Original Children's Day Camp Program and Camp Site Licensing

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 an on‑site natural environment that is sufficient for at least 51% of programming to occur outdoors?
• Are there enough toilets and sinks for the number of campers?
• Are the building and premises in good condition?
• Is there sufficient shelter available for emergencies?
• Are site hazards managed and safe for campers?
• Are natural or man‑made features available on‑site for outdoor activities?
• Do the structures have a certificate of occupancy for the proposed use?

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 Original Children's Camp License Inquiry Form to obtain the necessary licensing materials for application, fingerprinting, 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 Original Children's Camp License 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 campsites. Therefore, both the original Children’s Camp Program License application and the original Children’s Camp Site License application must be submitted.

Submitting these applications requires uploading several documents during the application process. Use the checklist below to ensure all required documents are ready for upload and payment when entering the Camp 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).
  • A credit card payment must be completed during the application process before the final application can be submitted.

Once the Camp Licensing Unit receives the Camp Program and Camp Site License applications, the applicant will receive an email with information about the licensing process, including a review of the policies and procedures, a pre-operational onsite inspection, and other resources.

An Environmental Health Inspection may be required by the local health department if the proposed campsite uses private water or private sewer systems, or if it 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 takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks but may take longer if third party inspections are required.

An Original Camp Program and/or Camp Site 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 Children's Camp License Inquiry Form

Rules and Statutes

Background Check Information and Forms

Environmental Health Inspection Request

Required Camp Policies and Documents Guidance

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