Camp Operating Guidance Explained by ACA
As of March 2021
The American Camp Association (ACA) has provided some solid information regarding state specific guidelines for operating Day and Resident Camps. Find your state information here. (March, 2021)
State Specific Links
- Nursing Scope of Practice
- Behavioral Health Crisis Hotlines
- American Camp Association resource: Database of State Laws and Regulations Applicable to Camp
Alabama
Alabama Nursing Scope of Practice
Alabama Suicide and Crisis Numbers
Alabama State Board of Health – Bureau of Environmental Services – Division of Food, Milk and Lodging
Day and Overnight Camps:
Alabama State Board of Health Rules for Camp Sanitation
Immunization Information
Alaska
Alaska Nursing Scope of Practice
Alaska Suicide Prevention Alaska Mental Health Services and Crisis Hotlines
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Municipality of Anchorage | Department of Health and Human Services
Day Camps
Child care licensing is required for day camps. However, if a day camp is ACA-accredited, the licensing process can be waived. There is a separate licensing site and information for facilities in Anchorage, although the requirements for day camps are the same.
Alaska Child Care Facilities Licensing
Municipality of Anchorage Licenses and Permits
Immunization Information
Arizona
Arizona Nursing Scope of Practice
Department of Health Services, Office of Environmental Health
Department of Health Services, Bureau of Child Care Licensing
Day Camps
Day Camps are regulated as “Child Care Centers,” except if all of the following are true:
(a) The day camp is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization for day camps as approved by the department.
(b) The day camp operates for less than twenty-four hours a day and less than ten weeks each calendar year.
(c) The day camp posts a notice at the facility and on its website that it is not licensed under the laws of this state as a child care facility.
(d) The day camp provides programs only to children who are at least five years of age.
(e) The day camp requires fingerprint cards of all personnel pursuant to section 36-883.02
Details
Child Care Provider Application
Resident Camps
Food Safety & Environmental Services – Forms
Only camps in Coconino county are licensed through the Arizona Department of Health Services. Camps in Arizona’s other 14 counties are licensed through their county health or environmental health departments.
Immunization Information
Arkansas
Arkansas Nursing Scope of Practice
Overnight Camps: Arkansas Department of Health
Day Camps: Department of Human Services | Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education
Resident Camps
Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Camps
Day Camps
Mimimum Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers
Application for Child Care License/Registration
Immunization Information
California
California Nursing Scope of Practice
California Department of Public Health
Permitting is done by local or county health departments.
Cailfornia Local Health Department Information
California Department of Health | Organized Camps
As part of the regulations for Organized Camps there needs to be a qualified Health Supervisor on site.
San Bernardino County Public Health: Housing and Camp Inspections
Immunization Information
Colorado
Colorado Nursing Scope of Practice
Infectious Disease in Child Care and School Settings (Colorado Department of Public Health and Education; July 2019)
Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and the Colorado Department of Health
Day and Resident Camps
April 9, 2021:
Updated COVID-19 Regulations for Resident Camps
Updated COVID-19 Regulations for Day Camps
Child Care Center License Information
Colorado Department of Health Regulations for all licensed Child Care Centers (to include day and resident camps)
Division of Child Care, Licensing Fees
- $77-$528, depending on number of children served
Immunization Information
Connecticut
Connecticut Nursing Scope of Practice Connecticut Crisis Services Connecticut Crisis Resources The Office of Early Chldhood regulates camps in Connecticut
Connecticut Dept. of Public Health | Youth Camp Licensing Program
Day and Resident Camps:
Application Form & Updated Youth Camp Licensing Information
- For Profit $815.00; Non-profit $315.00 (Initial, Renewal)
Youth Camp Statutes and Regulations
Immunization Information
Delaware
Delaware Nursing Scope of Practice Delaware Crisis Intervention
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Crisis
Delawre Crisis Services
- Crisis Helpline
- Sexual Assault Crisis Services
The Office of Early Chldhood regulates camps in Conneticut
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health
Day and Resident Camps:
Del. Code tit. 16, § 4467 Sanitation of Recreational Camps
Application for/Renewal of a Permit to Operate a Recreational Camp
Immunization Information
Florida
Florida Nursing Scope of Practice
Florida Community Crisis Services
Florida Department of Children and Families
Florida Local County Health Departments
Florida Department of Health
Day and Residential Camps:
Florida Administratitive Code – Rule: 64E-15.009
Recreational Camp Application, Florida Department of Health
Safety standards for amusement rides (e.g. ziplines) — Florida Statute 616.242
Immunization Information
Georgia
Georgia Nursing Scope of Practice
Georgia Crisis and Access Line
Georgia Department of Human Services
Day Camps:
Day camps may need to be licensed through Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, unless exempt.
Exemption Rules & Information: Day camp programs for children five (5) years and older that are operated between school terms, whose primary purpose is to provide organized recreational, religious, or instructional activities. The day camp programs may operate during summer and other school breaks and shall operate for no more than twelve (12) hours per day.
Applicant’s Guide to Licensing for Child Care Learning Centers and Group Day Care Homes
Immunization Information
Hawaii
Hawaii Nursing Scope of Practice
Hawai’i Department of Health (camps with food service)
Hawai’i Department of Human Services (camps serving elementary school-aged children)
Day Camps:
As an after school child care program – only camps that serve elementary school-aged children: Child Care Licensing
Resident Camps:
Child Care Licensing – Exemptions
Food Establishment and Swimming Pool Guideline
Immunization Information
Idaho
Idaho Nursing Scope of Practice
Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare
Idaho Division of Building Safety
Day Camps:
Day camps are exempt if operating for less than 12 weeks out of the year, or for just one day per week. Otherwise, day camps are licensed as a Daycare Center.
Rules Governing Standards for Child Care Licensing
Resident Camps:
Summer camp programs lasting less than 9 consecutive weeks are not required to be state licensed and are not state regulated. Residential facilities for children that provide programs lasting 9 consecutive weeks or longer must be state licensed. These programs are licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Child Residential Care Licensing office in Boise. Dial 1-208-334-5700 and ask for a Child Care Licensing Specialist.
Rules on Children’s Residential Care Facilities and Therapeutic Outdoor Programs (sections 500, 700, and 800)
General Safety and Health Standards
Immunization Information
Illinois
Illinois Nursing Scope of Practice
Illinois Mental Health Collaborative
Illinois Dept. of Public Health | Division of Environmental Health
Day and Residential Camps
Youth Camp Act, 210 Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) 100, Chapter 11 ½
Youth Camp Code, Illinois Administrative Code, Title 77, Part 810
Day Care Centers
Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers
Immunization Information
Indiana
Indiana Nursing Scope of Practice
Indiana State Department of Health
***The Indiana State Department of Health does not license Indiana camps, but does have some regulations that certain camps must follow. See links below.***
Resident Camps
- 410 IAC 6-7.2 Youth Camps
- 410 IAC 6-12 Plan Review, Construction Permits, and Fees for Services
- Central kitchen and dining halls shall comply with 410 IAC 7-24 Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Requirements
Immunization Information
Iowa
Iowa Nursing Scope of Practice
Iowa Helpline Iowa Crisis Helplines
Iowa Department of Human Services
Iowa Department of Public Health : Camps with Food Service
Day and Resident Camps:
Both day and resident camp programs may be exempt from attaining a child care license through several exemtions, including those that receive national accreditation.
Food Establishment Permit Required
Iowa Administrative Code: IAC 441-109.1(237A)
Child Care Centers and Preschools: Licensing Standards and Procedures
Immunization Information
Kansas
Kansas Nursing Scope of Practice
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Day and Resident Camps:
Kansas Laws and Regulations for Licensing School Age Programs
Inquiry Regarding Licensure for School Age or Drop-in Program
Immunization Information
Kentucky
Kentucky Nursing Scope of Practice
Kentucky Department for Public Health
Day Camps and Residential Camps:
902 KAR 10:040 Kentucky Youth Camps
Kentucky Local Health Department Listing
Immunization Information
Louisiana
Louisiana Nursing Scope of Practice
Department of Health and Hospitals
Day and Resident Camps:
Louisiana Admin. Code, Title 51, Public Health – Sanitary Code, Part XVI. Campsites (pp. 229-233)
Immunization Information
Maine
Maine Nursing Scope of Practice
Maine Mental Health Crisis Hotline
Maine Department of Health and Human Services | Division of Environmental Health
Day and Resident Camps:
Immunization Information
Maryland
Maryland Nursing Scope of Practice
Maryland Crisis Hotline and Regional Hotlines
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene | Youth Camp Certification
Day and Resident Camps:
Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.16.06, Certification for Youth Camps
Certification for Youth Camps 2012, Center for Environmental Health and Community Services
Immunization Information
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Nursing Scope of Practice
Massachusetts Emergency Services Programs
Massachusetts Crisis Resources
Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services
Day Camps and Overnight Camps:
105 CMR 430.00 – Minimum Standards for Recreational Camps for Children
Camps operated by a municipal recreation department are exempt from this licensing requirement. See Advisory to Municipal Boards of Health and Recreation Departments.
Immunization Information
Michigan
Michigan Nursing Scope of Practice
Michigan Mental Health Hotlines
State of Michigan | Department of Human Services
Immunization Information
Minnesota
Minnesota Nursing Scope of Practice
Minnesota Crisis Resources
- Minnesota has 24/7 crisis services available across the state, available both by phone and in-person by calling the appropriate county crisis phone number. A list of crisis services numbers can be found below as well as on the Department of Human Services website.
- Crisis Text Line is a text-based crisis line available across Minnesota 24/7. Text MN to 741 741.
- In the metro area, people in crisis can call **CRISIS (274747) from a mobile phone. This mobile phone service will soon be available statewide.
- Outside of the Twin Cities, you can use the directory for mental health crisis phone numbers in Minnesota by county.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will continue to be available without interruption at 800-273-TALK (8255).
Minnesota Department of Health | Environmental Health Division
Resident Camps: Separate license required for youth camps providing lodging, camps providing food service or camps with a pool or spa
Lodging License: Lodging in Minnesota | Youth Camps
Food License: Licensing and Plan Review
Minnesota Statues, Chapter 157 (Section 157.16)
Additional relevant statutes and rules: Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 144 (Sections 144.71-144.74) and Minnesota Administrative Rules, Chapter 4630 (4630.2300-4630.4750)
Special requirements for camps in Hennepin County, MN
Immunization Information
Mississippi
Mississippi Nursing Scope of Practice
Mississippi Department of Health
Day Camps: Most day camps might meet one of the exemptions for child care license. See below.
How to Get a Child Care License
Resident Camps:
Immunization Information
Missouri
Missouri Nursing Scope of Practice
Missouri Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline
Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
Resident and Day Camps:
Note “summer camp” exemption in 210.211.1 Licensing & Regulations
Child Care Laws, Regulations & Guidelines
Immunization Information
Montana
Montana Nursing Scope of Practice
Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services
Nebraska
Nebraska Nursing Scope of Practice
Nebraska Health Related Hotlines
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services
Day Camps:
Most day camps may be exempt from child care center licensing but may still attain a voluntary license:
Resident Camps:
A permit is required for the operation of a recreation camp. Annual fee is $25
Title 178 – Envorinmental Health, Chapter 1 – Rules and Regulations Relating to Recreation Camps
State of Nebraska Revised Statute: Chapter 71, 71-3101 to 71- 3107
Immunization Information
Nevada
Nevada Nursing Scope of Practice
Nevada Department of Health & Human Services | State Health Division
The boards of health of health districts and counties shall issue licenses to qualified applicants for the operation of children’s camps. No children’s camp may be operated without first obtaining such a license.
Day Camps:
Most day camps are likely exempt from child care facilities regulations: Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 432A, Services and Facilities for Care of Children
Resident Camps:
Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 444 – Sanitation, Children’s Camps (444.220-444.320)
Southern Nevada Health District: Requirements for Equipment and Structure of Children’s Camps
Immunization Information
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Nursing Scope of Practice
New Hampshire Crisis Intervention Services
New Hampshire Samaritans Help Services
N.H. Dept. of Environmental Services Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau
Youth Recreation Camp Licensing Program
Immunization Information
New Jersey
New Jersey Nursing Scope of Practice
New Jersey Regional Crisis Hotlines
New Jersey Youth Camp Standards N.J.A.C. 8:25
Form CB-11: Application for Certificate of Approval to Operate a Youth Camp
ACA accreditation accepted in lieu of a pre-operational and operational inspections.
Immunization Information
New Mexico
New Mexico Nursing Scope of Practice New Mexico Crisis Hotline New Mexico Agora Crisis Center
Day Camps:
Day camp programs may need to receive a child care license as “out-of-school time programs,” however summer camps, wilderness camps, and programs operated for recreational purposes by recognized organizations such as churches, schools, and the boy and girl scouts, are exempted, provided such camps and programs are not conducted in private residences.
Resident Camps:
Permits are required for camps that provide food services, swimming pools, and drinking water:
Contact an NMED Food Specialist or your District Field Office for more information.
Immunization Information
New York
New York Nursing Scope of Practice New York Child and Adolescent Mental Health Crisis Services
New York State Department of Health
In New York State, when a children’s program qualifies as a camp, it must have a state, city, or county health department permit to operate legally Details
The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs contains requirements for camps for children with developmental disabilities, and requires amendments to the children’s camp regulation (Subpart 7-2). The amendments apply to camps with 20% or more campers with a developmental disability and include new requirements for:
staff screening and training and
incident reporting/management.
Information for complying with the legislation and amendments is found on the Justice Center’s website. Here are some helpful links:
- Justice Center – Frequently Asked Questions
- Statewide Central Register Access
- Staff Exclusion List Checks, Training Webinar
- Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs
- Mandated Reporter Training Webinar
New York City requires all camps within its boroughs to be inspected and licensed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Bureau of Child Care (BCC)
- How to Obtain a Permit to Operate a Children’s Camp in New York State
- Children’s Camps in New York State
- Food Service Establishment Inspection Summer Camp Program
Immunization Information
North Carolina
North Carolina Nursing Scope of Practice North Carolina Crisis Solutions
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Sanitation Rules:
Rules Governing the Sanitation of Resident Camps
Rules Governing the Sanitation of Child Care Centers
Day Camp Licensing:
Day Camp Licensing for School Age Children
Zip Lines:
Amusement Device Safety Act of North Carolina – Article 14b
Immunization Information
North Dakota
North Dakota Nursing Scope of Practice North Dakota Youth Crisis Hotlines
North Dakota Division of Food and Lodging
Summer Camp Application available for camps operating in Bottineau County, Burke County, McHenry County, McLean County, Renville County, Sheridan County, and Ward County.
Immunization Information
Ohio
Ohio Nursing Scope of Practice Ohio Crisis Hotline / Text line
Resident Camps: Ohio Department of Health | Local Health Departments
Day Camps: Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services
Day Camps:
Day camps are required to be registered with ODJFS; Those that want approval to provide state funded child care must be ACA accredited.
Resident Camps:
Ohio Administrative Code, Resident Camps, 3701-25
Immunization Information
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Nursing Scope of Practice Oklahoma Mental Health and Substance Abuse Hotlines
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Day Camps — Licensing Requirements for School-Age Programs and Summer Day Camps
Overnight Camps — Licensing Requirements for School-Age Programs and Summer Day Camps
A residential camp is considered a “School Age Program.” If accredited by ACA, camp is automatically certified.
Immunization Information
Oregon
Oregon Nursing Scope of Practice Oregon Crisis and General Access Numbers
Oregon Health Authority – Community Liason for Local Health Departments
Local Health Department Directory
Day and Resident Camps
Organizational Camp Development Permit Information
Ch. 330 Division 30
Department of Human Services, Division 150, Food Sanitation Rules
Building Codes Division (BCD) – Park Development
Immunization Information
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Nursing Scope of Practice Pennsylvania County Crisis Numbers
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Day Camps:
Camp Owners must register camps which meet the following criteria:
1. Camp exists for the primary purpose of providing outdoor “group living experience” for children, youth and adults.
2. Camp is established for conducting an organized program with social, recreational and educational objectives.
3. Camp program is held at a camp facility, designed for the purpose of providing an outdoor living experience.
4. Camp program is held a minimum of five consecutive days.
Child Care Center applicability
A permit is required to operate resident camps
Pennsylvania Organized Camps Page
Pennsylvania Code, Title 28, Part II, Chapter 19, Section 19.11-19.14
Immunization Information
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Nursing Scope of Practice Rhode Island Mental Health Services
State of Rhode Island | Department of Health
Day and Resident Camps:
Rules and Regulations for Licensing of Recreational Facilities [R23-21-RF]
Application and Instructions for: Resort, Lodging, Camp
Application and Instructions for Food Business: Food Service (Non-Profit)
Immunization Information
South Carolina
South Carolina Nursing Scope of Practice South Carolina Crisis Hotlines
South Carolina | Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
South Carolina | Department of Health and Environmental Control
South Carolina | Department of Social Services
Day Camps:
Day camps which allow campers to attend for 3 consecutive weeks or longer are considered Child Care Centers and must be licensed by the Department of Social Services.
If not licensed by the Department of Social Services, then day camps must be licensed by the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs if providing services to children with special needs
- South Carolina | Department of Social Services – Child Care Licensing
- South Carolina | Department of Disabilities and Special Needs – Recreation Camp Licensing
- S.C. Code of Laws, Title 63, Chapter 13 (Childcare Facilities)
Residential Camps:
Residential camps providing services to those with special needs need to be licensed with the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
- South Carolina | Department of Disabilities and Special Needs – Recreation Camp Licensing
- DHEC Food Service Industry (Permits, Rules)
- Retail Food Establishment Permit
- S.C. Regulation 61-25: Retail Food Establishments
Immunization Information
South Dakota
South Dakota Nursing Scope of Practice South Dakota Help Hotlines
South Dakota Department of Health
Food Licensing:
Office of Health Protection | Food Service Licensing
South Dakota Legislature Administrative Rules – Food Service Code: Chapter 44:02:07
Immunization Information
Tennessee
Tennessee Nursing Scope of Practice Tennessee Mental Health Crisis Line Tennessee Mobile Crisis Services
Tennessee Department of Health
Tennessee Code 68-110 Organized Camps
Immunization Information
Texas
Texas Nursing Scope of Practice Texas Crisis Hotline
Texas Department of State Health Services
Utah
Utah Nursing Scope of Practice Utah Crisis Hotlines
Day camps (as Child Care, up through age 12) and Programs for Venerable Individuals are required to be licensed.
Utah Administrative Code, Rule R392-300. Recreation Camp Sanitation.
Child Care Rules and Interpretation Manuals
Immunization Information
Vermont
Vermont Nursing Scope of Practice Vermont Local Support Lines Vermont How to Get Help
Vermont Department of Health
Vermont Department for Children and Families, Agency of Human Services
Day Camps:
Likely exempt from Early Childhood Program regulations–see Regulations
Resident Camp:
Guide to Operating a Food and/or Lodging Establishment in Vermont
Food Service Establishment Health Regulations
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation: Find your Local Permit Specialist
Immunization Information
Virginia
Virginia Nursing Scope of Practice Virginia Crisis Services
Day Camps (during summer months):
Dept. of Social Services, Child Care and Development Division
Overnight Camps:
Dept. of Health | Office of Environmental Health Services
Day Camps:
Standards for Child Day Centers including summer day camps
Overnight Camps:
Summer Camp Operating Regulations
Va. Code Ann. § 35.1 governing campgrounds
Immunization Information
Washington
Washington Nursing Scope of Practice Washington Mental Health Crisis Lines
Washington State Department of Health
Day Camps
To receive child care subsidies, day camps must be licensed. ACA accreditation provides automatic licensure. Details
Overnight Camps
State Board of Health Regulations: Chapter 246-376 WAC, Camps
Department of Early Learning Regulations: Title 170 WAC
Individuals who work in foodservice must have a Food Worker Card
Chapter 246-217 WAC, Food worker cards
Immunization Information
West Virginia
West Virginia Nursing Scope of Practice West Virginia Crisis Services
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources | Office of Environmental Health Services
Department of Health and Human Resources | Bureau for Children and Families (for Day Camps)
Camps with food service must be certified by Office of Environmental Health Services.
Day camps must be certified if operating more than 30 days per year.
West Virginia Food Safety Program
Food Establishments, Title 64, Series 17
Day Care Centers Licensing, Title 78, Series 1
Immunization Information
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Nursing Scope of Practice Wisconsin Suicide Hotlines
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Day Camps
Licensing Rules for Day Camps
Overnight Camps
Recreational/Educational Camp License Information
Wisconsin Education and Recreational Camps Regulations
Immunization Information
Wyoming
Wyoming Nursing Scope of Practice Wyoming Mental Health Crisis Hotlines Wyoming Crisis Text Line
Wyoming Department of Family Services | Division of Early Childhood
Day and Residential Camps:
Only nonprofit summer camps are exempt from licensure
Immunization Information