National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) / Short-Term Camp Administrator (STCA)
National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP)
The purpose of the BSA’s National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) is to help councils elevate camps to new levels of excellence in delivering Scouting’s promise to youth. Councils will engage in a rigorous review of camps and properties, continuous improvement, and correction or elimination of substandard practices.
The NCAP achieves this purpose through the following:
- Application and Authorization to Operate review
- National camp standards
- Camp Strategic Analysis
- Continuous Camp Improvement Program
- Annual camp assessment process
Only camps that successfully complete all five aspects of the NCAP are BSA accredited camps.
Short-Term Camp Administrator (STCA)
Short-term camp administrators are tasked with ensuring that council, district coordinated overnight events that are three nights are less (e.g., camporees, Webelos Scout events, trainings) are safe and offer a quality outdoor programs
A short-term camp is any council- or district-organized overnight camping program, whether one-time or continuing, that is one, two or three nights in length where the council or its agents provide the staffing and program and may provide food services, and includes camps conducted off council properties. Short-term camp administrators ensure that councils and districts overnight events that are three nights are less (e.g., camporees, Webelos Scout events, training) are conducted safe and have quality outdoor programs, and that all activities at the short-term camp comply with the applicable BSA National Camp Standards. All council, district coordinated overnight events are required to have at least one trained short-term camp administrator.
Short-Term Camp Administrator Training (STCA)
All council, district coordinated overnight events that are three nights are less (e.g., camporees, Webelos Scout events, training) are required to have at least one trained short-term camp administrator to ensure safe and quality outdoor programs. This person is responsible for ensuring that the planned camp complies with the NCAP Short-term Camp Standards. This means walking the property to ensure that it is appropriate for the event; ensuring that paperwork is filed and any written BSA approvals are completed and obtained through the council; confirms facilities and program are safe and in good order before starting operation; and that appropriate health, safety and sanitation provisions are made. This individual also ensures that all activities at the short-term camp comply with the applicable BSA National Camp Standards.
First-Time Certification training lasts about 8.5 hours with interactions and discussions designed to help meet the needs of the participants while conveying the strategies to serve in this role. Course materials are made available electronically. Certification is valid for two years from the course date. Some courses are offered virtually and some are in-person.
Recertification training takes about 4 hours.
Register for STCA Initial Training Register for STCA Recertification
Resources
National Camp Standards
The BSA’s national camp standards are established to do the following:
- Ensure that each camper and leader has a fun, high-quality program consistent with the BSA brand.
- Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of every camper, leader, visitor, and staff member while participating in a BSA accredited camp
National Camp Accreditation Standards