Original Day Camp and Camp Site Licensing

Below are the steps to obtain an Original Children’s Day Camp and Camp Site License. Please review each step thoroughly.

The first step in the process of opening a day camp is finding a location (campsite). When looking at locations, it is important to keep the  following in mind:

• Does the location include natural environment onsite and is sufficient for at least 51% of programming outdoors?
• Are there enough toilets and sinks?
• Is the building and premises in good condition?
• Is there sufficient shelter for emergencies?
• Are the site hazards managed and safe for campers?
• Are there natural or man-made features for outdoor activities located at the campsite?
• Does the structures have certificate of occupancy for the use proposed?

Applicants should check with their local zoning boards, townships, and fire marshal. Some communities have their own requirements for a day camp. This may include obtaining local permits, certificates of occupancy, or special zoning approvals before a day camp/campsite can open for operation.

Applicants must submit an online licensing inquiry to obtain the necessary licensing materials for application, fingerprinting, licensing materials, and other resources to assist in the children’s camp licensing process.

Applicants will receive specific fingerprint and licensing record clearance forms by email when submission of the online licensing inquiry form is completed. The forms must be taken to an approved livescan vendor when fingerprinting is completed. Copies of the completed forms are submitted with the original application submission in Step 5.

All children's day camp programs must operate at licensed children’s camp sites. Therefore, both a children’s camp program and a children’s camp site original application must be completed.  The submission of applications requires several documents to be uploaded when applying. Use the checklist below to ensure that all the required documents are ready for upload and payment when entering the original licensing portal.

• Camp Administrator Background Check Forms: These forms are titled “Licensing Record Clearance” and “Livescan Fingerprint Request” forms (1326/RI030) for Applicant (Licensee Designee) and Camp Director/Administrator.
• Camp Site/Facility Map
• Camp Operation Schedule: Session Days/Times
• Field Trip Schedule (if applicable or known).
• Zoning Verification Letter (ZVL)
• Approval for use of site by ownership for the day camp.
• Acceptable Certificate of Occupancy and Use for proposed building/shelter (CO).
• License fees: Camper capacity of 100 or less is $100 and capacity of 101 or more $200. Both the children’s camp program license and children’s camp site license fees are based on the capacity (example: total fee for capacity of 100 would be $200. $100 for program license and $100 for site license).

Once the Camp Licensing Unit receives the day camp program and day campsite license applications, then the applicant will receive an email with information about the licensing process which will include a review of the policies and procedures, a pre-operational onsite inspection, and other resources. There may be a requirement an Environmental Health Inspection completed by the local health department if the proposed campsite is on private water/private sewer or provides food service to campers.

Once the Camp Licensing Unit is satisfied there is substantial compliance with the applicable statute and administrative rules, the department will issue the camp licenses. The licensing process typically takes approximately 10 to12 weeks but may take longer if third party inspections are required. An original camp and/or campsite license is valid for 6 months. Prior to expiration of the original license, a renewal application must be submitted to maintain ongoing licensing status.

Original License Inquiry Form