Canadian Camping Association

What Canadian Camping Association does

The Canadian Camping Association (CCA) is a federally registered Canadian charity (118829753 RR 0001) and nonprofit national federation founded in 1936 under the leadership of Taylor Statten. It unites eight Provincial Camping Associations — British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island — representing over 800 accredited overnight and day camps across Canada. CCA's core function is sector-level advocacy at the federal level (Canada Summer Jobs funding, tax equity, international staff work permits) and the curation of commercial partnerships that lower operating costs for member camps, including Foodbuy (3-5% procurement rebates), Gallagher Insurance (150+ participating camps), Sterling Backcheck (3,000+ staff vetted in 2024, $100,000+ industry savings), and Advica Health (mental health support at $3-$8/staff/month).

The organization's underlying technology stack is light: a Squarespace-hosted website (ccamping.org), MailerLite for email communications, LimeSurvey powering the Canadian Camp Census, and Zeffy for donations. There is no proprietary software platform; the CCA's "products" are member-benefit programs (commercial partnerships, insurance, advocacy, research) rather than technology products. Revenue mechanics combine recurring PCA membership dues, affiliate referral rebates from commercial partners (Foodbuy, Sterling Backcheck, Advica Health), and charitable donations. The customer base is structurally diversified — 800+ accredited camps routed through eight provincial associations — with no large anchor accounts. Leadership is led by Executive Director Matt Wilfrid (promoted February 2025) and President Shauna Joyce, supported by a small staff (1-10 employees) and board/committee structure including Advocacy Chair Geoff Park.

Name

Canadian Camping Association

Legal name

Canadian Camping Association

Website

https://ccamping.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1936

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Canadian Camping Association is a federally registered nonprofit national federation, founded in 1936, uniting eight Provincial Camping Associations that accredit over 800 camps across Canada. It delivers federal advocacy, commercial partnership rebates (insurance, procurement, vetting, mental health), and sector-wide research to member camps.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Camping Industry Association Services

NAICS

RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (72121), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA)

Keywords

• Camping industry association
• Camp accreditation standards
• Sector advocacy services
• Nonprofit federation services
• Camp commercial partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint-antoine-de-tilly

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Revenue generated through provincial camping association memberships and affiliated camp memberships. Camps belonging to PCAs that are members of the CCA enjoy affiliate membership benefits including commercial discounts and education opportunities.
2. Commercial Partnership Rebates: The CCA receives rebates from commercial partners including Foodbuy (food purchasing rebates) and Sterling Backcheck (staff vetting services), which also generate revenue for Provincial Camping Associations.
3. Donations: As a registered charity (118829753 RR 0001), the CCA accepts donations through platforms like Zeffy to support operations and programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Canadian Camping Association is a nonprofit national federation of eight Provincial Camping Associations representing over 800 accredited camps across Canada. It provides accreditation coordination, federal advocacy, industry research (such as the Canadian Camp Census), and curated commercial partnership programs (Foodbuy procurement rebates, Gallagher insurance, Sterling Backcheck staff vetting, Advica Health mental health support) that deliver cost savings and operational support to member camps.

