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Q: What is a High risk activity?

A: A high risk activity is one in which a participant has an increased risk of injury simply by performing the activity.  If your campers will be playing any sport , these could constitute a high risk activity.  Factors a camp would want to consider when evaluating if an activity should be considered high risk are the age level of participants, skill level of participants and probability/ or chance that a participant would be injured due to participating in said activity. 

Q:  What is the definition of a youth camp?

A: Activities that do not meet the definition of a youth camp are not required to be licensed. A youth camp is defined as:

• Operating for two or more days within the same week, for a minimum of 3 hours per day
• Serving five or more children under the age of 18
• Involving high-risk activities 

Q: Do municipal camps have to register/license?:

A: Public entities that operate youth camps with high-risk activities are encouraged to register, though they are not required to do so. We strongly recommend these camps consider registration and/or use the Youth Camp Standards as a helpful guide to implement the minimum standards for a safe and effective youth camp environment.

Q: I looked at the Organized Sports Guidance Document and the activities at my camp are not listed as high risk.  Do I still need to license?

A: The Organized Sports Guidance is not a tool to be used to determine whether an activity should be licensed by the Youth Camp Safety Project.  Licensure requirements are detailed  under the Definitions Section (1.3) of N.J.A.C. 8:25 Youth Camp Standards.   The criteria outlined in the organized sports guidance was developed during the height of the pandemic in efforts during prolonged shutdowns to help participants of sports evaluate activities which were allowed to be conducted during different phases of the reopening ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ process.  The chart in no way is tied to the definition of high risk defined under N.J.A.C. 8:25 Youth Camp Standards.

Q:  In the past, my license was valid for an entire calendar year.  Can I operate when summer is over?

A: As a means to ensure the proper care of school aged children, camps may only operate during out of school time vacations and holidays (Ex: summer break, spring break, holidays and other school vacation/holidays not mentioned). Any camp wishing to operate outside of what has been described should contact the project lead directly at youth.camps@doh.nj.gov.  

Q: I want to add a second location to my application.  What is the difference in the CB-11 and CB-11a forms?

A: If the two separate locations are for two distinct and separate camp populations, for example camp site A is for campers aged 5-10 and campsite B is for aged 11-15 then you will need two separate license numbers.  Which means you will need to complete 2 separate applications () for each camp site. 

If instead, your camp population is for example, campers age 5-10 and campsite A has a pool and campsite B has a ropes course then you only need one license.  You can complete the (CB-11 and ) forms in order to add the second activity location.

Q: The application form is missing form fields and I have been unable to complete the form.  I have included a picture of the form is this acceptable?

A: We strongly recommend using Adobe Reader to fill out your application form. If you do not use Adobe Reader, your form answers may be lost when it is opened in our office: all forms are optimized for Adobe Reader. Use the following link to download and install Adobe Reader FREE: 

If you are unable to use Adobe Reader, please open your completed form and select PRINT, then select a PRINT TO PDF option or a PDF printer. This will generate a new file where your form field answers are locked in. Send us the new PDF file to ensure the information will appear the same in our office as it does on your screen.

Q: I submitted my application before the deadline.  How can I check the status?

A: Camps can actively check the status of their license by visiting our website at NJ Youth Camps and looking for the link to  .  The list can be sorted by CAMPID, county or camp name.  This dynamic list reflects in real time license processing and is immediately updated once an application is processed. 

Q: When should LHD expect to receive the preoperational inspection list?

A:  Registration applications for the youth camp season typically begins the second week of April.  Mid-late May our office has registered more than 1/2 of all licensed facilities and sends a Pre-operational inspection list via LINCS to all health officials.  The static list can be used as a resource to identify youth camps licensed to operate within your jurisdiction.  A second resource available to local health officials, is thelink available on our website at NJ Youth Camps. The list can be sorted by county.  This dynamic list reflects in real time license processing and is immediately updated once an application is processed.  

Q: We have opened a licensed childcare center in the lower level of our building and we understand the center and the camp must be separate.  We would like to have a large tent on the grounds and the youth campers will be able to use separate bathroom facilities, which will be upstairs. On days when there is inclement weather we can house them in the upper level of the church. The other days we will take them on trips or outings to local parks.  Would this be sufficient to have a summer camp?

A: Yes, as described you are keeping the child care center and youth camp populations separate.  The arrangement sounds feasible for the purposes of the youth camp license.  You will need to check with your OOL liaison to ensure this arrangement doesn’t infringe on any of their licensing requirements.

