Day Camps, Overnight Camps, and Traveling Day Camps

Certain types of summer camps operating on commercial property like a community center, school, or house of worship require a Health Department permit to operate. Permit applications must be sent to the NYC Health Department at least 90 days before the camp opens.

Types of Camps

• Day camp: Provides supervision to 10 or more children under 16 years old. Offers two or more indoor or outdoor activities of which at least one is a nonpassive recreational activity with significant risk of injury. May run from June 1 through Sept. 15. Nonpassive recreational activities with significant risk of injury (also referred to as “high risk”) include but are not limited to swimming, basketball, soccer, playground activities, martial arts, gymnastics, rock climbing and amusement parks.
• Overnight camp: Provides supervision to 10 or more children under 18 years old for the purpose of indoor or outdoor activities. Includes overnight stays for more than 72 hours. May run from June 1 through Sept. 15.

• Traveling day camp: A day camp that regularly transports children to locations other than a “rainy day” site. May run from May 15 through Sept. 15.
• Municipal camp: A day camp located at a property owned, leased or run by the city or state of New York, school district or public board.

Staff and Safety Requirements

Camp applicants must provide information about core staff, like the Camp Director, Health Director and Aquatics Director. They must show proof of staff qualifications and training certifications. It’s important to review Staff Qualifications for Summer Camps before applying for a permit.

Camps must keep on-site files with staff and child information, including medical records and a written safety plan approved by the Department. A Health Inspector will inspect the camp at least once during the season.

If 20 percent or more campers have a developmental disability, the camp must follow extra regulatory requirements.

Permit Details

The summer camp permit is valid for one season. Camps must submit a yearly renewal application with supporting documents to stay compliant. The permit cannot be transferred.

The permit will include:

• Permit Number
• Issue and Expiration Date
• Name and Address of Program
• Permit Capacity
• Floors and Classrooms
• Activities and Services for the Children

• Submit early: You must submit your permit application to the NYC Health Department at least 90 days before camp starts. To renew a permit, see instructions in Operating and Renewing.

• Location requirements: The camp must be on a commercial property like a community center, school, or house of worship. You need a valid Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Letter of No Objection (LNO) from the NYC Department of Buildings. The CO or LNO must be current during the camp period.

  • An LNO may show the maximum number of campers, age groups, and specific dates.
  • A CO will show the maximum number of persons allowed in each floor, occupancy group classification and description of use.
  • Acceptable occupancy groups include:

• Fire safety: A valid F-07/W-07 Certificate of Fitness from the NYC Fire Department (FDNY) is required for directors or designated staff to conduct fire drills. All camps must pass an FDNY fire safety inspection.  Fire safety inspections are scheduled after receipt and approval of the CO or LNO.
• Required Automated External Defibrillator (AED): New York State Law requires regulated children’s camps to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) or reasonable access to an AED owned by someone else. Camps must submit a complete AED section of the NYC Summer Camp Safety Plan and have one or more staff trained in AED use. For guidance, contact your Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (REMSCO) at (212) 870-2301. Learn more about AED Requirements for Children's Camps.
• Register for an Online Account and Get a Record ID: Getting a Record ID is one of the first steps in the process to apply for a permit. Follow the steps in Apply Online below.

• Permit fee: The Summer Camp Permit Fee is $200 for the period of May 15 to September 15 for traveling camps and from June 1 to September 15 for all other camps.

  • There is no fee for a summer camp operated by a nonprofit organization. You must submit proof of 501(c)(3) Exemption or Municipal Exemption and a letter confirming that you are in good standing with the U.S. Treasury Department. See the 501(c)(3) Organizations Exemption Requirements.

• Payment methods: Payment is made online. Only credit and debit cards are accepted.

• Review the Insurance Requirements for Summer Camps.

• Submit Application Forms and Documents by Email: After you receive a Record ID, email required forms and documents to campinfo@health.nyc.gov.

