Recreational Camps for Children

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Northbridge Board of Health Adopts New Definition of Day Camp

Effective March 1, 2007, a Day Camp shall mean a program which:

1. Operates on 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.

The above definition is stricter than the definition of camps contained in the Code of Massachusetts Regulations 105 CMR 430.000: Minimum Sanitation and Safety Standards for Recreational Camps for Children which defines camps as operating for at least five (5) days during a two week period.

Recreational Camps for Children are defined 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.

Camp operators are required to obtain a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) report for all 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.

Some Helpful Links

MDPH - Recreational Camp Information & Guidelines

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (CORI)

Sex Offender Registry Board (SORI)