Q: Do written records, such as medical logs, need to be physical documents or is it allowable to maintain them electronically?

A: Documents may be maintained electronically.  Any electronically managed files should be ready and available for inspection staff upon request or provided to enforcement personnel within 48 hours.

Q: The staff to camper ratio of 1 adult: 1 counselor: 20 campers. Is this the maximum that is permitted in each cohort? 

A:  The staff to camper ratios are identified pursuant N.J.A.C. 8:25:3.2 (o-q).  Please review the section of the regulation and email any additional questions to youth.camps@doh.nj.gov.  

Ages 5-17 require one adult (age 18+) assisted by 1 counselor (age 16+) per 20 children. Any group larger than 20 kids would then require one additional counselor per 10 campers.   

Ages 2 1/2- 4 requires one adult (age 18+) assisted by 1 counselor (age 16+) per 14 children. Any group larger than 14 kids would then require one additional counselor per 7 campers.   

Ages birth - 2 requires one adult (age 18+) assisted by 1 counselor (age 16+) per 8 children. Any group larger than 8 kids would then require one additional counselor per 4 campers. 

Youth Camp Background Checks & Clearance Requirements

Q: Will a vendor be recommended for the 50-state name based check?

A: Yes, we are currently in the process of developing a list. As you can imagine, NJDOH is unable to endorse any specific vendor, so the goal is simply to compile a list of approximately 6–10 organizations that offer this service. Once finalized, the list will be posted as a resource on our website in the coming weeks.

Q: Do you have any recommended vendors for the 50 State background check?

A: [Same as above.]

Q: Is there a preferred list?

A: [Same as above.]

Q: Is there a list of vendors that are available that comply for out of state fingerprinting and the 50 state background check?

A: [Same as above.]

Q: Can you provide examples of companies that provide 50 state background check?

A: [Same as above.]

Q: What are vendors we can use for 50 state check?

A: [Same as above.]

Q: Can your department provide a list of vendors that offer the 50 state check?

A: [Same as above.]

Q: Is it necessary to do this every year, or is there a cyclical basis? (regarding background checks)

A: The 50-state name-based criminal history record check and the fingerprint-based criminal history record check are required once every five years. In the interim years, returning staff who have maintained continuous employment with your camp may submit a notarized statement confirming that there has been no change in their criminal history. However, at the five-year mark, a new background check must be completed for all returning staff.

Q: Does this only apply to Public School Districts? What about independent or prep schools?

A: Private, independent, or prep schools are not considered part of a public school district. The exemption for school teachers from the background check requirement applies specifically to teachers in good standing within a school district, so teachers at private or independent schools do not automatically qualify. However, if a private school teacher has previously completed a fingerprint-based criminal history record check, they may submit a notarized statement on letterhead from the principal or superintendent.

Q: Does the teacher exemption also apply to someone who is employed as a teacher's aide in a school district?

A: Yes. If the school staff member is in good standing and has undergone a fingerprint-based background check with the school, the exemption may apply. They must provide a notarized letter to the camp operator, who then submits a waiver request pursuant N.J.A.C. 8:25-1.5 to NJDOH for determination.

Q: Is the school exemption only for NJ or any state?

A: The exemption applies to a teacher in good standing from any state, as long as the teacher has completed a fingerprint-based criminal history background check with the school at which they are currently employed and they submit a notarized statement on school letterhead from the principal or superintendent.

Q: Will waivers be granted for child care center staff that have FBI-CHRI for their day care center during the school year but work in a camp for the summer?

A: No, child care centers and their staff are not eligible for the exemption.

Q: If they have CHRI they still need FBCHRI??

A: It depends on the type of camp: Resident camps require both fingerprint-based and 50-state name-based checks; day camps only require the 50-state name-based check.

Q: Do day camps need fingerprinting?

A: No, day camps are not required to conduct fingerprint-based background checks but must perform a 50-state name-based check for all adult staff.

Q: Just for clarification, staff only needs fingerprinting for overnight camp, not day camp, is that correct?

A: Correct. Fingerprint-based background checks are required only for resident camps.

Q: Does this include current staff members, or only those who are hired once these procedures become enforceable (as of June 2026)?

A: All new and returning staff members are required to complete the fingerprint-based and/or 50-state name-based background checks by June 2026, as required by your camp type (day/resident camp).

Q: Can we just use the NJ state police background check?

A: No. The NJ State Police checks only cover ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and do not satisfy the 50-state requirement.

