Environmental Health

When becoming a licensed youth camp licenses are subjected to inspections and enforcement by the New Jersey Department of Health, Youth Camp Safety Project. Operational inspections are unscheduled and unannounced by our cadre of field inspectors. Once onsite, they will evaluate your program for congruence with the Youth Camp Standards implemented at your camp. As a licensee, you MUST contact the Project if for any reason you would like to suspend or inactivate your license. Failure to contact the project will subject your activity to full inspection and potential fines and penalties associated with N.J.A.C. 8:25 Youth Camp Safety Standards compliance.

New Jersey's process for minors to obtain working papers is now DIGITAL!

Need staff? Consider hiring minors for your camp counselor positions! N.J.A.C. 8:25 Youth Camp Safety Standards allow for minors aged 16 and older to act as a counselor in the youth camp setting. Any minor turning 16 within the period is eligible to participate. 

Did you know that the working papers process for teens is changing? As of June 1, 2023, working papers for minors have gone digital. Minor workers, their caregivers, and employers all fill out their respective parts of a streamlined online application instead of using the old paper form. Click here to download a handout explaining the new process or visit the NJ Department of Labor’s website at https://nj.gov/labor/youngworkers/ for more information.

Around this time of the season camp operators are diligently planning out activities for their summer campers! There are a few things we’d like for you to keep in mind:

1. Swimming activities are only allowed to be conducted at licensed and inspected Public Recreational Bathing facilities. If you need help identifying a local, licensed and inspected swimming pool, contact the local health official in the jurisdiction where the bathing facility is located! Sprinkler play, slip and slides and similar activities where the water is not “pooled” to a depth for immersion is not considered a recreational bathing activity.
   
   
2. Does your Youth Camp operate a ropes course, rock climbing wall or any other suspension related device that is OVER 10 feet in height? If so, you may need to register with the Carnival and Amusement Ride Safety Program on behalf of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Construction Project Review. Please contact the DCA for more information at:

Email: rides@dca.nj.gov

Phone: (609) 292-2097  

Website: https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/offices/rides.shtml

FAQ: https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/offices/rides_faq.html