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From Capitol Hill to Camp: Why Advocacy Matters More Than Ever for Summer Camps

As conversations around childcare, workforce development and youth mental health continue to grow, summer camp has an important story to tell and this episode takes listeners straight to the front lines of that advocacy work. Andy Pritikin shares an inside look at ACA Hill Day 2026 in Washington, DC, where camp professionals met with lawmakers to push for critical issues like background check access, J-1 visa reform and stronger bipartisan support for camps. Packed with eye-opening stats, real camp stories and practical ways camp leaders can get involved, this episode highlights why advocacy matters now more than ever. If you care about the future of camp and the impact it has on families, communities and the next generation, this is a must listen episode.

• 02:01 Inside Hill Day
• 04:00 Camp Stories
• 05:44 Camp Impact Stats
• 07:35 Childcare Funding
• 09:46 Future Ready Skills
• 12:20 Background Checks CPIA
• 14:34 J-1 Visa Crunch
• 15:20 Camp Caucus Push
• 18:14 Invite Officials
• 19:38 Why Hill Day Matters
• 24:31 Summer Sendoff

Episode Links:

EIS State Sheets

BridgeUSA J-1: Exchange Visitors and America’s Summer Camps

Congressional Camp Caucus 

Child Protection Improvements Act (CPIA)

Unlocking a Future Where All Children Can Thrive

Michele Branconier - ACA - Senior Director of Volunteerism

Your Hosts:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

Sponsors:

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• AMSkier
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