Camp Program Application Instructions

Dear Camp Program applicant,

This informational packet will provide the following:

• Camp Program License application procedure
• Application Fee procedure
• Comprehensive Background Clearance Presentation
• Assignment of a Camp Licensing Consultant
• Policy and Procedure requirements
• Staff and Volunteer Criminal History Check No Fingerprint Instructions
• Onsite Review, if necessary

Camp Program and Site applications are licensed separately. If you as a Program license rent a Site, you are responsible for making sure the site is licensed.

Camp Administrative Rules Part 1, General Provisions, applies to the Program license.

Licensed programs can be Residential, Day, Travel, or Troop camp types.

Program License Application

Please review, complete, and submit the Program application. The Program application must be submitted each year by May 1 for timely license issuance. The application is required to schedule an annual inspection, maintain accurate licensing data, and to ensure ongoing compliance. 

Camp Program License Application

Program Application Fee

An application fee must be paid for a new license.

Send a check or money order payable to the State of Michigan, along with your application, to:

Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential
Camp Licensing Unit
P.O. Box 30837
Lansing, MI 48909

The non-refundable fee schedule for Program license is:

Camp Administrator Comprehensive Background Clearance

Applicants, Licensee Designees, Administrators and Program Directors are required to complete a Comprehensive Background Clearance to be affiliated with the license.  The Comprehensive Background Clearance includes the completion of:

1. A Camp Licensing Record Clearance Request (BCAL-1326-CAMP) form, and
2. A Live Scan Fingerprint Background Check Request (RI-030) form with specific State of Michigan Camp agency requestor codes.

Requesting Forms

• To request the Comprehensive Background Clearance (live Camp Licensing Record Clearance (BCAL-1326-CAMP) form and Live Scan Request (RI-030) form, email MiLEAP-Camps@Michigan.gov.
• After live scan fingerprinting is completed, both forms need to be submitted to the Camp Licensing Unit at MiLEAP-Camps@Michigan.gov. 

Steps for Camp Program Licensure

A Camp Licensing Consultant will be assigned to your application once the licensing unit has determined the application is complete, the fee is paid, and CHC Livescan Fingerprinting of required individuals is done.The Camp Licensing Consultant will then ensure compliance with the following:

1. Public Act No. 116 of the Public Acts of 1973, as amended and Licensing Rules for Children's and Adult Foster Care Camps.
   • Child and Adult Camp Administrative Rules
   • Child Care Organizations Act 116 of 1973
2. A compliance review must be completed of camp policies and procedures
   • Required Camp Policies and Documents Guidance
3. Compliance verification of staff and volunteer consistent with CHC requirements for staff not required for fingerprint.
   • Background Clearances Required for Camps

Once review of items 1, 2, and 3 are complete an onsite inspection may be scheduled.

An Original Licensing Study Report will be completed by the licensing consultant and if in substantial compliance with all applicable licensing rules, an original license will be issued for six months.

Renewal/Continuing Licensure

For continuing camp licensure, a renewal application and fee will need to be submitted prior to the expiration of the original license.

Renew Camp Program License

Questions about camp licensing?

Contact the camp licensing unit at MiLEAP-Camps@Michigan.gov.