Recreational Camps for Children

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires that all recreational, day, and overnight camps for children must be inspected and licensed by the local board of health in the city or town where the camp is located.

The primary purpose of the regulations and inspection is to ensure that the camp provides an appropriate environment to protect the health, safety, and well being of the campers. The regulations also establish minimum sanitary and housing standards to protect the children at camp.

The Health Department is responsible for enforcing the state camp regulation. The inspection process includes:

• Assuring adequate sanitary facilities
• Assuring safe structures and equipment
• Reviewing background checks and immunization records on all staff and volunteers
• Reviewing polices

It also includes assuring sufficient supervision of campers, appropriate plans are in place for medical and natural emergencies, injury and fire prevention, and verifying that immunizations records are up to date for all campers.

Recreational Camp for Children Requirements

• 2015 Camp Letter (PDF)
• Required Documents (PDF)
• Recreational Camp for Children Application (Through the Town's Electronic Permitting System)

Additional Information

• Camper Injury Report Form (PDF)
• Capturing a Bat: What You Need and How to do it (PDF)
• Christian's Law and How to Properly Select and Fit a Life Jacket
• Christian's Guidance Document
• Information on Recreational Camp for Children Brochure (PDF)
• Is Your Summer Camp Bat Proof? (PDF)
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health Recreational Camp Webpage
• Meningococcal Disease and Camp Attendees: Commonly Asked Questions (PDF) - This Document is Required to Be Distributed to All Parents and Guardians of Camp Attendees at the Time of Initial Enrollment
• Public Health Fact Sheet: Rabies (PDF)
• Recommended Immunizations for Children Attending Camps (PDF)