Child Protection Bill Introduced in U.S. House and Senate
On March 13, the Child Protection Improvements Act of 2008 was introduced by Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE); Orrin Hatch (R-UT); and Arlen Specter (R-PA). The bill will make permanent a child protection pilot program that allows youth-serving organizations to run FBI background checks on prospective volunteers and employees.
May 6, 2008: Get involved today! Phone your legislators about this bill. We need you to ask your legislators to sign on as co-sponsors to the bills in both Houses of Congress. First, find out if your legislators have already signed on, and if not - phone them! Easy contact information and key messages are here.
Below is detailed information about the Act. However, if you are ready to advocate for the Act now, simply link here, and you will be taken to a new screen where you will simply enter your zip code and all the contact phone numbers and key messages will be on your screen!
The American Camp Association (ACA) has been working for the past two years—along with other organizations, primarily MENTOR/The National Mentoring Partnership—to develop the content and specific text of the bill. It is because of ACA’s work and the work of its partners in Washington , D.C. that this bill was supported by Senator Biden and introduced in Congress. The bill was also introduced the same day in the House by Rep Adam Schiff (D-CA).
For more information about the legislation, contact Susan Yoder at ACA, 800-428-2267 ext. 302, or e-mail syoder@ACAcamps.org. |
School Calendar: Save Our Summers
Florida Statute 1001.42 (f)Opening and closing of schools; fixing uniform date.--Adopt policies for the opening and closing of schools and fix uniform dates; however, beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, the opening date for schools in the district may not be earlier than 14 days before Labor Day each year.
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Rules Governing Sanitation of Resident Camp - Effective October 1, 2007
New Resident Camp Rules went into effect on October 1, 2007. Click here to read the memo from Denise Bentley, Chair, Resident Camp Rule Writing Committee.
Food Service Education - Removal of One Point Credit
North Carolina's Public Health Commission recently approved the removal the one point credit for food service education from the resident camp rules. This change will be effective July 1, 2008.
Food Service Education - NC Working Towards a Requirement
North Carolina's Department of Environment and Natural Resources is now working to establish a food service education requirement for resident camps. Food service education will no longer be an option, but a requirement, and what was a one point credit for education will become a one point violation if this requirement is not met. ACA Southeastern is currently participating on a rules committee that will decide how food service education will be required and reported in North Carolina. These new rules will potentially be effective January 1, 2009. Stay tuned!
International Building Code / Sprinkler Code
North Carolina adopted the International Building Code, effective January 1, 2008. Under this new code, all new construction and major renovations of sleeping quarters (R-1 classification) must contain sprinklers. ACA Southeastern is working with the American Institute of Architects in North Carolina to determine if camps can obtain an exemption from this code requirement if alternative methods or materials are used for fire protection. If your camp is seeking to build or renovate sleeping quarters now or in the near future, please contact Erica Rohrbacher, ACA Southeastern Executive Director to discuss possible options in your local jurisdiction.
School Calendar: Save Our Summers
ACA Southeastern is part of a coalition, dedicated to saving our summers in North Carolina. Led by the NC Travel Industry Association's lobbyist, this group is watching the NC Legislature closely to ensure House Bill 359, Restore Flexibility to School Calendars, does not pass in the Senate this year. HB 359 did pass the House of Representatives by a large margin in 2007, and will be eligible for consideration this year by the Senate.
The Save Our Summers website has an area for comments, as they relate to camps and the school calendar. Make your statement now!
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