There are approximately 21,000 camps running programs across the United States.

ACA has about 10,000 individual members and over 3,000 member camps.

But the Congressional Camp Caucus isn't just for ACA members. It's for all camps.

Every overnight camp, day camp, specialty camp, religious camp, family camp, nonprofit, for-profit. If you serve kids through camp, this work serves you.

Policy Doesn't Work in Membership Categories

When we advocate in Washington, sitting down with leaders and staff, we don't qualify which specific camps we represent. We speak for camps, kids, and families everywhere.

Because policy doesn't distinguish between members and nonmembers.

When we fight to make overnight camp tax deductible for families, that benefit would apply to all camps.

When we advocate for emergency response planning and appropriate state safety regulations, those affect every camp regardless of accreditation status.

When we secured PPP inclusion during COVID, it saved member and nonmember camps alike.

Workforce development policy serves the entire camp labor market. Visa programs for international counselors and support staff benefit camps across the board. Disaster relief and FEMA coordination don't ask for membership cards.

There's no way to advocate for camps without advocating for all camps.

Kids Come First

ACA is a public charity, but the true north is what's good for kids and families.

Camps are the mechanism by which kids have transformational experiences. Leadership development. Independence. Resilience. Community. The skills that matter most.

Strong camps of all types benefit kids everywhere.

We can't improve outcomes for kids by limiting advocacy to a fraction of camps. When any camp struggles with unintended negative impacts of government policy, kids lose opportunities. When all camps have a voice in Washington, more kids benefit.

This work comes through ACA, yes, but it’s about ensuring the camp experience is safe, accessible, sustainable, and excellent for as many kids as possible.

ACA membership is growing steadily. Camps join because they value accreditation pathways, professional development, and best practices sharing.

Membership supports ACA's ability to do this work. But advocacy happens regardless.

We're not waiting for every camp to join ACA before doing this critical work. We're doing it now, for everyone.

Building a Voice for the Entire Field

Congressional offices expect advocates to represent whole systems, not just portions of them.

If we only spoke for ACA-accredited camps, our credibility would suffer. Policymakers need to hear from the full camp ecosystem. The caucus works because it represents the breadth and diversity of American camps.

The strength of the caucus depends on everyone.

When congressional staff hear about camps in their districts, they need to know we mean all camps. When legislation gets written, it affects the whole field. When funding opportunities emerge, they should reach camps of every type.

The Congressional Camp Caucus is only effective if it truly represents everyone.

If you're running a camp that serves kids, families, or even adults, this work serves you.

Strong camps make strong communities. Strong communities make strong childhoods.

Join the movement. Get updates on the Camp Caucus and learn how you can support camp advocacy in DC.

Scott Brody is ACA’s Government Affairs co-chair and leads the association’s advocacy efforts in Washington, DC. He served as ACA National Board Chair during the COVID-19 crisis, helping guide camps nationwide through safe reopening while securing unprecedented federal support. A camp director for more than 30 years, Scott is Director Emeritus of Camps Kenwood & Evergreen and owner of Everwood Day Camp and Camp Sewataro. He has dedicated his career to advancing the life-changing impact of camp and championing its value on a national stage.