Bipartisan Efforts in Camp Safety and Preparedness for Youths

Camp Safety, Preparedness, and Protecting America's Youth

In an initiative that combines efforts across political lines, the American Camp Association (ACA) has convened an important briefing at Capitol Hill. This event, held on June 2, 2026, aims to delve into vital issues surrounding safety and emergency preparedness at youth camps nationwide. It has brought together congressional leaders, camp professionals, and national preparedness experts to discuss how best to protect children attending summer camps across the country.

With millions of children expected to participate in camps this summer, the event, titled ‘Camp Safety, Preparedness, and Protecting America's Youth,' sought to foster dialogue on collaborative strategies for improving safety measures and emergency response protocols. Chaired by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and James Lankford, the discussion was timely, addressing the evolving risks impacts camps face today.

The briefing featured prominent figures including Scott Brody from Camp Sewataro, Henry DeHart, President and CEO of ACA, and several leading experts in the field of emergency preparedness. The platform allowed for sharing insights regarding operational resilience, child protection practices, and significant lessons learned in light of disasters such as the flooding in Texas in 2025.

One notable announcement was ACA's collaboration with First Street, a company specializing in climate risk projections. This partnership will enable camps to access crucial property-level risk assessments, free of charge. These assessments are expected to enhance emergency preparedness and long-term planning, essential for camps operating in diverse environmental conditions.

Henry DeHart emphasized the importance of informed decision-making facilitated through science-based tools, stating, "Camps are responsible for making thoughtful decisions every day to protect campers and staff." The initiative represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of youth within these camp environments.

First Street's innovative models utilize peer-reviewed science and provide data crucial for property-level risk management. For camps that often face unpredictable challenges ranging from flooding to extreme heat, equipping leadership with such tools is invaluable. As Matthew Eby, founder of First Street explains, "The decisions leaders make today will shape camper safety for decades to come."

The comprehensive discussions also touched upon the implementation of the bipartisan Child Protection Improvements Act (CPIA), pinpointing the standards camps should adopt to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all children. Through shared responsibilities between policymakers, community partners, and camp organizations, the briefing aims to strategize solutions for a proactive approach to camp safety.

As we look ahead, the collaboration between ACA and First Street heralds a new era of preparedness and resilience among youth camps. By leveraging data-driven methodologies, the safety of millions of campers can be anticipated and protected in a more structured and informed manner.

This initiative is just the beginning of a concerted effort to address the myriad of challenges that direct camp operations, ensuring that prioritizing safety remains integral to the camp experience. The ACA firmly stands as a beacon of advocacy, promoting the health, safety, and well-being of campers and staff alike across the diverse landscape of summer camps in the United States.

For those interested in learning more about camp safety initiatives or the ACA's efforts, additional information can be found at the official ACA website. Together, let’s ensure that our summer camps are not only places for fun and adventure but also models of safety and care for our youth.