Murphy, Kim Reintroduce Bill to Provide Free Summer Camp for All Kids

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), members of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on Monday reintroduced the Summer for All Act to expand access to high-quality summer enrichment opportunities. By creating two new federal grant programs, the bill would provide the long-term funding necessary for community-based organizations to offer free summer camps and activities to children currently unable to access them. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

During the Biden administration, Murphy led the way in securing funding for summer enrichment programs through the American Rescue Plan. With that funding, summer programs in states across the country, including Connecticut, opened their doors to hundreds of thousands of kids who could not previously participate. Under the Trump administration, that funding has run out, despite findings that only 38% of children in lower-income families participated in a summer enrichment program, compared to 67% of children in upper-income homes.

"No kid should miss out on the fun and the bonding that comes with summer camp just because there aren't enough spots or their family can't afford it. The Summer for All Act provides federal funding for summer programming so that parents don't have to stress and all kids - regardless of how much their parents make - can learn and play when school is out," said Senator Murphy.

"It always brings a smile to my face when I pick up my boys from camp in the summertime and get to hear their excitement sharing what adventure that day brought," said Senator Kim. "All our children should get the chance to build unforgettable memories learning and exploring over their summer break. With this bill, we have the power to make sure they can."

"Across New Jersey and communities nationwide, summer programs do so much more than fill the months between school years-they also give kids a true sense of purpose and belonging," said Senator Booker. "They open doors for young people to discover new passions, build confidence, form friendships, and see themselves as capable of more than they ever imagined. Yet far too many children miss out on those life shaping experiences simply because their families can't afford them. This legislation will help expand access to free, high quality summer programs in New Jersey and across the country, so every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive."

"Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and make lasting memories during the summer, regardless of their family's financial situation or where they live," said Senator Luján. "Summer camps help kids stay engaged, build confidence, and develop important skills, but too many families cannot afford them or lack access to these opportunities. The Summer for All Act will help expand access to high-quality summer camps and enrichment programs for children in every corner of New Mexico, especially in underserved and rural communities, ensuring more kids have a safe, welcoming place to learn, explore, and thrive during the summer."

"Kids shouldn't have to miss out on experiencing camp or summer activities because the costs are too steep for working families. Every child, regardless of zip code or family income, should have the opportunity for summer learning and enrichment. These programs support students both inside and outside the classroom, helping break barriers to student success that underserved young people often face. This legislation will provide the resources to help students on their way to a brighter future, helping ensure more kids have access to these opportunities," said Senator Van Hollen.

The Summer for All Act would authorize $4 billion over four years and $1 billion each fiscal year after to fund two new competitive grant programs managed by the Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to high-quality summer enrichment opportunities:

Summer Enrichment Expansion Grant: Helps community-based organizations expand the programs they offer in the summer, with a priority for programs that:

1. Provide programming and transportation free of charge to low-income participants
2. Expand access to underserved and rural communities
3. Partner with local schools to identify and enroll at-risk students, including those who were chronically absent the previous school year
4. Integrate healthy nutrition as part of their programming, as well as incorporate activities that support the physical and mental health of participants
5. Provide safe, healthy, and supportive environments, and help participants develop relationship-building skills as well as their social and emotional skills

Summer Programming State Grant: Supports states in addressing gaps in summer programming in sustainable ways, along with providing innovative summer programming opportunities for kids and their families, with priority for states that:

1. Organize state-level teams, comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, to determine the biggest gaps in summer enrichment programming within their state and develop a sustainable plan to leverage grant funding to address those gaps
2. Utilize funding for innovative programming that goes beyond providing expanded slots at established summer programs (i.e. making museums free for families throughout the summer)
3. Build partnerships between local schools, municipalities, and community-based organizations to maximize the impact of existing summer programs among at-risk students

The Summer for All Act has been endorsed by the following organizations: After-School All-Stars (ASAS), American Alliance of Museums, American Camp Association, American Library Association, Breakthrough Collaborative, Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School, Coalition for Service Learning, Connecticut Network for Children and Youth, Every Hour Counts, Girls Inc., Girlstart, Horizons National, Maryland Out of School Time Network, MENTOR, National Afterschool Association, National Council for Jewish Women, National Parents Union, National Recreation and Parks Association, National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), National Youth Leadership Council, Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN), and Youth Service America.

Aaron Philip Dworkin, CEO of the National Summer Learning Association:

"As a country, we have made a clear commitment to the education and well-being of our children from September to June. But the moment the final school bell rings, summer break becomes a tale of two realities. For families who can afford it, summer is a launching pad filled with learning, camps, jobs, internships, trips, mentors, and new skills. For too many others, it is the peak time of childhood hunger, juvenile crime, emergency room visits and academic slide, especially for low-income students. The most recent national polling from Gallup shows that 68% of kids in programs could afford to pay out of pocket, compared to just 38% of their low-income peers. Opportunity shouldn't be dictated by a family's zip code or bank account. Ensuring every single child in America has access to a safe, joyful, and high-quality summer program is something we can, and must, cross off America's to-do list. If passed into law, the Summer for All Act would provide $4 billion in federal funding, $1 billion annually to expand free summer camp, nutrition, and transportation access for low-income and disadvantaged students, including rural youth. NSLA is extremely grateful to US Senator Chris Murphy and US Senator Andy Kim for their bold leadership in championing this essential pillar of child development. My hope is that Congress comes together on this issue in a bipartisan manner and to pass this common-sense legislation, ensuring a wonderful summer for all students, not just some."

Henry DeHart, Chief Executive Officer of the American Camp Association (ACA):

"Every child deserves access to safe, high-quality summer experiences that help them learn, grow, and discover their potential. Summer camps provide enriching environments where young people develop critical life skills, build meaningful relationships, and stay active and engaged. At a time when many children spend increasing amounts of time on screens and social media, these opportunities for connection, personal growth, and outdoor experiences are more important than ever. The American Camp Association is proud to support the Summer Camp for All Act and its commitment to expanding access to transformative summer opportunities for children and families across the country."

For a one-pager on the bill click here. For full bill text click here.