Camp Operators/Directors Information
A camp provides care to 10 or more children during the summer months. Camp operators must comply with Article 48 (PDF) of the New York City Health Code. Operators and directors should be familiar with recent changes to Article 48 (PDF).
Camp operators/directors must have a permit to operate a summer camp. You can apply for a permit or renew a permit online. Camps must renew their permit before they begin operating in the next summer season. If you need technical assistance submitting your online application, complete a technical assistance request.
In addition, new operators/directors must attend an NYC Health Department orientation session. If a camp will have aquatics activities, then the aquatics directors must also attend an aquatics orientation session. You can register for a session through the Health Department’s Online Service Registration page.
Operators/directors may apply for or renew a permit even if the camp operator/director has not yet attended an orientation.
FAQ and Information on Required Qualifications and Resources
Documents Required at Camp
- Medical Log (PDF)
- Fire Log (PDF)
- Campers' Medical History and Immunizations Records — Child and Adolescent Health Examination Form CH-205 (PDF)
- Staff (including summer youth) Recent Medicals, Applications, Resumes, Licensing/Certifications, and State DCJS Sex Offender Registry Clearance Records for all staff, summer youth and volunteers
- Sample Smoke-Free Workplace Policy (PDF)
- NYC Summer Camp Safety Plan (PDF)
- Sample Overnight Children's Camp Parent Letter (MS Word) — Required for Overnight Camps
- Sample Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form (MS Word) — Required for Overnight Camps
- Insurance Requirements for Summer Camps (PDF)
- Mandated Reporter Training
New York State Department of Health Aquatic, CPR and First Aid Fact Sheets
- First Aid Certifications (PDF)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certifications (PDF)
- Camp Aquatics Director Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Progressive Swimming Instructor Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Lifeguarding Certifications (PDF)
- Camp Trip Swimming Program Safety Certifications (PDF)
- New York State Bathing Facilities Supervision Level III Aquatic Staff Certifications Required for Instructional Activities (PDF)
- Level III and IV Aquatic Supervision Staff Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certifications (PDF)
- Learn-to-Swim Programs for New York State Children’s Camps (PDF)
- Qualified Pool Water Treatment Operator Courses and Certifications (PDF)
Injury and Illness Reporting Forms — New York State Department of Health
- Required Reporting for Injury and Illness Poster (PDF)
- Injury Report (PDF)
- Illness and Outbreak Report (PDF)
- Allegation of Abuse Report Form (PDF)
- Multiple Victim Injury Report Form (PDF)
- Epinephrine Administration (PDF)
- Outbreak Case Histories (PDF)
- Fire Report Form (PDF)
- Potential Rabies Exposure Form (PDF)
Additional Resources
- Information on Preparing for Disasters and Emergencies
- New York State BEMS Epinephrine by Auto-Injector Training Guidelines for Unlicensed or Uncertified Personnel (PDF)
- Procedures for Handling Outbreaks at Camp (PDF)
- Procedures for Handling Vaccine-Preventable Diseases at Camp (PDF)
- Wash Your Hands Posters for Adults (PDF)
- Wash Your Hands Posters for Kids (PDF)
- Wash Your Hands Poster for Kids (Observant) (PDF)
Other Languages: ײִדיש - Wash Your Hands Poster for Adults (Observant) (PDF)
Other Languages: ײִדיש - Bureau of Child Care Borough Offices (PDF)
More Information
- Summer Camps Main Page
- For information about registering to operate other types of child care, including school-age child care (after-school programs), visit Child Care — Information for Operators