Each year, Recreational camps for
children ranging from sports-based camps to traditional outdoor camps must be
inspected and licensed by the local board of health. To be licensed, a camp must
meet all of the regulations
established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). These regulations are designed to ensure the safest possible conditions for children who attend these camps and include requirements for staff background checks, trained and experienced camp director and counselors, an appointed health care supervisor, and certain counselor-to-camper ratios. Programs that do not meet the legal definition of a Tecreational camp for children are not subject these regulatory provisions, so be sure ask the camp operator or local
health department if a camp is licensed or not.
Residents should note that Massachusetts requirements do not affect camps held in New Hampshire and municipal recreation programs are exempt from these regulations. Additionally, there are many academically based programs that do not require licensure, and may be of interest to children.
For more information about recreational camps in Massachusetts visit www.mass.gov/dph/dcs