Membership Of The ACA

About The Australian Camps Association

‘More People Outdoors More Often’

The ‘not-for-profit’ Australian Camps Association (ACA) is the national peak body for residential camps and outdoor activity providers. Our role is to build the business capacity of member camps and to help improve their capacity to deliver excellent experiences for their guests.

We strongly believe that participation in supported outdoor experiences through camps and led adventure activities leads to happier and healthier lives.

The Australian Camps Association was formed in 2005 through the amalgamation of the Camping Associations of Victoria, Tasmania, South Australian and Queensland. As a national body, the ACA works collaboratively and innovatively to develop and support camping and the outdoor sector. Today we provide information, resources, services and training to 250 members located across the country.

Message From The CEO

Hello and welcome to the Australian Camps Association.

If you are renewing your current membership then many thanks for your continuing support. If you are not yet a member of the Association then please join us in supporting a thriving residential camp sector across Australia. There are a host of excellent reasons for investing in ACA membership, and we are continually developing new services that support your business and help you to get ‘more people outdoors more often’.

We look forward to welcoming you into the ACA community and to working on your behalf.

Pete Griffiths

Member Benefits And Services

As an ACA member, you help promote residential camp and outdoor adventure programs and their benefits to government, user groups and the wider public across the nation. Along with supporting this important work, as a member you have access to a wide range of benefits and services, as follows:

THE AUSTRALIAN CAMPS ASSOCIATION GENERATES BUSINESS FOR YOU

• Booking Service
  Every week the ACA receives new enquiries from people and organisations looking for a residential camp or program provider for their group, which we collate and broadcast to our members. In 2017 alone, this Booking Enquiry Service forwarded five hundred enquiries to member camps across the country.
• Guide to Camps and Outdoor Activity Providers
  Over 10,000 hard copies of our well-known Guide are distributed annually to schools, information centres and community groups nation-wide. Members receive a FREE 1/6 page listing and can elect to take out further paid advertising at attractive rates. The Guide is also available online through our website.
• Improved Access to Existing Markets
  Members are listed on our website and receive regular mentions through our social media feeds. The website also offers members the opportunity to promote school holiday programs or last minute vacancies at no cost. Additional digital advertising opportunities are also available on our website, including scrolling banner advertisements on our home page.
• Access to New Markets
  The ACA is continuously carrying out market research and product development on behalf of our members.
• Use of Australian Camps Association ‘Member’ Logo
  Members are entitled to use the ‘Association Member’ logo on their own marketing material.
• Savings on ATAP Accreditation 
  Members of the ACA are eligible for a discounted rate on the Camps and Adventure Activity (CAA) Accreditation through the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program (ATAP). Proof of membership must be provided to obtain this offer.

SUPPORTING YOUR BUSINESS

• Outdoor Business Online
  Outdoor Business Online (OBO) is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all your business needs. This ‘member only’ website is packed with resources to assist your business to reach its potential.
• Advice
  The Australian Camps Association provides advice to members on business and strategic planning, site development, operational issues, marketing and promotion.
• Member Visits
  Our Memberships Manager regularly visits camps. This is a great way to make connections, tell your own unique story to a wide audience and learn more about how the Australian Camps Association can support you.
• Conferences, Training and Networking Opportunities
  Member workshops, training days and conferences provide an excellent and inexpensive opportunity to broaden horizons and increase your knowledge. The Australian Camps Association holds a biennial national conference and regular professional development events in all regions.  The ACA also hosts the renowned International Camp Directors Course (ICDC) on behalf of the International Camping Fellowship (ICF).
• Access to Group Buying Scheme (Partners and Preferred Suppliers)
  The ACA has negotiated great prices for members with a range of suppliers offering services such as insurance, gas, food, bunk beds, outdoor equipment, first aid training etc.
• Access to Research
  The Australian Camps Association is actively involved in a number of research projects on your behalf- ranging from Seniors Camping to the latest in risk management and educational outcomes thinking.
• Regional Morning Teas
  Enjoy the hospitality of the ACA Community as members open their doors to show off their sites and give insight into how they approach issues common to all operators.
• Newsletters
  Members receive regular communication and industry updates through the weekly Camping News and Member Bulletins. Members can advertise in any of these publications.
• General Support
  The ACA is a valuable point of contact and resources for any member requiring assistance or advice.

SUPPORTING OUR INDUSTRY

• Common Voice
  The ACA advocates for, and represents the interest of, our members to Government, land managers and other relevant groups on a range of issues that impact on our sector.
• Contribution to Wellbeing
  The Australian Camps Association supports healthy lifestyles through promoting events such as the Great Getaways (camps for over 55’s) and People Outdoors (camps for people with disabilities).
• Pricing and Occupancy Research
  We carry out biennial Price and Occupancy surveys to gather and process data to assist your business. The data relates to current prices, occupancy rates and industry issues giving members unique business insight.

TESTIMONIALS

“We Purchased bunks 3 years ago from Hypersonic Industries (Preferred Supplier in ACA’s Group Buying Scheme). Still in ‘as new’ condition, very happy with sturdiness and safety of bunks. Bunks come with accreditation for structure and strength. Most other bunks carry accreditation for design only.”
Andrea Brown, Golden Valley Lodge

“The Free Booking Service provided by ACA is by far the best booking service that we have used. That in itself provides great value for the annual membership fee. It provides more leads than any magazine advertising we have tried giving us more “bang for our buck”! Through the ACA Booking Service we have acquired many new group bookings, some of which have turned into regular bookings”
Grant Laidlaw, Log Cabin Camp

Australian Camps Association membership is open to residential camp operators, activity providers and individuals or organisations with an interest in the camps sector.

For more information please contact the ACA Memberships Manager, Stephen Hamilton.

Tel: (03) 9863 6822
Email: shamilton@auscamps.asn.au
Web: www.auscamps.asn.au