The Environmental Health Division conducts safety inspections and enforces permit requirements for NYS regulated summer camps.
Factsheets for 2023 now available! Click here.
Looking for local camps for your kids? Search Tompkins County Youth Services Summer Camp Guide by age group and by camp and programming! Please note: EH does not provide information or recommendations regarding specific camps or programs.
A few tips as you decide on a camp or program for your child(ren):
COVID-19 Precautions and Concerns: Camps/programs will be monitoring safety guidelines. Be sure to check directly with the camp you are interested in on the specific guidelines they will be following regarding wearing masks and social distancing. Above all else, the health and safety of your child is most important.
Official Camps vs. Programs: There are differences between “camps” and programs, workshops, or classes. Official camps must be registered with the New York State Health Department and meet specific criteria. Some programs may be registered as school-aged child care programs through the Child Development Council but may still call themselves camps.
Because of these differences, some camps are not regulated or inspected by the New York State Department of Health and are not required to obtain a Department of Health permit. These camps are not required to follow Department of Health regulations, including: checking the state sex offender registry prior to hiring staff; maintaining minimum staff-to-child ratios; hiring medical personnel; or reporting injuries or illnesses to the Department of Health.
If you have any concerns or questions:
- For questions about camp programming and enrollment, please contact the director of the camp or program you are interested in. Go to County Youth Services Summer Camp Guide for local camp and program listings by age group.
- For questions about camps operated by school-aged child care programs (SACCs), contact the Child Development Council at 607-273-0259.
- For questions regarding safety or regulations for permitted camps, contact Rene Borgella at the County's Environmental Health Division, rborgella@tompkins-co.org , 607-274-6600.
Camp Codes, Safety Guide & Safety Plans
State Sanitary Codes
Statutory Authority: Public Health Law, §225
NYSDOH Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food Protection
CHILDREN’S CAMPS
Sections 7-2.1 thru 7-2.25
Includes Amendments Eff. 6-22-2017
Requirements for Campers with Disabilities at Children’s Camps
Section 7-2.25 of Subpart 7-2 of the State Sanitary Code contains requirements for camps enrolling campers with physical and developmental disabilities. (DOH 01-2017)
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions (Download PDF)
Swimming Pools
Sections 6-1.1 thru 6-1.31
Includes Amendments Eff. 7/6/2011
Bathing Beaches
Sections 6-2.1 thru 6-2.20
Includes Amendments Eff. 7/6/2011
- Go to beach safety plan
- Go to NYS Web site SubPart 6-2 - Bathing Beaches
- Go to NYS Web site SubPart 6-3 - Recreational Aquatic Spray Grounds
Additional NYS Web site links for Part 7
Children's Camp Safety Plan
May 2009
New York State Sanitary Code Subpart 7-2, Children's Camps, requires that children's camp operators develop, review annually, update and implement a written safety plan. This plan must be submitted to your local health department (LHD) for their review and approval. The plan must accurately describe the camp's procedures for personnel, facility operation and maintenance, fire safety, medical, general and activity safety, staff training, and camper orientation.
Childrens Camp Safety Plan Templates
 Brochure: Children’s Camps in NYSDOH 3601 (3/05). Cover pictured at left. Information for parents about state permitting requirements, staff qualifications, health & safety expectations, rights and responsibilities of the parent or guardian, the camp operator and the local health department. Download legal-size, 2-sided brochure for printing (PDF, 91K) |
Children's Camp FORMS | Children's Camp & Bathing Facilities FACTSHEETS
Tompkins County Youth Services’ online guide to children’s summer camps » Click Here
