History
The Australian Camps Association (ACA)

Building Australia's Premier Camps Network

The Australian Camps Association stands as the proud culmination of decades of dedication to outdoor education and camp experiences across Australia. Our journey reflects the vision of countless individuals who recognised the transformative power of camps and outdoor activities for Australian communities.

Foundation Years (1983-1997)

Where It All Began

Our story starts in Victoria in 1983, when the Camping Association of Victoria (CAV) was established with crucial support from the Victorian Government's Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation. This pioneering organisation set the foundation for what would become a national movement.

Key Founding Leaders:

●      Tom Slater (Scripture Union's Camp Coolamatong): First President

●      Don MacDowall: First Executive Officer

Their leadership established the framework that would guide the camp associations across Australia for decades to come.

National Collaboration (1997-2005)

Building Bridges Across States

By 1997, the vision had expanded beyond state boundaries. Recognising the need for a unified national voice that could secure federal funding and forge international connections, four state associations joined forces to create the Australian Camping Association:

●      Camping Association of Victoria (CAV)

●      Camping Association of South Australia (CASA)

●      Queensland Camping Association (QCA)

●      Camping Association of Tasmania (CAT)

This collaboration marked a pivotal moment in Australian camps sector, creating the first truly national platform for camps and outdoor activity providers.

Official Formation (2005)

The Birth of ACA

In 2005, we achieved a milestone that we remain exceptionally proud of today. The state associations formally amalgamated to create the Australian Camps Association as an incorporated national body.

Due to naming requirements for the new incorporated entity, we became the Australian Camps Association, distinguishing ourselves as the organisation focused on structured camp experiences rather than general camping activities.

Our Impact Today

A National Force for Good

Today, the Australian Camps Association serves as the trusted hub for outdoor experiences across the continent. We take immense pride in our achievements:

Connecting Communities:

●      Providing information and advice to thousands of groups seeking quality camp and outdoor activity providers annually

●      Supporting the diverse needs of schools, community organisations, families, and specialised groups

Supporting Excellence:

●      Delivering business support, resources, services, and professional training to more than 250 member camps and outdoor activity providers

●      Maintaining high standards across seven states and territories: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria

Advancing Our Mission: Our evolution from a single state association to Australia's national peak body demonstrates our unwavering commitment to getting 'more people outdoors more often.' Every milestone in our history reflects the dedication of camp operators, outdoor educators, and community leaders who believe in the life-changing power of outdoor experiences.

Looking Forward

The Australian Camps Association continues to build on this proud legacy, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of Australian communities while staying true to our founding vision of accessible, high-quality outdoor experiences for all.