We approve the emphasis on assumption of state responsibility in these areas, but feel that this in no way should serve as an excuse for national neglect. Clearly, assistance to encourage states to take preventative action is necessary now, and the establishment of federal standards, as provided for in this bill, should proceed at once. There have been extensive hearings on this matter in the last four years. A year of study, as directed by the House last year, has been completed. All interested parties have had an opportunity to be heard. The parents and teachers in the National PTA feel the time for action is now, and we urge your favorable consideration of this legislation. Our support of this bill continues our history of concern for the safety of children. As adults, we must afford them the protection they cannot achieve for themselves. We thank you for this opportunity to share our views with you. CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, Hon. Doм DANIELS, Washington, D.C. DEAR DOM: The Boys' and Girls' Camps in Texas are opposed to this Safety bill, H.R. 1486. I remember when this came up before and it tabled on the floor. By its very nature camping is rustic. Down home we cannot understand how all of the control mechanisms can work and still maintain the spirit of camping for the youngsters. I hope we can have additional hearings on this bill in the Fall after the camping season is completed. Best of luck to you, JAMES M. COLLINS, M.C. PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. STEWART B. MCKINNEY, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT Mr. Chairman, for the past three years we have considered but failed to enact needed camp safety legislation to protect the estimated 7.2 million young people whose well-being is entrusted to summer camp programs each year. I respectfully urge the committee to unanimously endorse H.R. 1486, the Youth Camp Safety Act, which would establish a federally administered program of minimum safety standards to guide the states in regulating summer camps. This bill is the first important step to initiate each state's program to prevent unnecessary illness, injury and death at summer youth camps. Last year, this important proposal was put aside again in lieu of a study undertaken by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to determine the extent of preventable accidents and injuries at camps across the nation and the effectiveness of the slim body of state law designed to prevent these camping incidents. Now, that study is completed; and in the face of numerous admissions that the study fails to effectively or meaningfully present the facts about camp safety in the United States, the report somehow concludes that "federal legislation to regulate youth camps is not recommended." I cannot agree. Despite its many shortcomings, the study clearly points out that only eight states meet even minimum safety standards for youth camp programs. The study also concludes that the present state enforcement of safety regulations is cumbersome and, for the most part, ineffective. Yet, the authors of the study reach the remarkable conclusion that the young people attending these camps should remain unprotected by even minimum safety standards until the rest of the 42 states enact some form of legislation. I believe that federal legislation is not only proper but vital to regulate a nationwide industry which, according to the HEW study, has "existed in relative or complete autonomy from outside influence and supervision." Although I support the study's further conclusion that "(t) he State's role is central in any endeavor of this sort," I believe that H.R. 1486 protects that role while providing the safety standards, the administrative capability on the federal level, and the enforcement machinery which the states have been either unable or unwilling to furnish. It is important to note that this legislation is not aimed at responsible camping organizations which may already operate under stricter programs than those called for in the bill. I believe that these camps will welcome a regulatory program which will put an end to the 'fly by night' camping operations which mar the reputation of the entire industry. Nor does the bill in any way diminish the great contribution to youth camp safety made by private and civic groups such as the American Camping Association. On the contrary, this legislation would only further the work these groups have begun and help them to achieve their goal of safe camping facilities for our young people. Mr. Chairman, we set safety standards for our cars, our food and even for children's toys. How then can we continue to ignore the desperate need for safety regulations for camping, an enterprise as potentially dangerous as any of these? I hope you agree that one life needlessly lost in a preventable camping mishap is compelling testimony to the need for youth camp safety legislation. Thank you. PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. J. J. PICKLE, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS Mr. Chairman, I thank you for this opportunity to submit a statement on H.R. 1486, or the Youth Camp Safety Act. In 1972 I proposed an amendment, which was adopted, to a similar bill. My amendment required an HEW study to be done on the problems of safety in camps across the nation. I did