  • The subject line must include borough where you operate, the camp’s name, site address, and eight-digit Record ID number. Example, “Manhattan, STEM Kids Camp, 125 Worth Street, 55555555”.

  • Individually label and attach each item to one email (do not combine documents or forms into one pdf attachment).

  • Complete and attach these application forms and documents:

    • Site Inspection Request Form
    • Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Letter of No Objection (LNO) from the NYC Department of Buildings.
    • For non-profit programs only: A 501(c)(3) Tax Exemption Letter from the US Treasury Department and a letter on organization letterhead confirming you are in current and good standing with your exemption status.
    • For Partnerships, Corporations or LLCs only: A Certificate of Incorporation stamped to show it was filed with the New York State (NYS) Department of State or a Filing Receipt issued by NYS Secretary of State. Note: If incorporated outside of NYS, get a “Certificate of Good Standing” from your Secretary of State and file with application for “Authority to Conduct business in New York State” with NYS Department of State. You must then present this “Authority” issued by the NYS Department of State when you apply for this permit.
    • Worker's Compensation Certificate or Form CE-200 if exempt
    • Disability Benefits Insurance Certificate or Form CE-200 if exempt
    • Proof of Comprehensive Liability Insurance
    • Proof of Transportation Insurance (for private or chartered vehicles)
    • Children's Camp Facility and Staff Description
    • Camp Director's Resume
    • Camp Director's Statewide Central Register Database Check
    • Prospective Children's Camp Director Certified Statement
    • Health Director's CPR Certification
    • Health Director's  Advance First Aid Certification  (first list of courses are acceptable for health directors)
    • NYC Summer Camp Safety Plan
    • Trip Itinerary and Parental Consent Form

  • If your camp provides swimming, boating or aquatics theme park services, submit aquatics director’s qualifications:

    • Aquatics Director's Resume
    • Aquatics Director's Lifeguard Management Certification
    • Aquatics Director's  CPR Certification  (for example, CPR Pro by ARC)

• Sign up for and attend an orientation. New camp directors and new aquatics directors must attend a virtual orientation. Orientations take place between April and June. Register for a webinar orientation at nyc.gov/health/register. Each person must register using their own email address.

  • Select “Group Child Care and Summer Camp Orientation Sessions” then click “Continue”.
  • Complete all steps. Register with your full legal name. Ensure your email address is correct.
  • You will receive an email confirmation after successfully registering.
  • The orientation is a webinar and an invitation link will be emailed to you a day prior.
  • Send your certificate of completion to your borough office representative after completing the orientation.

• Pass a site inspection. The Health Department will schedule a site inspection to make sure the space meets requirements. If any renovations are needed, the inspector must return to confirm work is complete. The inspection will include but is not limited to a review of:

  • Floors and exits to be used
  • Rooms, play areas, and bathrooms
  • Maximum allowed occupancy and co-located programs
  • Fire-fighting equipment and alarms
  • Cleanliness and adequate ventilation
  • Food storage and kitchen areas (if applicable)
  • Sleeping quarters and showers (if applicable)
  • Pool facility and life-saving equipment (if applicable)

• Application status updates:

  • You will receive automated "Deficiency List" emails about the status of your application. For detailed updates on your application, contact your Borough Office representative.

• Complete the Summer Camp Survey. If your permit is ready to be issued, your Borough Office representative will email you an online survey to complete. Use your “Children’s Camp Facility and Staff Description form” to help you complete the survey.

• Learn about operational requirements:

  • Review the Frequently Asked Questions for Camp Operators.
  • Read the NYC Health Code Article 48 to understand the rules for operating a summer camp and how to comply.

• Get a Food Protection Certificate:

  • Camps that will prepare food on-site or serve food that is delivered or catered in bulk quantities from an approved food service establishment must have a supervising manager on duty who has been issued the 15-hour Food Protection Certificate by the NYC Health Department. The course can be taken online for free, where you can study at your own pace and pay a fee to take the final exam. The course can also be taken in-person for a fee.

