From Campgrounds to Capitol Hill: Advocating for Youth Development
By Aislee Berenice Nieves
In early May, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the American Camp Association’s Hill Day—a signature annual event that brings together camp professionals, volunteer leaders, and ACA staff to educate elected officials about the value of camps to youth, families, and communities nationwide. Camp Hill Days features a comprehensive training day followed by visits to Capitol Hill, giving participants the tools and platform to meet directly with legislators and their staff to discuss ACA’s advocacy priorities and share compelling stories and data on the positive impact of camp
As someone who’s been on the ground with young people and families at Camp Fiver, I’ve seen firsthand how camp can transform lives. But standing in the halls of Congress to speak up on behalf of our field took that passion to a whole new level.
Day One: Training, Connection, and Getting Prepared
Our first day was all about preparation. The ACA team led us through an intensive advocacy training, equipping us with tools and strategies to make the most of our conversations with members of Congress and their staff. We talked through the key issues facing camps nationally and practiced how to clearly and confidently communicate our message.
One of the most helpful parts of the day was role-playing meetings. These scenarios pushed me out of my comfort zone—but also helped me realize that sharing the Fiver story and highlighting the broader impact of camps is something I can do with heart and conviction. The ACA also gave us access to national data on youth development, workforce readiness, and mental health—all powerful proof points to support the personal stories we carried into our meetings.
Day Two: Taking Our Message to the Hill
Then came the real action—Hill Day itself. I teamed up with other advocates from New York, and together we met with representatives and staff from several districts. It was amazing to discover how many people on the Hill had their own connections to camp, whether as campers, counselors, or parents. These shared experiences opened doors for meaningful conversation and genuine connection.
In each meeting, we focused on the essential role camps play in the lives of children and families—from building social-emotional skills and confidence to offering workforce pathways and community belonging. We advocated for continued federal support for youth development programs and emphasized the long-term benefits of camp participation.
Why This Matters
As I reflect on the experience, I feel deeply grateful—not only for the opportunity to represent Fiver, but also for the reminder that advocacy is a collective effort. When we come together as a field, we amplify the impact of our work and ensure that the needs of our communities are heard at the highest levels.
Thank you to the Fiver team for encouraging me to participate in this event—it was a meaningful and empowering professional development experience. I’m excited to bring what I learned back to our work at Fiver, and to continue championing the importance of equitable access to camp for all youth.
