Sam & Andy Go to Washington - The Day Camp Pod - #140

Send us Fan MailFind show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/washingtonFrom Capitol Hill to Camp: Why Advocacy Matters More Than Ever for Summer CampsAs 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 Day04:00 Camp Stories05:44 Camp Impact Stats07:35 Childcare Funding09:46 Future Ready Skills12:20 Background Checks CPIA14:34 J-1 Visa Crunch15:20 Camp Caucus Push18:14 Invite Officials19:38 Why Hill Day Matters24:31 Summer SendoffEpisode Links:EIS State SheetsBridgeUSA J-1: Exchange Visitors and America’s Summer CampsCongressional Camp Caucus Child Protection Improvements Act (CPIA)Unlocking a Future Where All Children Can ThriveMichele Branconier - ACA - Senior Director of VolunteerismYour Hosts:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampSponsors:Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)Looking to elevate your camp experience? For over 25 years, Commercial Recreation Specialists has been transforming camps with water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, and more! Boost your programming, drive registrations, and attract more campers. Our team of Recreation Specialists is here to help you design the ultimate space. Let’s take your camp to the next level – because we’re serious about FUN! Find out more at https://crs4rec.com/CampminderCampminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.comAMSkierAMSkier is a leading insurance and strategic partner for many of the finest camps in America. AMSkier partners with camps to provide public relations, legal, medical, behavior support and more - Experience the AMSkier difference. Learn more atamskier.com.Please review and subscribe!If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.It’s so easy! Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp‍  ‍Thanks, Camp Pro!