Recreational Camps for Children

Date of Record: 05-25-22

From the MA Department of Public Health (MDPH):

Covid protocols have just been updated for children in child care, K-12, out-of-school time (OST), and recreational camp settings. 

For details, please visit this link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine-guidance-for-children-in-child-care-k-12-out-of-school-time-ost-and-recreational-campprogram-settings 

Thank you again for keeping Massachusetts safe! 

Date of Record:  May 12, 2022


Dear Recreational Camp Stakeholders,

 

We have been informed that the state is making free iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests available on a one-time basis to any Recreational Camp or Program in Massachusetts. Tests will come in multiples of 180, with two tests per kit and 90 kits per box, and camps may order up to 1800 tests. Recreational camps and programs may request a one-time distribution of test kits, by filling out this survey by June 3rd. All tests will be shipped by June 10th. These tests should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions  and the camp’s own testing policies. Please note that these and other FDA EUA-authorized over-the-counter tests, those widely available online and in retail stores, can be administered without the camp having a CLIA certificate or certificate of waiver.

 

Information about the proper use of the iHealth COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests, including specimen collection, handling, and storage, can be found on the package insert, on the manufacturer’s website: https://ihealthlabs.com/ and on the FDA website. Note that the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test has been granted a 3-month shelf extension from the expiration date marked on the packaging.

 

Please distribute this information to any Recreational Camps or Programs that are interested in conducting COVID-19 testing. Camps with shipping questions or concerns should include those in the free text of the survey. Any other questions should be directed to Steve Hughes (steven.hughes@mass.gov) and Kerry Wagner (kerry.f.wagner@mass.gov ), who will forward them to the appropriate recipient.

 

We hope you all have a great camping season and thank you for everything you do to bring recreational opportunities to children across the state.

 

 

Environmental Analyst

Community Sanitation Program

MA Department of Public Health

617-695-7414 (office)

617-448-7410 (cell)

Kerry.F.Wagner@mass.gov

Hiking, Boating, Bicycling, Camping

Image of Hiking, Kayaking, couple sitting by the water, mountains. Settings for recreational camps.

Date of Record July 19, 2020

Updates to Phase III Standards for Recreational Camps / Programs

Minimum Health and Safety Standards for Massachusetts Child and Youth Serving Programs

Minimum Health and Safety Standards for Recreational Camps and Programs Booklet

Updated Camp Checklist Tool

Effective June 30, 2005, new regulations pertaining to Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) requests will be implemented and certified agencies are expected to incorporate the requirements of these regulations into their CORI business processes immediately.

In accordance with MGL c. 111, s. 219 (effective October 28, 2004) and 105 CMR 221.000: Promoting Awareness of Meningococcal Disease and Vaccine, the April 2008 DPH fact sheet "Meningococcal Disease and Camp Attendees: Commonly Asked Questions" is required to be distributed to all parents or guardians of children in youth camps.

Local boards of health are required to notify DPH annually of licensed recreational camps for children pursuant to 105 CMR 430.632.

Christian's Law

  1. Christians Law Guidance Checklist (PDF)
  2. Regulation Filing.pdf
  1. 105 CMR 432.000 - Minimum Requiresment for Personal Flotation Devices for Minor Children at Municipa
  2. Swim and Fit Test Model Documentation Form 105 CMR 432.000.pdf

Resources

  1. Application to Operate a Recreational Camp (PDF)
  2. Shrewsbury Board of Health Fee Schedule - Effective 11-15-22 (PDF)
  3. 105 CMR 430.000 - Important Code Changes for Recreational Camps for Children (PDF)
  4. 105 CMR 430.000 - Minimum Standards for Recreational Camps for Children (PDF)
  5. Regulations - Local (PDF)
  6. Frequently Asked Questions Parents and Guardians Recreational Camp Brochure (PDF)
  7. Massachusetts Recreational Camp Reporting Application (PDF)
  8. Healthcare Consultant Agreement (PDF)
  9. Massachusetts Recreational Camps for Children Injury Report Form (PDF)
  1. Recreational Camp for Children Public Health Inspection Form (PDF)
  2. Required Immunizations - Recreational Camps for Children Memo (PDF)
  3. Parent/Guardian Authorization Form to Dispense Medication at Recreational Camps (PDF)
  4. Sample Health Care Consultant Acknowledgement of On-site Medications Form (PDF)
  5. Sample - Medication Log for Recreational Camps for Children (PDF)
  6. Meningococcal Disease and Attendees for Recreational Camps Fact Sheet (PDF)
  7. Updated Recreational Camp Checklist as of July 19, 2020
  8. Updated Recreational Camp Minimum Requirements as of July 19, 2020