The modern system used to evaluate Scout camps is the National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP), which was implemented by Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America) in 2013. However, the evolution of evaluating and standardizing Scout camps spans over a century, shifting from local operational reviews to a rigorous, multi-tiered national governance system.

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1. Early Era: Local Autonomy and Basic Health (1910s–1940s)

• Decentralized Roots: In the earliest days of Scouting, local councils established camps with minimal national oversight.

• Focus on Sanitation: Early evaluations primarily targeted basic water safety, proper latrines, and disease prevention.

• National Standards Introduction: The first formal, basic operational standards were distributed mid-century to unify regional safety, but enforcement was still managed locally. 

 

2. The Mid-Century: The "Camp Appraisal" System (1950s–2012)

• Standardization Push: During the mid-20th century, the BSA established formal National Camp Standards. These guidelines laid out specific rules for aquatics, shooting sports, and medical personnel. 

• The Camp Appraisal Method: For decades, camps were evaluated using an annual check-off system known as the Camp Appraisal.

• Visitation Committees: Regional or council volunteer committees conducted single-day visitations during the summer. They filled out scorecards to ensure compliance with a rigid list of rules.

• Limitations: This legacy system was criticized for treating safety like a checklist rather than assessing the long-term financial health, programmatic depth, or physical sustainability of the properties.

 

3. The Modern Era: Launch of the NCAP (2013–Present)

To elevate camps and fix structural issues, the BSA fully overhauled its evaluation framework, introducing the National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) in 2013. This changed the system from a passive checklist to an active management cycle. 

The modern NCAP system relies on five pillars: 

• Authorization to Operate: Local councils must apply to the National Council for permission to run a camp, proving that the camp is financially viable and serves a strategic purpose. 

• National Camp Standards: A comprehensive, regularly updated handbook of regulations covering everything from staff background checks to environmental conservation. 

• Camp Strategic Analysis: A deep dive into the camp’s facilities, regional market demand, and long-term usage trends. 

• Continuous Camp Improvement Program (CCIP): Camps must set measurable goals each year to improve their programs, facility conditions, or operational safety. 

• Annual Assessment Process: Trained, independent NCAP Assessors visit the property to verify compliance before granting formal accreditation status. 

 

4. Scope Expansion (2020s)

The system has expanded past traditional summer resident camps. NCAP standards now regulate day camps, family camps, high-adventure treks, and short-term council weekend events. These smaller operations must be overseen by a certified Short-Term Camp Administrator to ensure uniform safety across the board