Environmental Health

The 2022 Youth Camp Application Form is now available online.

1. The application form is optimized for Adobe Reader. Click here to download the FREE Adobe Reader program.
   
   
2. If you cannot use Adobe Reader, please PRINT TO PDF to ensure your application answers appear as intended across different platforms.
   
   
3. Attach your application to a new email and submit to youth.camps@doh.nj.gov before the deadline of May 11, 2022

As part of the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to bolster services for families with children, Governor Phil Murphy and Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced that $10 million in grants will be available for summer youth camps to help cover operational expenses and provide financial assistance to eligible families.  Summer Camp grants range from $7,500 to $25,000, depending on camp enrollment and the length of the camp operating season. “This funding represents my administration’s continued commitment to supporting New Jersey families by strengthening the services they rely upon,” said Governor Murphy. “Summer youth camps serve as an essential child care option for working parents by providing a safe and enriching environment for children while school is out of session.” Summer youth camp grants are being offered through the Department of Human Services-Division of Family Development.

The session covered general overview of the Youth Camp Safety Standards regulations, compliance and operations. The current Youth Camp Safety Standards are available online. Click here to read the Youth Camp Safety Standards.  Slide show of the presentation is also available here. 

Feel free to reach out with any questions at youth.camps@doh.nj.gov

Youth Camps in New Jersey are governed by the Youth Camp Safety Standards N.J.A.C. 8:25.  The rule outlines licensure and policies and procedures which must be implemented within the youth camp environment.  Although youth camp activities are primarily conducting during the summer, many youth camps may operate year round offering out of school time activities for children during spring break, holidays and similar out of school periods.  Licensing activities typically begin in April/May and an active license is renewed annually.

The preoperational inspection is an important activity geared toward ensuring that your camp has developed written policies and procedures and ensured the camp site adheres to health and safety requirements prior to hosting campers for the summer.  Preops are conducted by the local health department located within the jurisdiction where the youth camp will operate.  The activity should be conducted PRIOR to your camp opening up to campers for the season.  It is the responsibility of each camp to contact their local health authority to schedule the inspection!  Please use the Local Health Directory link to identify which office you should contact! 

When you’re looking for care for your children during the summer, you want to find a program that’s convenient, open when you need it, and within your budget. But most importantly, you need a care program that makes sure your child is safe, healthy, and fun for the summer!  It can be a challenge to identify a high-quality camp provider, but we have some resources to aid in the process. How can you find quality child care? What does a quality child care program look like? Start here to find out! 

It's summer activities time again!  Yes, youth camp operators are very busy planning and readying themselves for the onslaught of eager campers prepared to reconnect with old and new friends for some summer time fun!  Governor Murphy's statewide lifting of COVID mask mandates spells the end of mandates in the youth camp setting as well.  Learn more about how you can prepare for your youth camp preoperational inspections here.