sustainability of camps across the country. We aim to act as a HUB of Canadian camp research, knowledge and best practices for Provincial Associations and accredited camps in Canada.

  • PCA and Provincial Support

    • The CCA supports the vital work of the Provincial Camping Associations through national visibility for their initiatives, resource pooling, and securing funding to bolster their capacity and impact.

  • Cross-Country Development

    • The CCA fosters connections between the Provincial Camping Associations and their leaders across Canada, creating networking opportunities and collaborative spaces that drive innovation and growth.

Lifeguard sitting on chair overlooking lake with life preserver, forested hills in background.

Learn More

Click the “+” below to find out more about the CCA’s strategic priorities

  • Advocating to the Federal Government

    The CCA is the national voice for Camping in Canada. Through leveraging past successes and established government relationships, we assert a national agenda - informed by member input, data and research - that addresses the needs of the entire camp sector.

    Collecting and Leveraging Industry Data

    We gather and analyze data from the Provincial Camping Associations to identify the camp industry’s needs, better understand camp’s societal impact and advocate for effective solutions.

    Researching the Camp Experience

    We are utilizing existing national and international research while investing in new research to elevate the Canadian camp sector, inform our advocacy and better communicate the value of the camp experience to stakeholders and society at large.

    Building Relationships with National Organizations

    As the only entity representing the camp sector nationally, we are uniquely positioned to build relationships with other national organizations. By collaborating with and learning from these organizations, we strengthen our ability to support the work of our members and outcome areas.

    Bringing Together Industry Leaders Nationally

    We are playing a lead role in creating meaningful human connections across the camp industry. These connections foster collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose among our provincial camp leaders.

    Representing the Canadian Camp Sector Internationally

    Canada has a unique camp industry, exhibiting areas of innovation and industry leadership within the global camp sector. We aim to give a voice to this sector and representing it on the international stage to share knowledge and best practices.

  • Supporting Provincial Advocacy

    We team up with PCAs to amplify their advocacy efforts at the provincial level. By sharing resources and best practices, we can create a stronger, more unified voice for the camp sector across Canada.

    Promoting Camp to the Public

    We're spreading the word about the incredible benefits of camp! We're working with PCAs and industry leaders to promote camp experiences to families and communities, highlighting the positive impact camp has on children and youth.

    Supporting Provincial Standards & Accreditation

    We believe in the power of high-quality camp experiences. We're collaborating with PCAs to support the development and implementation of strong standards and accreditation processes, ensuring that camps across Canada are providing safe, enriching, and unforgettable experiences for all.

  • Facilitating PCA-to-PCA Learning & Problem Solving

    The CCA is committed to fostering a collaborative environment where Provincial Camp Associations can engage in knowledge exchange and shared problem-solving. We provide platforms and resources to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and support PCAs in addressing common challenges.

    Collaborating to Professionalize Camp Leaders

    Recognizing the crucial role of camp leaders, the CCA actively collaborates with partners to advance professional development within the camp sector. We strive to provide access to training, resources, and networking opportunities that enhance leadership skills and promote the growth of camp professionals.