Subcommittee backs bill to let trained teen camp staff demonstrate tasks for campers

Delegate Delaney told the subcommittee HB 12 18 responds to a recent interpretation of child-labor restrictions that prevented 15-year-old camp staff from performing demonstrations for younger campers. She described a scenario in which a trained 15‑year‑old counselor could explain how to build a campfire but could not demonstrate it, leaving untrained parents to perform the act. Delaney said that trained youth staff “need to be trusted to do the work that they are employed for.”

Dennis O’Connor, who said he worked as a volunteer on summer camp staff, told the committee the changed interpretation “did not improve safety” and instead increased the burden on camps that had to recruit parents to demonstrate activities. He asked the subcommittee to support HB 12 18 so camps can “operate safely and effectively.”

No one testified in opposition. After brief committee discussion the subcommittee moved to report the bill; the board vote recorded the bill as reported by a vote of 5–0.

The measure, as presented, would carve out routine instructional demonstrations by trained youth camp employees from the challenged interpretation of child-labor rules. The bill’s language was described as a narrow fix that returns practical discretion to camp operators and supervisors. The subcommittee recorded the motion to report the bill and sent it forward for additional consideration.

Next steps: HB 12 18 was reported by the subcommittee and will proceed to the next stage in the House process for further action.