In a given week, there might be four or five different ACA advocacy calls.

A leadership call with ACA's senior team discussing an emerging issue at the state or federal level. A Government Affairs Committee meeting analyzing state-level bills or new regulations. A quarterly network call with 60 camp professionals tracking local regulatory activity. A coalition meeting with international exchange program partners.

Many camp professionals have no idea this work is happening. But it's happening every week, at multiple levels, on behalf of all camps.

The Reality

The days of camps being under-regulated are coming to an end.

States that never regulated camps are writing new laws.

Often, those laws are smart and protective. Sometimes they are well-intended but miss the mark in places.

Regulation is accelerating faster than most camp professionals realize. Without coordinated engagement and the opportunity for input, an inexpertly drafted provision becomes permanent. Good intentions can sometimes create standards that don’t work on the ground.

This is why the work matters.

How Advocacy Works

Camp advocacy operates as a coordinated system across six distinct layers.

Leadership Advocacy Calls

This is a small group of senior ACA leaders focused on emerging federal issues before they become actionable legislation.

Sometimes important things pop up quickly, and we need to pull together a small group to think through the first steps. Our Government Affairs Cochairs work with key ACA staff leadership like Henry DeHart and Michele Branconier to create the right action plan for emerging issues, with professional support from our advocacy partners at Bose Public Affairs, Capitol Hill Partners, and Chartwell Strategy Group.

Government Affairs Committee

This call involves about a dozen members, including ACA volunteers and staff, affiliate CEOs, and issue experts.

The Government Affairs Committee handles deep strategic analysis of important issues and is helping to create model state guidance in 17 different areas that impact camps. States that are considering new legislation or regulations will have a trusted resource to turn to rather than starting from scratch.

Looking for new rules on emergency response plans and procedures for camps? Our Government Affairs team has a carefully developed and reviewed framework for states to use. And so much more . . .

Quarterly Advocacy Network

Here we have 50+ caring and dedicated camp professionals nationwide, drawn from state associations and Local Councils of Leaders and affiliate volunteers.

Their primary role is early detection, surfacing emerging issues at the state level that require thoughtful response.

International Coalition Work

J-1 visa programs are part of the State Department's BridgeUSA program. Camp advocacy here means coalition work with J-1 sponsors in the Camp Counselor and Summer Work Travel categories, and sometimes even with folks from other sectors who also host exchange visitors in seaside communities, ski areas, and all across America. Federal advocacy requires cross-sector understanding and engagement.

Our New Roundtable for Government Affairs Teams from Major National Youth-Serving Organizations

As the pace of our work in DC continues to accelerate, we have heard from our partner organizations that they want to work even more closely with ACA to support high-quality camp experiences through engagement on Capitol Hill. We have always partnered with organizations like YUSA, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, CCCA, Girl Scouts, and others in our advocacy work.

Through regular quarterly meetings, we hope to build even closer partnerships with our nation’s leading youth-serving organizations to coordinate collective advocacy and action. We are stronger together!

Our New Camp Caucus in the House and Soon to Be in the Senate Too!

The Camp Caucus has officially launched in the House of Representatives under the leadership of Congressmen Edwards and Pappas. New members have already signed on, and the caucus will be growing every month moving forward.

The Camp Caucus will provide us with a vehicle to engage growing numbers of folks on the Hill who care about camp. We will work with them to keep them informed and sponsor quarterly briefings on issues that matter to camps and kids.

Caucus members will share what they know about emerging policy conversations on the Hill and help us find new ways to support more kids going to camp in the future. Look for announcements about our Senate caucus in the coming weeks!

The People Doing This Work

Advocacy is a team sport.

Hundreds of camp professionals work on this at the state and local levels. Most receive no recognition. They're motivated solely by the mission.

They show up for quarterly calls. They monitor state legislatures. They build relationships with local policymakers. They share knowledge with us so national strategy can be proactive instead of reactive.

And Hill Days serve as the gateway. These are an accessible and educational entry point for camp professionals who want to get involved. In an era of deadlocked politics, we are finding traction on the Hill in our advocacy on behalf of camps. Come join us, and experience the thrill of making a national impact for camps, kids, and families!

What You Should Know

This work is happening whether you see it or not.

At the federal level through the Congressional Camp Caucus.

At the national level through ACA's Government Affairs Committee.

At the state level through advocacy networks and associations monitoring legislative activity.

At the local level through camp professionals building relationships in their communities.

It's increasingly organized, strategic, and constant.

And it's working on behalf of all camps — because that's the only way it can work.

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.