Q: Since we are unable to get fingerprint checks for out of state staff - and the comparable alternative for those states is a name based check - Does the 50 state name based check for all staff satisfy that requirement or are you saying we have to get 50 state AND a name based check in that staff's state?

A: Challenges exist with fingerprinting for out-of-state and international staff. NJDOH is working on guidance, which will be posted on the website once finalized.

Q: Is the 50-state name-based check required in addition to the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ State Police check?

A: The 50-state name-based check must cover ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. If the vendor's check does not include ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, a separate ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ check is also necessary. For resident camps, both the 50-state name-based check and a fingerprint-based criminal history record check (FBCHRI) are required.

Q: We have current staff who already had background checks completed... do they need another background check for the 50 states?

A: Yes, all new and returning staff must complete the checks by June 2026.

Q: So fingerprinting is only for NJ residents?

A: No. Fingerprinting is required of all adult staff only for resident camps regardless of staff residency.

Q: How do I know if current background checks included the 50 state rule?

A: The 50-state check is new. Verify with your vendor that it includes ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and all other states. If not, then a check that includes all 50 states is required.

Q: Is it correct that only adult counselors need to have a background check? Or all counselors?

A: Only adult staff (18+) require checks, including camp operators and directors.

Q: Is a day camp that does one overnight considered an overnight camp?

A: No. A day camp may allow occasional overnights (one night/week) but remains a day camp.

Q: Does Checkr qualify for the third party background check?

A: Any vendor providing a compliant 50-state name check may be used, but the camp operator must verify the scope of the 50 state name based background check and maintain documentation from the vendor.

Q: Does the FBCHRI fulfill the 50-state background check requirement for day camps?

A: No. The fingerprint-based criminal history record information (FBCHRI) check from the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ State Police only covers ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ records and does not satisfy the 50-state background check requirement on its own.

Q: Can we use the CHRI instead of 50 state for day camps?

A: No. Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) is simply a background check which may not include all 50 states. Day camps require a 50-state name-based check.

Q: Is Sex Offender Registry check for over 15 years old or 16 years old?

A: Camps may hire staff aged 16 and older; all staff regardless of age must have sex offender registry checks.

Q: Do day camps have to do sex offender registry check and fingerprints in all 50 states?

A: Day camps must do a 50-state name-based background check for adult staff and a sex offender registry check for all staff. Fingerprinting is not required for day camps. Sex offender registry check should also be a national database check.

Q: Is the 50 state name based check the same as CHRI?

A: No. Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) is simply a background check which may not include all 50 states. Day and resident camps are require a 50-state name-based check.

Q: If we are conducting CARI checks & fingerprint checks for all staff, do we also need to do a family watchdog check on our staff?

A: Youth camp regulations do not require Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) check. Fingerprinting is required of resident camps only. Fingerprinting alone does not satisfy background check requirements for resident camps. The 50-state name-based check and sex offender registry check are required.

Q: Can a CHRI be used?

A: For day camps, the 50-state name-based check is mandatory.

Q: If a day camp has an overnight event once or twice during the season, are they required to meet the resident/overnight fingerprinting rules?

A: No. A day camp primarily operates during the day and may allow occasional overnight stays for no more than one night per week. These limited overnight events do not change the camp's classification or its fingerprinting requirements.

Q: Does the sex offender check include all 50 states or just the state the camp is based in?

A: The sex offender registry check should include a national search.

Q: What constitutes permanent residence?

A: The NJ State Police use your current home address but do not provide an official definition. Please check ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ State Police website for more information.

Q: So, if we have the NJSP background already done for our staff, we still need to have an additional 50 state check, is that correct?

A: Yes. NJSP covers only NJ records and does not fulfill the 50-state requirement.

Q: Who is responsible for paying for the background checks?

A: The regulations require that all required background checks be completed but do not dictate who covers the costs. The camp operator is responsible for arranging the checks.

Recordkeeping, Documentation & Compliance

Q: Will a template be provided for the log?

A: No, a template will not be provided to log background check information.

Q: Can records be maintained electronically or do we need to have paper files?

A: Electronic records are acceptable if accessible by the person on-site during inspection.

Q: Can you clarify the definition of professional level CPR?

A: Professional-level CPR is an advanced certification for healthcare providers including adult, child, and infant CPR, choking relief, AED use, and more advanced techniques.

Q: What happens if counselors are under 18?

A: Staff under 18 only require a sex offender registry check. They are not subject to other background checks.

