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Recreational Camps for Children

Your local Health Department issues licenses to operate recreational camps for children and the Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative assists the towns of Sandisfield, Sheffield, and Mt Washington with their recreational camp for children applications.

A recreational camp is any day, primitive or outpost, residential, sports, travel or trip camp conducted wholly or in part for recreation or recreational instruction, which:

* Operates for profit or philanthropic or charitable purposes, whether or not a fee is charged, and

* Serves five or more children who are not members of the family or personal guests of the operator, and

* Operates for any period of time between June 1st and September 30th of any year or fewer than 15 business days during any other time of the year.

or any person, entity or program that promotes or advertises itself as a camp, even if it does not meet the criteria listed above.

We are dedicated to fostering safe and enriching experiences for children and families at recreational summer camps across our communities. These camps offer invaluable opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and forge lasting friendships in a supportive environment.

Local boards of health prioritize the well-being of campers by enforcing comprehensive rules and regulations governing summer camp operations. Covering areas such as facility standards, health and safety protocols, and program activities, these regulations ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Through collaborative efforts with camp operators, staff members, and families, we promote compliance with these standards through education, training, and regular inspections. The links below serve as a vital resource for navigating the requirements and implementing best practices to uphold the safety and success of summer camps throughout our communities in southern Berkshire.

Together, let’s create memorable summer experiences where children can thrive, explore, and make cherished memories in a secure and nurturing environment.

This year, our public health nurse, Jill Sweet, will be paying particular attention to the vaccination records and medical paperwork/permissions associated with camps.  Jill can be contacted at (413) 717 7209 or [email protected].

Links to Resources