Pappas, Edwards Launch Bipartisan Congressional Camp Caucus

Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01)and Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) are launching the Congressional Camp Caucus, a new bipartisan caucus to elevate the role camps play in supporting youth development, workforce preparation, and community vitality across the country.

Each year, more than 26 million children attend day and overnight camps nationwide, making camps one of the most far-reaching youth-serving institutions in the United States. Beyond their well-known developmental benefits, camps are also significant economic and workforce drivers, generating approximately $70 billion in annual economic impact, supporting nearly one million jobs, and contributing more than $13 billion in tax revenue at the federal, state, and local levels.

“Camps provide children essential experiences that build human connection, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Young people learn to collaborate face-to-face, develop resilience and leadership, and strengthen the people skills our communities and workforce will increasingly depend on,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “As New Hampshire is home to over 100 camps, I’m thrilled to join Congressman Edwards in launching the bipartisan Congressional Camp Caucus to support camps and all they do for our youth and our economy.”

“Summer camps give kids a safe place to stay active, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills, while giving working parents dependable childcare when they need it most,” said Congressman Edwards. “In Western North Carolina, camps are a cornerstone of our community and economy —home to one of the highest concentrations of summer camps in country, generating an estimated $1.7 billion in annual economic impact. That’s why I’m proud to launch the Congressional Camp Caucus alongside Congressman Pappas and advocate for these treasured institutions in Congress.”

“Over 26 million children attend a day or overnight camp each year. ACA is working to help every child have the opportunity to benefit from the growth and development that come from such experiences. We are thrilled to partner with our nation's elected officials to work towards expanding access to camp and strengthening safe and quality camp experiences across the country. We especially appreciate the Camp Caucus leadership of Representatives Pappas and Edwards,” said Henry DeHart, CEO and President of the American Camp Association.

"The creation of the Camp Caucus will benefit every camp in New Hampshire and all over the United States. This is a powerful step forward for our industry and one that will advance our mutual goals ultimately allowing camps to focus on what we do best: developing and supporting our youth. I am deeply grateful to Representative Pappas for his continued support of our industry and for all of the work he has done in partnership with the American Camp Association,” said Tammy Fortune, Owner and Director of Camp Wa-Klo in New Hampshire.

Almost 150 years ago, one of the nation’s very first summer camps opened on Squam Lake in New Hampshire. Today New Hampshire is home to over 100 camps. These camps have a long history of providing quality outdoor education to young people from New Hampshire, across the nation, and the world. 

The Congressional Camp Caucus will work to elevate the role camps play in strengthening children, families, and communities. The caucus will focus on:

• Promoting child safety and high-quality standards through strong oversight and best practices, while expanding access so more children can benefit from camp experiences.
• Supporting workforce development and rural economies, where camps often serve as major employers and community anchors; and
• Protecting and promoting the camp community by safeguarding critical programs and recognizing camps’ contributions to youth well-being, leadership, and character development.