Original Children's Residential Camp Program and/or Camp Site Licensing

The first step in the process of opening a children's Residential Camp is determining if a license is required based on the time providing care and supervision of minors apart from their parents, legal guardians, or relatives.

If a Residential Camp Program (religious youth group, school group, scouting, youth development organization, band camp, etc.) is operating at a children’s residential camp site for five or more days (12 or more hours per day) in a 14-day period, then a Residential Camp Program License is required. The camp begins operating when the camp assumes responsibility for the campers.

All children's Residential Camp Programs must operate at licensed children’s campsites. If the camp program is not stationed at a specific licensed camp site but moves between natural environment locations, then consider the applicability of a Troop or Travel Camp License.

A Residential Camp Program can verify if the facility has a children’s Camp Site License by going to the Statewide Search for Children’s Camp search tool.

A new children’s Residential Camp Site 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 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 Residential Camp Programs must operate at licensed children’s campsites.

• If the campsite is already licensed, then you only need to submit an original Children's Camp Program License application.
• If the campsite is not licensed, you must submit an original Children’s Camp Program and Camp Site License application.

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.

For Children’s Camp Program License

• 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 Operation Schedule: Session Days/Times.
• Field Trip Schedule (if applicable or known).
• 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.

For Children’s Camp Site License

• 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.
• Campsite/Facility Map
• Environmental Health Inspection Report with Acceptable Rating
• Plan Approvals from the Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) for buildings
• 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 residential camp program and/or 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 license.

The licensing process takes approximately 10 to 12 weeks but may take longer if third party inspections are required.

An Original Children's 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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