Community School of the Arts at Indiana State University Achieves National Accreditation

Indiana State University is proud to announce that the Community School of the Arts (CSA) and their summer Camp Sycamore program, have earned accreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA), a nationally recognized mark of excellence in youth programming. This achievement reflects the CSA’s commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and developmentally enriching summer camp experiences for children and youth in the Wabash Valley and beyond.

ACA accreditation is the gold standard for camps nationwide, involving a comprehensive review of over 250 standards in areas such as health and safety, staff training, emergency preparedness, and program design. By meeting these rigorous benchmarks, CSA joins a select group of camps that prioritize best practices and continuous improvement.

“This accreditation is a significant milestone for the CSA and for Indiana State University’s broader mission to serve youth through educational and creative engagement,” said Cynthia Phillips-Sabla, CSA and Youth Programs Director. “It affirms our dedication to excellence and ensures that families can trust our programs to be both inspiring and safe.”

Accreditation by ACA enhances CSA’s ability to:

• Provide safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate programming
• Recruit and train qualified staff and volunteers
• Maintain transparent policies and procedures aligned with national standards
• Foster positive youth development through arts-based experiential learning

The impact of ACA accreditation extends beyond the campus. It strengthens CSA’s role as a university department that supports community engagement, youth development, and educational outreach. It also positions the CSA to pursue new partnerships and funding opportunities that will expand access to high-quality arts programming for children across the region.

As the CSA prepares for its upcoming summer season, Indiana State University celebrates this achievement as a reflection of its values: student-centered learning, community collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

For more information about CSA’s accredited summer camps, visit statecsa.indstate.edu or contact Cynthia Phillips-Sabla at ISU-CSA@indstate.edu.