Colorado Camps Network McClain keeps an ear to the ground in the Colorado House as part of the Colorado Camps Network (CCN). The group, made up of both Christian and secular camps, pays dues which are used toward a lobbyist. The lobbyist sits in the House, staying ahead of the gavel by keeping an eye out for bills which may create positive or negative impacts on their network. CCN is strategically taking a proactive, rather than a
reactive, approach in the Colorado House. According to McClain, when their lobbyist flags something, it’s put in an email for the network to review. “Te board reads the proposed bill and [decides whether or not] it will affect camps,” McClain explained. As is the case in many states, “Camps get lumped
in with childcare and school … so much of our state’s rules and regulations were [primarily] written toward in-home daycare centers in the greater Denver area.” McClain continues. “It’s just not applicable to day camps or residential camps.” By being involved at the genesis of proposed bills,
CCN is in the know, which means in some cases the network is granted the opportunity for camps to endorse and request support of, or flag concern for those representing them on the floor. Some of the contents within these bills could result in a simple, yet cumbersome administrative burden or re-align how a camp approaches upcoming operations entirely. Oſten, these bills are written and processed by people who aren’t familiar with unique situations for camps as they get lumped in with other youth-based organizations (like schools).
McClain provided a specific case as an example.
“One of the things CCN was able to do was get an exemption for seasonal residential camps and outdoor educational staff members … As we’re one of those states with a minimum wage of $16 per hour, and the law wanting to make counselors paid hourly, this is a huge win for us being able to stay afloat in what we charge campers in the end.” Another notable case in Colorado is the Miller vs.
Crested Butte lawsuit between a family and the well- known ski resort. CCN is weighing in on this because the lawsuit jeopardizes the validity of liability and waivers for recreational organizations, like camps. “Parents are suing the ski resort saying it’s null and
void for a parent to sign a waiver on behalf of their child,” McClain shared. “If I can’t sign a waiver on behalf of my child, no one is going to be in business anymore; it has huge ramifications for camps.” McClain explained, “Why would I want to do busi- ness as an operator if there’s no freedom from liability if parents can’t accept risk for their minor?” McClain noted that CCN joined together and took a stance. “We tagged our name on it and said, ‘We do not support this. We think there should be waivers and parents should be able to sign them.’”
As part of the California Collaboration for Youth (CCFY), Gabe Valencia, CEO of Mile High Pines (Angelus Oaks, California), has found great benefit to working with groups that are not just faith-based.
September/October 2024
www.ccca.org 35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
