Apply/Renew
- Complete all outlined steps before applying.
- Renewals require a full and complete application form, processing fee, and all supporting documents.
- All applications must include all required information and documentation for professional review.
Before Applying
Complete each step below before applying for a Youth Camp permit. Click or tap each header to see more information.
1. Check the definition of a Youth Camp
Review the below program types and exemptions before considering the Youth Camp Operator permit.
Summer Program:
A Summer Program is any organized activity that takes place during the summer season. Summer Programs that do not meet the definition of a Youth Camp are not subject to regulation by the Youth Camp Safety Project.
Licensed Child Care Center:
A Licensed Child Care Center is registered with the Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Licensing.
- A Licensed Child Care Center that operates an onsite swimming pool must apply for the Youth Camp Operator permit.
- All other Licensed Child Care Centers are not required to apply, but may voluntarily apply for the Youth camp Operator permit. All Youth Camp Operator permit holders are subject to inspection for compliance with the Youth Camp Safety Rule.
Organized School Recreational Sport:
An Organized School Recreational Sport is a school sport or any local or regional sports team such as cheerleading, travel soccer, indoor soccer, travel basketball, etc. Organized School Recreational Sports are exempt from regulation by the Youth Camp Safety Project.
Youth Camp:
A Youth Camp is a high-risk program that meets all of the following criteria:
- Accommodates campers 17 years of age or younger
- At least five (5) campers per session
- Each session operates for two (2) days or more during the same week
- Camp activities include at least one high-risk activity
- HIGH RISK ACTIVITY means any recreational component, sport or activity, which exposes a camper to a serious injury due to the inherent nature of the recreational component, sport or activity. (ex: includes but is not limited to archery, swimming, horseback riding, rope courses, playground equipment play, etc.)
Programs that meet all of the above criteria are subject to regulation by the Youth Camp Safety Project and are required to apply for a Youth Camp Operator permit.
2. Prepare to comply with the Youth Camp Safety Rule
All Youth Camp permit holders are subject to inspection by the State for compliance with the Youth Camp Safety Rule. Familiarize yourself with the Rule before you decide to operate a Youth Camp.
Read more about the Youth Camp Safety Rule and Requirements
Submit Your Application
If you have completed the steps above, you are ready to submit your Youth Camp Operator permit application.
Below are the steps for submitting your application. Click or tap each header for more information.
1. Fill out the application
📝 Download the Youth Camp Application and Instructions ❔
If you need further assistance, send an email to youth.camps@doh.nj.gov
Important:
- Do NOT use a phone to fill out the application. Your application will have incorrect or missing information.
- Fill out all sections of the application. Do not leave blank sections.
- Each statement must have an answer or the application will be denied.
- Any unanswered statement or indication of noncompliance with the Youth Camp Safety Rule may be grounds for denial of application.
- Willfully false answers may subject you to civil administrative penalties, denial of application and/or revocation of your permit.
2. Pay the application processing fee
Your application fee pays for the processing and professional review of your submission by the New Jersey State Youth Camp Safety Project Coordinator. Choose one application fee. If you operate separate Day Camp and Resident Camp programs for separate groups of campers, submit a separate application for each Youth Camp program.
- Day Camp application processing fee = $50
- Resident Camp application processing fee = $100
Click here to pay with an e-check or credit card
3. Submit your application via email
Add all required documents as attachments to one email:
- Youth Camp Operator Permit application
- Application payment confirmation number
Send your email to youth.camps@doh.nj.gov
What Happens Next?
A Youth Camp Safety Specialist will review your submission for compliance with the Youth Camp Safety Rule. If more information is needed, you will receive an email from youth.camps@doh.nj.gov or a representative will call you.
The processing and careful review of your application takes 6-8 weeks.
Submission of a Youth Camp Operator permit application will not automatically add your child care center to New Jersey Child Care Information Systems (NJCCIS). Information entered into NJCCIS is not shared with the Youth Camp Safety Project. The Youth Camp Safety Project is not affiliated with NJCCIS.