NJC-GAP raises money to support the Camp Industry in the State of New Jersey by monitoring and responding to all legislation and regulation that might impact any and all children’s camps. We forge relationships with government officials, making them aware of our profound youth development and economic impact. NJC-GAP partners with The American Camp Association New Jersey Section (ACA-NJ), ACA-NY, and their legislative committees.

Membership benefits include: Immediate notification of changes in laws and regulations; an extensive network to share all aspects of operating a camp in New Jersey with experienced camp directors; and various vendor discounts. 

Regardless of what kind of Camp you run, NJC-GAP works for you!

It wasn’t long ago when the New Jersey Camp Industry consisted mostly of agency Camps led by job-juggling directors and private Camps led by school teachers. Camps didn’t begin enrolling until the mid-Winter or Spring, and the laws and regulations which were being discussed in Trenton were hardly noticed, as Trenton didn’t seem to notice Camps much anyway.  In the past two decades, the landscape has changed. Camps are now directed by full-time Camp Professionals who enroll campers, hire staff, and work on their facilities 12 months per year. As suburbia has spread, more families now seek childcare and enriching experiences for their children through the many Camps which New Jersey has to offer.

New Jersey Camps have now become acutely aware of the importance of representation in Trenton, and since May 2006, ACA-NJ has subsidized the efforts of experienced Trenton lobbyist Claudine Leone. The results have been immediate and substantial. Unfortunately, ACA-NJ can not subsidize our government affairs project alone. Every Camp in New Jersey needs to pitch in and contribute to this essential effort. Our purposely affordable dues chart is below.

• ACA Accredited Camps are now exempt from NJ State inspection of Rock Climbing Walls and most other Adventure/Challenge elements.

• ACA Accredited Camps are now exempt from State Inspection, if in the same year as the ACA Accreditation visit. We are hopeful to extend this exemption to all state inspections of ACA camps shortly.

• We are currently engaged in revisions to the NJ Youth Camp Safety & Act, significantly influencing proposed revisions and working to limit the scope of additional regulations.

• Our Lobbyist monitors state legislation and regulations on a daily basis assuring early warning of issues that could impact camps.


 

• Defensive lobbying prevented extension of state’s 7% sales tax to the Camp Industry, while 200 other less fortunate industries were added to the list of State Sales Taxable businesses.

• Defensive lobbying prevented legislation requiring employers to provide 30 minute meal periods (every 6 hours) and 15 minute paid rest breaks (every 4 hours) to all employees.

• Currently investigating Department of Labor "Breaks" policies, and minimum wage laws.
 

Annual Dues Structure to be paid annually:

PRIVATE CAMPS -  $2.50 per camper, Max. $500

NON-PROFIT CAMPS - 1 week’s fee, Max. $250

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS - Not affiliated with a particular Camp or Business: $100

BUSINESS MEMBERS - Includes listing on website and all printed materials: $400
 

CLICK BELOW FOR NJC-GAP MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION