Children's Camps


Children's Camps

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 and must operate in compliance with Subpart 7-2 of the State Sanitary Code requirements. A permit is issued only when the camp is in compliance with the state's health regulations.

Children's camps must be inspected twice yearly by a health department representative. At least one inspection must be made during the time the camp is in operation. Each camp is checked to make sure that the physical facilities are safe and that supervision is adequate.

Not all summer programs for children qualify as children's camps. Parents are encouraged to ask the camp director if the camp has a permit from their local health department. Contact the local health department having jurisdiction in the city or county that the camp is located, if you have questions.

For general information about children's camps, see the Department's web pages, Requirements for Children's Camps in New York State and Children's Camps in New York State.

Regulations, State Sanitary Code

Fact Sheets, Brochures and Other Information

Additional information is available on our web page, Swimming Pools, Bathing Beaches and Recreational Aquatic Spray Grounds.

Required Certifications

Additional certification requirements are available on our web page, Swimming Pools, Bathing Beaches and Recreational Aquatic Spray Grounds.

Safety Plan Templates

Activity-Specific Plans:

Managing Illness in Children's Camps

Polio Resources for Camp Operators:

Measles Resources for Camp Operators:

Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs

On June 30, 2013, legislation creating the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs became effective. This legislation contains requirements for children's 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:

Bats in Children's Camps

Forms

Incident Summary Reports

State Camp Safety Advisory Council

The State Camp Safety Advisory Council was established in accordance with Public Health Law Article 13-A, Section 1390. The State Camp Safety Advisory Council consists of nine members representing New York State for profit camps, not-for-profit camps, municipal camps, consumer interests, and children's interests. The Council meets at least twice a year to advise and consult the Department of Health on policy matters relating to youth camp safety.

For More Information

If you have questions about a camp or what is necessary to obtain a camp permit, contact the local health department having jurisdiction in the city or county that the camp is or will be located.

For general information about children's camps, email the Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food Protection or call (518) 402-7600.