For Camps.

For Kids.

For Peace of Mind.

Camps are one of Alabama’s greatest traditions.
We believe every child should experience camp in an environment that is safe, prepared, and accountable.

The Alabama Legislature is currently considering HB381, the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act. HB381 strengthens Alabama’s camp tradition by establishing the state’s first uniform emergency preparedness standards for overnight youth camps.

Currently, no statewide emergency preparedness licensing system exists for camps. HB381 fills that gap by requiring licensed camps to maintain emergency plans, weather monitoring systems, flood safety protections, background checks for staff, and annual safety training.

HB381 supports responsible camp operators while giving parents greater peace of mind.

Learn more about HB381

Take Action

Contact your state senator and encourage them to support HB381

Send a pre-written email to your state senator by following these easy steps:

  1. IDENTIFY YOUR STATE SENATOR through the Find My Elected Officials Map

  2. FIND THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS using this list of Alabama state senators, and copy your senator’s email address

  3. EITHER click the 'Email Your Representatives’ button below OR copy/paste the pre-written email below into your preferred email program

  4. Copy/paste your senator’s email address in the ‘To” Field

*Don’t forget to personalize your email by filling in the bracketed information

Email Your state senator

  • EMAIL SUBJECT: HB381 - VOTE YES!

    EMAIL BODY:

    Dear Senator [SENATOR'S NAME],

    I’m writing to you as your constituent to encourage you to support HB381, the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act.

    Alabama’s camp tradition is strong. Our safety standards should be, too.

    Right now in Alabama, there is no uniform statewide emergency preparedness licensing system for overnight youth camps. Standards vary. Expectations are unclear.

    HB381 fixes that.

    The bill establishes Alabama’s first Emergency Preparedness License for overnight camps, administered by the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. To operate, camps must demonstrate:

    - A comprehensive, agency-approved emergency plan
    - Specific procedures for severe weather, flash floods, fire, lost campers, and medical emergencies
    - Clear evacuation and shelter-in-place protocols — including nighttime procedures
    - NOAA all-hazards weather monitoring
    - Redundant communication systems that do not rely solely on cell service
    - Audible emergency alerts for campers and staff
    - Designated shelter space for all overnight residents

    HB381 also prohibits new sleeping cabins in FEMA-designated 100-year floodplains and requires background checks and annual emergency training for overnight staff.

    These are not extreme measures. They are baseline safeguards.

    Many camps in Alabama already take these steps. HB381simply ensures that EVERY overnight camp in Alabama meets consistent standards. And as a parent, this gives me the peace of mind to know that my child is as safe as possible while away at camp.

    Please vote yes on HB381.

    Sincerely,

    [YOUR NAME]