Below are the steps to obtain an Original Children’s Residential Camp and/or 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:
A residential camp program needs to operate at a licensed children’s campsite. If the camp program is not stationed at a specific licensed campsite but moves between natural environment locations, then consider the applicability of a Travel Camp or Troop Camp license. A residential camp can verify if the facility has a children’s campsite license by going to the Statewide Search for Children’s Camp search tool.
A new children’s residential campsite must submit plans to the LARA Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) for all new construction or conversions of proposed camper occupied buildings. Plan submittals must be submitted according to the BFS plan review process.
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 residential camp programs must operate at licensed children’s camp sites. If the campsite is already licensed, then the camp program will only need to submit an original children’s camp program application. Otherwise, the original children’s camp program and children’s campsite license applications need to be submitted. 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.
For Children’s Camp Program License
For Children’s Camp Site License
Once the Camp Licensing Unit receives the residential camp program and/or camp site 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 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.
