ACCT Newsletter 2024-07-11

July 11, 2024

2024/07/11

Exciting Update: ACCT Standards Recognized in Singapore's Outdoor Adventure Education Draft Standards!

We are thrilled to announce that the ACCT Standards have been referenced as one of the two standards for Challenge Course Activities within the draft Singapore Standards (SS) for Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE). The other referenced standard is EN 15567.

Currently, the OAE Standards are in the Public Comment Phase. You can view the official notice here [Section A (IV) 6. on page 4]. The standards are expected to be finalized and published in mid-2025. Interested parties in Singapore are encouraged to comment on the draft standards.

A full copy of the relevant draft standards are available here.

Thanks to Yen Kai Lye and Adrian See Decai of Blackbox Outdoor Education, who are members of the OAE Council at the national level and the standards writing committee, Yen Kai Lye serves as the Chair for Height Activities, which includes Challenge Courses, Abseiling, and Wall Climbing. In collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Education (MOE), Republic Polytechnic, and Outward Bound Singapore (OBS), Yen Kai Lye decided to use ACCT as one of the reference standards rather than creating a new activity standard.

Together with Colin Caines of Outdoor Specialist, they have been advocating for ACCT Standards to become the de-facto standards in Singapore. Since 2018 they have worked tirelessly to integrate ACCT standards into the OLAE (Outdoor Learning & Adventure Education) Standards of Industry Practices. In 2020, they successfully collaborated with MOE to accept ACCT Operation Accreditation as part of the additional safety enhancements for Challenge Course Operations in Singapore. This initiative led to a significant increase in ACCT Operation Accreditations in Singapore.

There will likely be growing interest in ACCT, ACCT Operation Reviews, and ACCT Standards in Singapore if and when the new standards are adopted.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ACCT members in Singapore for their continuous support of ACCT and ACCT Standards adoption. Special thanks to Colin Caines as well as Yen Kai and Adrian See.

The Importance of In-Service Training for Challenge Courses
by Lori Stover

In-service training is crucial for the ongoing development of employees, particularly in dynamic environments like challenge courses, aerial adventure parks, zip-line canopy tours, etc. These training sessions aim to enhance staff skills, knowledge, and performance, ensuring they can effectively fulfill their job responsibilities.

By providing opportunities for staff to practice in a safe environment, away from paying participants/clients, in-service training helps improve overall job performance, quality of work, problem-solving abilities, and safety. Additionally, it fosters community building among employees, aiding in retention and efficient scheduling. These benefits collectively contribute to a high-quality program that delivers exceptional experiences to participants.

Conference Sponsor Content:

Operation Review – Why You Need One & 3 Steps to Prepare For Yours

Accidents in our industry often stem from staff errors, not equipment failures. An operation review by a qualified person can help mitigate these risks by ensuring compliance with ANSI/ACCT standards, improving operations, and satisfying insurance requirements. Learn how to prepare effectively with our three-step guide.

Exciting News!
Launch of New Vendor Accreditation Informational Web Pages

We are thrilled to announce that our new Vendor Accreditation informational web pages will be live within the next week! This is a significant milestone in our continuous effort to provide streamlined, transparent, and comprehensive resources for our valued vendors.

What to Expect:

Enhanced User Experience: Our new pages are designed with you in mind, offering a seamless and intuitive navigation experience.
Comprehensive Information: Access detailed guides, FAQs, and essential resources to help you understand and navigate the Vendor Accreditation process.

Key Highlights:

Step-by-Step Accreditation Process: Clear and concise information on each stage of the accreditation process.
Resource Library: A robust collection of documents, templates, and best practices to support your accreditation.

This launch marks a new chapter in our commitment to excellence and collaboration. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the Vendor Accreditation process.

Stay tuned for the official launch, and be sure to visit our website to explore the new features.

Our July 17th Open Office Hours will feature Vendor Accreditation program updates and the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback.

Join us by requesting an invite below

Request to Join

The 2025 ACCT Conference Opportunity Guide is now available!

Sponsor and Exhibitor registration will be launching soon, so keep an eye out for an email with the details along with the 2025 Annual International ACCT Conference & Expo Opportunity Guide. Details will also be available on the sponsorship and exhibitor pages at acctconference.com.

If you would like to view the detailed opportunities before it reaches your email or mail box, you can view it here 2025 ACCT Opportunity Guide or on the website.

Upcoming Board of Directors Meetings
request to join and see the whole schedule from the website
all regular meetings are 7:30-9:30am Mountain time