Product overview

The Canadian Camping Association (CCA) operates as a nonprofit national federation of provincial camping associations, representing over 800 camps across Canada. Rather than offering a unified software product, the CCA provides advocacy services, commercial partnership programs, research initiatives, and member discounts for its constituent camps. The organization's core offerings include the Foodbuy purchasing program for food and supply procurement savings, Gallagher insurance coverage, Sterling Backcheck staff vetting services, Advica Health mental health support plans, and the Canadian Camp Census data collection initiative. The CCA also facilitates access to American Camp Association membership benefits and administers the Thanks To Camp marketing initiative.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Foodbuy Procurement Program A procurement savings and rebate program that leverages collective purchasing volume to provide accredited camps with 3-5% cash back on food and supplies, connecting members with over 36,000 products from 450+ suppliers. Free membership for CCA-affiliated camps.
• Gallagher National Camp Insurance Program National insurance program providing comprehensive coverage tailored to camp industry needs, including property, general liability, business interruption, vacant building protection, natural disaster coverage, and voluntary accident insurance. Over 150 camps across Canada participate.
• Advica Health Mental Health Support Program Discounted mental health and virtual health support plans for camp employees, offering unlimited 24/7 access to mental health support starting at $3/month per staff member and $8/month for virtual health support.
• Sterling Backcheck Staff Vetting Service Staff background check and vetting service offered to accredited camps through the CCA partnership, generating industry-wide savings of over $100,000 in 2024 by vetting more than 3,000 staff candidates.
• Canadian Camp Census National data collection initiative gathering comprehensive information from accredited camps across Canada, serving as an advocacy tool for federal and provincial engagement and supporting sector-wide research.
• National Accreditation and Standards Coordination Coordination of national camp accreditation standards across Canada's eight provincial camping associations, including administration of national discussion groups on standards, accreditation frameworks, and PCA support programs.
• Federal Advocacy and Government Relations Federal advocacy service representing the Canadian camp sector on policy issues including Canada Summer Jobs funding, international staff work permits, and tax equity for overnight camps, supported by engagement with government relations firm Proof Strategies Inc.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $100,000 in industry-wide savings through Sterling Backcheck staff vetting partnership in 2024
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Home DepotminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 March 2026Partnership announced in March 2026. Details of the partnership scope and benefits were not fully disclosed in the available source material.
• Cardio ChocminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 October 2025AED (Automated External Defibrillator) provider partnered with Canadian Camp Census. Offered refurbished AED as incentive prize for census completion. Supports camp safety and preparedness.
• American Camp Association (ACA)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2025ACA provides free one-year membership for PCA member camps using promo code CANADIANCAMP. Benefits include discounts on books, courses, webinars, in-person events; access to member-only content; free online bullying prevention course; Camping Magazine subscription; ACA National Conference registration.
• Advica HealthcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 May 2025Advica Health partnership provides mental health and virtual health support for camp staff. Plans start at $3/month/staff for mental health and $8/month/staff for virtual health. Unlimited 24/7 access with ongoing therapy at affordable rates. CCA receives small rebate based on camp participation.
• FoodbuycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodbuy is Canada's largest procurement services organization offering camps access to 3-5% cash back on food and supplies through collective purchasing volume. Free membership with no mandatory changes to purchasing. Camps save money through 300+ contracted manufacturers and receive monthly rebate cheques. Contact: Rita Andersson.
• Gallagher InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGallagher provides the National Insurance Program with comprehensive coverage designed specifically for camp needs. Over 150 camps participate. Coverage includes vacant building protection, natural disaster coverage, all-risk property coverage, business interruption, general liability, and voluntary accident insurance.
• Sterling BackcheckcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStaff vetting services through partnership. In 2024, over 3,000 staff candidates were vetted, representing industry-wide savings of over $100,000. Direct financial support provided to PCAs and CCA through this partnership.
• Lifesaving SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLifeguard Reciprocity Program - fast-track for qualified international staff from UK, Australia, and South Africa to receive NL certification. Based on equivalency of Commonwealth lifesaving standards. Reduces barriers for international camp staff hiring.
• David Suzuki FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership discussion held regarding reconciliation efforts through camping. Model partnership with Squamish Family and Children's Services, Squamish Nation, and Camp Fircom on Gambier Island serves as inspiration for other camps seeking to increase reconciliation relationships.
• Proof Strategies Inc.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGovernment relations and advocacy consulting firm engaged to support federal government engagement and bring attention to sector issues. Provides regular political updates from Ottawa and helps prepare Pre-Budget Submissions.
• Outdoor Council of CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Outdoor Career Pathways Survey for outdoor guides. Project with Tourism and HR Canada to uncover how individuals become outdoor guides who contribute to national identity and economy.
• International Camping Fellowship (ICF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICF administers the International Camp Directors Course and presents the Abbott Fenn Druzhba Award. The CCA promotes these programs to Canadian camp directors and participates in international camping community.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American Camp Association: The direct U.S. counterpart national federation for accredited camps, offering accreditation standards, research, conference programming, and member benefits. Highly comparable mission, structure, and revenue model to the CCA, serving as its primary cross-border peer.
• International Camping Fellowship: Global federation connecting national camping organizations and offering the International Camp Directors Course and the prestigious Abbott Fenn Druzhba Award. Closely comparable as a federation of national camping associations, operating one tier above CCA.

Others

• Outdoor Council of Canada: National advocacy organization for outdoor recreation, sport, and education sectors. Adjacent to CCA through outdoor pathways and workforce advocacy (e.g., Outdoor Career Pathways Survey), but it does not accredit or represent camps specifically.
• Children & Nature Network: U.S.-based research and advocacy organization promoting equitable access to nature, outdoor play, and camp experiences for children. Adjacent to CCA's research and advocacy mission through children-and-nature evidence base, but does not accredit camps directly.

Broad incumbents

• Scouts Canada: National youth organization offering outdoor programming, summer camps, and adventure-based education to children and youth. Overlaps with CCA on outdoor youth programming and provincial chapter structure, but operates its own camps rather than federating independent ones.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada: National federation of youth-serving clubs offering camp and outdoor programming among broader youth development services. Comparable federation model serving youth across Canada, but with broader mission than camping-focused CCA.
• YMCA Canada: A much larger national federation running sleepaway and day camps across Canada as part of broader youth, health, and recreation services. Overlaps with CCA on camp programming and youth development, but operates at significantly greater scale.
• Girl Guides of Canada: National youth organization running outdoor adventure programming and camp experiences for girls. Comparable provincial chapter structure and outdoor youth mission, but operates its own camps rather than federating independent ones.

Emerging players

• Take Me Outside: Canadian non-profit advocating to get children and youth outdoors and active in nature. Mission-aligned with CCA's outdoor youth development goals, but a smaller, single-issue advocacy player without the federation or accreditation infrastructure.

Regional players

• Camping and Outdoor Education Association of Australasia: Regional federation representing camp and outdoor education providers in Australia and New Zealand, with comparable accreditation-style membership and standards work. Closest international equivalent outside North America.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CanadianCampsAssociation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/canadian-camps-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/ccampingorg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Canadian Camping Association