Please read for scope of updates for 2012.
In September of 2009, amendments to Public Health Law revised the summer children’s day camp definition to include indoor or outdoor organized group activities, involving nonpassive recreational activities with significant risk of injury. The amendments will be effective April 1, 2011 and nonpassive recreational activities with significant risk of injury (NPRASRI) will be defined in the State Sanitary Code (SSC).
As a result, a program no longer needs to be conducted primarily (50% or more) outdoors to be considered a camp and it will be necessary to evaluate the types of activities conducted during a children’s summer program to determine if the program should be regulated as a camp. Review this Draft Day Camp Activities Fact Sheet for more information.
Subpart 7-2 of the State Sanitary Code requires the health director, other staff specified in section 7-2.8, and certain camp trip and activity leaders1 to possess valid certification in the code standard first aid course, or a course accepted by the Department as being equivalent to or exceeding the standard.
The New York State Sanitary Code (SSC) requires certain staff to possess a valid two-rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification in the code standard or a course accepted by the Department as being equivalent
to or exceeding the standard.
Public Health Law permits children’s camps to establish an epinephrine auto-injector program to stock and allow specially trained camp staff to use an epinephrine auto-injector device to treat life-threatening allergic reactions
A camp aquatics director must oversee all swimming activities that occur at swimming pools and bathing beaches operated as part of a children’s camp. This person shall supervise lifeguards and other required staff during swimming activities and implement the camp safety plan.
Lifeguard Factsheet (Aquatic Certifications) for NYS Bathing Facilities
When the State Sanitary Code (SSC) requires "lifeguard supervision" or a "qualified lifeguard" at a bathing facility, an approved lifeguard certification SPECIFIC to the type of bathing facility is required.
When swimming is conducted during a camp trip to an aquatics facility that is supervised by qualified lifeguard(s), the camp must supply one additional lifeguard or a staff member possessing training in Children’s Camp Swimming Program Safety for each 75 campers at the swimming activity (See Aquatic Certification Fact Sheet for a list of qualified lifeguard certification).
A progressive swimming instructor is required to assess the swimming ability of each camper prior to allowing the child to participate in aquatic activities.
Subpart 7-2 of the State Sanitary Code allows non-swimmers to enter water that is chest deep or greater when participating in a learn-to-swim program that has been determined to use a supervision protocol which protects campers from injury or drowning.
Article 13-B of Public Health Law requires children’s camp operators to determine whether an employee or volunteer is listed on the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Sex Offender Registry. Checks of the Registry must be completed prior to the day the employee or volunteer starts work at the camp and annually thereafter prior to their arrival at camp. The law applies to all children’s camps (day, traveling day and overnight) and to all prospective employees and volunteers at the camp regardless of their job title/responsibilities or employment status (full or part-time).
The fact sheets will also be updated on the NYSDOH website at www.health.state.ny.us.
If you have any questions regarding these Fact Sheets, please call Audrey at (607) 274-6688 or Click Here to send an email message.
Bunk Bed Guardrail Requirements
Since June 19, 2000, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has required all new bunk beds that are manufactured for non-institutional use to have guardrails that comply with CPSC Safety Standard for Bunk Beds.
A review of the children’s camps injury reports submitted to the Department of Health has shown that falls from bunk beds have resulted in serious injuries to campers of all age groups at camps in New York State. While the CPSC design standards are effective at preventing injuries from falls, the standards do not apply to bunk beds manufactured prior to June 19, 2000 or to those manufactured for institutional use.
In order to provide for the safety of the campers and staff, section 7-2.16(b) of Subpart 7-2 of the State Sanitary Code pertaining to the operation of a Children’s Camp in New York State, was amended during 2004 to require the upper bed of bunk beds be provided with adequate guardrails. Download fact sheet on Guardrail Requirements (PDF, 1.3MB)
Updated May 3, 2012.
Page updated: May 3, 2012 | Webmaster