so because I wanted the Congress to have the best evidence possible as to the need, if any, for Federal legislation. I was disappointed that HEW did not complete its study sooner and wrote the Department several times urging them to move forward. I am now glad to see the study is completed. I am also happy to report to this Committee that after our discussion here on the 1972 Youth Camp Safety Act, my own State of Texas has passed a Youth Camp Safety Act. From all reports that I have, both from legislators, administrators, and camp owners, this is a good bill with teeth. It sets up good standards for camp safety. I am personally proud of this development for two reasons: 1. I feel that the Congressional inquiry on the national level has spurred some state legislatures to move forward. I personally encouraged the passage of the Texas bill; 2. I also will again take the position supported by the Department of HEW that the states should lead the way in passing youth camp safety legislation. The HEW study recommends a system where the Federal government will play a watchdog role over the states in their policing of camp safety. I think that this is a proper role for the Federal government. Federal regulations would, in my opinion, result in more trouble than it is worth as the bureaucracy will not be able to regulate the many camps in different states in an effective manner, and will perhaps limit camping opportunities to many youths. State regulation on the other hand can be more effective as each state will be able to mold its regulations, and the administration of its regulations, to meet the safety problems that will differ from state to state. State regulation will also provide good and safe camping opportunities on an ample basis. I realize that many of the states at this time have not moved forward with camping legislation. This is regrettable. I hope the states will take action here. If the Committee feels that the states will not pass model safety legislation, and that a Federal system of regulation is needed, I would urge the Committee to be mindful of the states that have already passed safety legislation. I would hope that the Committee, if it does decide to recommend legislation, would allow the states that have good safety legislation for camps to continue to be the enforcer of youth camp safety instead of being supplanted by a far-away bureaucracy. Your consideration of my views is appreciated. STATEMENT OF HON. LOWELL WEICKER, JR., A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT Mr. Chairman, as we approach the summer vacation season, we are once again faced with the appalling lack of federal protection for the health and safety of the millions of youngsters who will be attending summer camp. More than 4 years ago, as a Member of the House of Representatives, I cosponsored legislation in this area. I believe the problem has been studied enough since that time, and that the moment is right for legislative action. That is why I have cosponsored S. 1830, the "Youth Camp Safety Act." The person who has done more than anyone else to promote camp safety is Mr. Mitch Kurman of Connecticut, and I am sure that his testimony before you today will be both comprehensive and compelling. There is little I could add to the substantive portion of his testimony, but I do want to express my support for his efforts in this area. It is my sincere hope that H.R. 1486 will receive favorable action by the House of Representatives as soon as possible. Thank you. CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D.C., October 1, 1974. Hon. CARL D. PERKINS, Chairman, Education and Labor Committee, DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Enclosed please find a copy of the letter reecived from Mrs. Bonnie D. French, Headmistress of Hillbrook School in my congressional district. You will note Mrs. French believes that youth camp safety legislation currently under review by your committee would place an unwarranted burden on the taxpayer, and that existing camp safety programs are adequate. I shall appreciate your reviewing Mrs. French's remarks and making sure that the Committee members consider views such as those expressed by my constituent as further consideration of H.R. 16420 occurs. Thanking you, and with best wishes, I am Yours sincerely, CHARLES S. GUBSER, Re House bill 1486 by Daniels. House Office Building, Los GATOS, CALIF., September 25, 1974. DEAR SIR: It has been brought to my attention that Congress is considering legislation on youth camp safety. I would like to voice our opinion on this legislation because I feel that our camps are more than adequately supervised and regulated by our present state laws and departments. The addition of federal regulations would increase the cost of running our government at a time when we certainly do not need to increase government spending and would make, in my opinion, no appreciable difference in the operation of our camps. I would appreciate your reading the HEW survey on youth camps which shows that our youth camp safety is well-organized and not a problem. As a camp director as wall as a former camp parent, I feel that the House bill 1486 is unnecessary, unwarranted and an additional burden on the taxpayer. Thank you so much for your attention to this request. Sincerely yours, BONNIE D. FRENCH, Headmistress, Hillbrook School. о |