Sam & Andy Go to Washington - The Day Camp Pod - #140
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
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Episode Links:
BridgeUSA J-1: Exchange Visitors and America’s Summer Camps
Child Protection Improvements Act (CPIA)
Unlocking a Future Where All Children Can Thrive
Michele Branconier - ACA - Senior Director of Volunteerism
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Your Hosts:
Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
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Sponsors:
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:
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