Overview of Youth Recreation Camp Licensing Program

The N.H. Department of Environmental Services licenses youth recreation camps. The licensing program does not evaluate the camp curriculum but does address a broad range of health and safety issues. In 2006, there were approximately 180 licensed camps. A list of licensed camps for the previous year is available by calling (603) 271-2513.

Statutes
The statutes pertaining to youth recreation camps are RSA 485-A:23, 24, 25 and 25a. These statutes can be found online at www.nh.gov/government/laws.html.

Rules
The rules pertaining to youth recreation camps are Env-Ws 1120 (dated 2000). These rules can be found on the DES website at www.des.nh.gov/rules/desadmin_list.htm#waterq.

Definition Of A Youth Camp
“Youth camp” or “camp” is defined as an entity that:

1. Represents itself as a camp.
   
   
2. Is in operation for at least 10 days per license year for recreational purposes or for a combination of recreation and instruction.
   
   
3. Is for-profit or under philanthropic or charitable auspices.
   
   
4. Services 10 or more campers per day.
   
   

Duration and Cost Of The License The licensing period is annually from May 1 through April 30. The camp licensing fee is $50 per camp per year.

The Camp Licensing Program
For a new camp, the licensing process includes a field inspection of the facilities after receipt of an application. The inspector judges the safety and adequacy of the facilities to be used. Once the new camp is in operation, a second inspection is made to evaluate operational compliance. Titles of principal licensing criteria include:

Youth Camp Contacts At DES:

Barbara Davis or Bernie Lucey
Youth Camp Licensing Program
Department of Environmental Services
PO Box 95
Concord, NH 03302-0095
(603) 271-2542; (603) 271-2952

YOUTH CAMP PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

NH Camp Directors Association PO Box 324 Barnstead, NH 03218 1-800-549-CAMP www.nhcamps.org nhcamps@worldpath.net

American Camp Association - New England 80 Westview Street Lexington, MA 02421 1-781-541-6080 www.acane-camps.org Camp@acane-camps.org

For Additional Information
Please contact the Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau at (603) 271-2513 or dwgbinfo@des.state.nh.us or visit our website at www.des.nh.gov/dwgb. All of the bureau’s fact sheets are on-line at www.des.nh.gov/dwg.htm.

Note: This fact sheet is accurate as of January 2007. Statutory or regulatory changes, or the availability of additional information after this date may render this information inaccurate or incomplete.