Q: Can the pre camp orientation training for staff happen online or does that need to be an in-person meeting?

A: Training can be online or in person, but attendance must be documented and kept on-site.

Q: Is there a checklist that we can get so we can make sure we are compliant when being inspected?

A: Not currently provided.

Q: Is the updated N.J.A.C. 8:25 Code available on NJDOH's web site? Will there be an updated preoperational checklist?

A: Yes, the code is available online. The pre-operational checklist will not significantly change this year. We do hope to revise the form next year

Health Staffing & Regulations

Q: What are the requirements for health staff?

A: Health staff requirements are outlined in N.J.A.C. 8:25-5. Refer to this for detailed standards.

Q: Are two health directors required? Is this a new rule?

A: No, this is not a new requirement. While only one health director is required on-site, it is recommended to train more than one individual to ensure coverage. As noted during training, the absence of a health director on-site is one of the most frequently cited violations.

Q: How do these requirements align with current ACA Standards?

A: The ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Department of Health-Youth Camp Safety is the licensing and enforcement authority under N.J.A.C. 8:25 and can levy fines for non-compliance. The American Camp Association (ACA) is a private organization and does not have regulatory authority. This office, NJDOH, focuses on regulatory compliance with state regulations.

Q: For camps accredited by ACA, how do the current health staffing requirements align with ACA guidelines, especially regarding off-site nurses?

A: The ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Department of Health (NJDOH) is the licensing and enforcement authority for youth camps under N.J.A.C. 8:25 and is responsible for ensuring compliance with state regulations, including the ability to issue fines or penalties for non-compliance. The American Camp Association (ACA), by contrast, is a private organization and does not have regulatory authority, so adherence to ACA standards does not replace or override NJDOH requirements. Health staff requirements are outlined in N.J.A.C. 8:25-5, which should be referenced for detailed standards. These regulations require that a health director be on-site at all times. While having two health directors is not a new requirement, it has been recommended that camps train more than one individual to serve in this role to ensure adequate coverage and to help avoid one of the most common violations identified during inspections.

Q: Does the health director need to be on site overnight for those occasional overnights as a day camp?

A: Yes. Health directors must be on-site during all camp operations.

Q: What are the qualifications for the health director?

A: See N.J.A.C. 8:25-5 for specifics.

Q: What are the requirements for a health administrator for summer camp? Is only CPR required?

A: Requirements go beyond CPR; refer to N.J.A.C. 8:25-5.

Licensing, Operations & Miscellaneous

Q: Will we be able to send staff to get CHRI checks prior to license approval?

A: Yes. Camps may conduct checks anytime. It is the camp operator's responsibility to ensure results are received before staff supervise children.

Q: Can you restate where waiver requests should be sent?

A: Requests must be submitted to NJDOH in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:25-1.5.

Q: Where is the policy change slide? Can slides be emailed?

A: Yes, slides and materials will be emailed to participants.

Q: Are summer camps included in day camps?

A: Youth summer camps are categorized into types which include day camps or resident camps.

Q: What is the status regarding registration by municipally run camps?

A: Municipally run camps are not required to register or obtain a license under N.J.A.C. 8:25.

Q: If a camp uses school buses for transportation, what documentation is required on-site?

A: Transportation must comply with the rules set forth in N.J.A.C. 8:25-8. All required documentation must be available on-site at the camp, either in hard copy or electronically. This includes verification of the transportation vehicle itself (to ensure required inspection stickers and other credentials are affixed) as well as the bus or vehicle information. A letter from the school alone is not sufficient; the camp must have access to the full documentation and the vehicle during inspections.

Q: If we sent application in already do we need to send it in again on March 23?

A: No, the application will be processed.

Q: Do we include background checks in the application?

A: No, background check documentation is maintained on-site, not submitted with the application.

Q: Can you share the link to the most up to date youth camp safety standards?

A: Yes, visit /health/ceohs/phfpp/youthcamps/

Q: Can family watchdog be used? How do we know if the website is fraudulent?

A: The camp operator is responsible for selecting sex offender registry vendors; both free and paid options exist online.

Q: What if we research what we think is a 50-state background check, and it isn't? Can we get a "fix it" ticket?

A: NJDOH does not endorse specific vendors. It is the camp operator's responsibility to verify that any 50-state name-based background check meets regulatory requirements and to maintain documentation from the vendor regarding the components of the check.

Q: Can you review the NJ State Police standards for a 50 State Background Check?

A: The 50-state check must cover all states including NJ. NJSP alone only covers NJ.