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IMPORTANT NOTICE

NORTHBRIDGE BOARD OF HEALTH ADOPTS NEW DEFINTION OF DAY CAMP!

Day Camp means a program which:

1. operates on a site for more than two hours but less than 24 hours a day;
2. operates for at least THREE (3) days during a two week period; and
3. meets the definition of a recreational camp for children.

This definition is stricter than State Regulations which define day camp as defined above but which operates for at least FIVE (5) days during a two-week period.

Recreational Camps for Children are defined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a day or residential (overnight) sports, travel, or wilderness program that offers recreational activities and instruction to campers. These camps are required to be licensed and inspected by the Board of Health. Camp inspections are conducted by the Board to insure minimum housing, health, safety and sanitary protection for children in the care of these camps.

A camp is generally defined as being in operation for at least five days during a two week period. Exemptions to the camp definition are: child care programs licensed by the Office of Child Care Services, programs operated solely on a drop-in basis, classroom based instructional programs, summer school programs, and municipal recreational departments. However, if they advertise themselves as a "camp" then they are considered a recreational camp for children and MUST comply with licensing requirements.

Camp operators are required to obtain a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) report for all prospective camp staff, including volunteers. You may request a copy of the camp's written policy on staff background checks - however, you are not authorized to review the staff person's actual criminal history record.

Use the link below to read the 2005 brochure published by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for more information on Recreational Camps for Children.

Camp Application

Camp Application Checklist 

Recreational Camp for Children – Massachusetts Department of Public Health Regulations