The ARVC protects and advises commercial business owners of RV parks and campgrounds. The organization of camp professionals addresses topics as promotional activities, group rates on business supplies, business management education and group representation on the state and national level, according to the ARVC website.
The general public may not be aware of how business-centric camping associations benefit the family planning a camping trip or looking for a summer camp. ARVC and ACA are business organizations, but provide valuable information about their respective industries. ARVC members have the ability to augment their education through a course on becoming a certified park operator (CPOs). CPOs are committed to offering top-of-the-line customer service. Searching for campgrounds and RV parks with CPO-certified owners and ARVC membership ensures a quality facility.
The ACA offers an accreditation program for children's camps, summer camps and sleep-away camps. This accreditation program works alongside the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Red Cross to develop a series of standards in camp operation. ACA-accredited camps must adhere to this guideline of national safety and health initiatives. Parents looking for summer camps should look for ACA accreditation to ensure their child's safety. Parents can search the ACA website for accredited camps in the local area.
As of 2011, the ARVC has a membership network of more than 3,700 campgrounds and RV parks around the United States. ARVC offers three main types of membership -- associate individual, associate organizational and RV park or campground. The associate individual membership is open to any individual; the associate organization membership is open to RV manufacturers, dealers and other business owners related to the camping industry. RV and campground membership is open to campground owners and operators, many of whom are also involved in state-level ARVC business.
ACA extends membership rights to individuals, camps and businesses in the children's camp industry. Individuals are able to network and search jobs through ACA accreditation. Camps and business obtain the reputation for being excellent service providers in the camping industry.
In addition to providing services for business owners, both ARVC and ACA are committed to advocacy. The ARVC established a nonprofit known as the ARVC Foundation. This organization establishes projects aimed at promoting professionalism within the park management industry.
ACA offers an advocacy center on its website, providing members and the public with access to laws and policy information affecting the camping industry. ACA also partners with children's organizations to provide more widespread access to summer camps.
