Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat, a Grace Outside destination, has received American Camp Association® (ACA) ACA-Accredited® Camp status. “ACA accreditation means that Wesley Woods/Grace Outside submitted to a thorough review (up to 266 standards) of its operation by the American Camp Association (ACA) — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management — and complied with the highest standards in the industry,” said Tom Rosenberg, President/CEO, ACA.
“Parents expect their children to attend accredited schools. They also deserve a camp experience that is reviewed and accredited by an independent organization,” Rosenberg said.
“Wesley Woods and ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety,” said David Berkey, Grace Outside Executive Director, “Renewal of our ACA accreditation demonstrates our commitment to quality camp and retreat hosting and programming all year round.”
Wesley Woods was founded in 1953 and is located in Dowling, Michigan — an hour or less from Lansing, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. The mission of Wesley Woods and Grace Outside is to offer God’s love to all through rest, adventure, community and empowerment along one’s faith journey.
The 2025 Summer Camp season runs June through July and is now open for registration for children and youth (first grades through new high school graduates). There are also three-day overnight camps for children to enjoy with a grandparent, parent or special adult. For more information, visit the camp’s website at WesleyWoodsMI.org or email registrar@wesleywoodsmi.org.
Grace Outside is a camp and retreat ministry that grew from the rich history of the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. Grace Outside embraces the concept of grace as the unearned love of God. Whether you grew up in church or have never attended a religious service, Grace Outside offers a welcoming space where you can explore and grow in faith without judgment. Learn more about Grace Outside, programming for children, youth and adults, and its beautiful waterfront destinations — including Wesley Woods, Lake Michigan Family Campground (Pentwater) and Lake Huron Retreat Center (Burtchville) — at GraceOutside.org.
ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country. ACA’s nationally recognized standards program focuses primarily on the program quality, health and safety aspects of a camp’s operation. ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. For more parent-focused information about accreditation, visit ACAcamps.org.