1. Home
  2. Public Health and Food Protection Program
  3. Youth Camps
  4. Local & State Inspections

Public Health and Food Protection Program

Local & State Inspections


Local Health Department Officials
Pre-Operational Inspection Activities Checklist

Pre-Operational Inspection Form

This checklist tool should be used to prepare for youth camp pre-operational inspections.

  1. Review N.J.A.C.8:25 Youth Camp Safety Standards.

  2. Download the Youth Camp Preoperational Inspection Form.

  3. Anticipate calls from camp operators requesting site visits; schedule accordingly. 

  4. Prioritize newly operating camps as well as sites that have experienced a spotty compliance history.

  5. Use resources such as BatchGeo to map the proximity between site locations to save time and energy during visits.

  6. Provide on-site guidance during your pre-op and direct the camp operator to visit the website for all youth camp resources. If the , direct operators to contact youth.camps@doh.nj.gov with any questions or concerns.

  7. Direct operators to email the Youth Cammp Project for any information that cannot be found online.

  8. Conduct any follow-up and/or re-inspection activities prior to the camp's opening/start date.

  9. Email completed inspection forms to begin processing by the administrative staff assisting the Youth Camp Project.

  10. Contact the project coordinator with any questions or concerns.

NJDOH Inspector Guidance & Resources
Guidance on Inspection Responsibilities
  • Youth Camp Safety Standard - Preoperational Inspection • Local Health Authority (LHA) 

  • Youth Camp Safety Standards - Operational Inspection • NJDOH - Youth Camp Safety Project

  • Youth Camp Safety Standards - Outbreak Investigations • LHA/NJDOH - Communicable Disease Service (CDS)/NJDOH - Youth Camp Safety Project

  • Youth Camp Safety Standards - Complaints/Water Quality • NJDOH - Youth Camp Safety Project/LHA (upon request)

  • Retail Food Inspection (N.J.A.C. 8:24) & Public Recreational Bathing (N.J.A.C. 8:26) • LHA

  • American Camp Association (ACA) • ACA/NJDOH - Youth Camp Safety Project/LHA