  • Camp workers are required to take the 4-hour Food Protection Course for Soup Kitchen and Summer Camp Workers, if your camp will:

    • Receive food from the Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or
    • Have catered ready-to-eat meals served in individual packaging.

• Staff medical record requirement:

  • Before the camp starts, all staff and volunteers must provide a physical exam record that is dated within the last two years.

• Staff training requirements:

  • Camp Directors must attend the New York State Mandated Reporter Resource Center - Training on Child Abuse and Maltreatment.
  • All camps must have one staff person certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for every 100 campers.
  • Day camps only: one staff person must be certified in first aid for every 50 campers.
  • Overnight camps only: In addition to the health director, one staff person must be certified in first aid for every 50 campers.

• Staff clearances:

  • Before camp starts, all staff, including volunteers, must be cleared against the New York State Sex Offender Registry and the National Sex Offender Registry.
  • Anyone over the age of 14 who has regular or potential contact with campers must be cleared before they start work and then once every year.
  • Documentation of staff clearances will be requested at the time of inspection when your camp is in operation.

• Directors should learn about operational requirements:

  • Review the Frequently Asked Questions for Camp Operators.
  • Review the NYC Health Code Article 48 to understand the rules for operating a summer camp and how to comply.

• New camp directors and new aquatics directors must attend a virtual orientation. Orientations take place between April and June. Register for a webinar orientation at nyc.gov/health/register. Each person must register using their own email address.

  • Select “Group Child Care and Summer Camp Orientation Sessions” then click “Continue”.
  • Complete all steps. Register with your full legal name. Ensure your email address is correct.
  • You will receive an email confirmation after successfully registering.
  • The orientation is held as a webinar and an invitation link will be emailed to you a day prior.
  • Send your Certificate of Completion to your borough office representative after completing the orientation.
  • Note: you can apply for the camp permit even if the camp director has not yet attended the orientation.

• Applications must be sent to the NYC Department of Health at least 90 days before the camp starts.

• New applicants must first register for an account at the NYC Health Department License and Permit Online Portalby creating a new NYC.ID account for your program. After you create an NYC.ID Account:

  • Log in at nyc.gov/dohmhpermits

  • Click “Health Permits and Licenses”

  • Click "Create a new application or link existing records"

  • Read and accept the terms and click "Continue"

  • Click on the "Child Care" drop-down arrow

    • For Profit Programs: Select "Summer Camp (CAMP) Permit Process". You will be required to pay the $200 permit fee plus a $4 convenience fee at step 6.
    • Non-profit Programs: Select "Summer Camp (CAMP) Fee Exempt Permit Process"

  • Complete all fields with an asterisk (*) and click continue at the bottom of each step until completion. At step 5, check the tiny box to continue - do not upload documents.

  • You will receive an e-mail confirmation and a new record will be created.

  • Click on “Home”, then “My Records (Amend/Renew)” to see your new 8-digit Accela/Record ID number. e.g. “55555555”

  • Note: If you log back in and see "resume application" next to your record, that means you have not completed all the steps. You must complete all the steps so that a new record can be created.

• Submit the required documents and forms listed above by email.

• After submitting the application by email, continue to next steps in "After you Apply".

Send Your Permit Renewal Forms and Documents by Email

To renew your permit, email your renewal forms and documents to campinfo@health.nyc.gov.

• The email subject line must include the Borough where you operate, your camp name, street address and 8-digit Accela or Record ID number. Example: “Manhattan, STEM Kids Camp, 125 Worth St, 55555555”

• Individually label and attach each item to one email (do not combine documents or forms into one).

• Complete and attach these required documents and forms for your renewal application:

  • Summer Camp Self-Certification Checklist.
  • Letter of No Objection (LNO) from the NYC Department of Buildings, if the previous LNO has expired. The LNO must be current during the camp operating period.
  • For non-profit programs only: A letter on your organization's letterhead that you are in current and good standing with your exemption status.
  • Worker's Compensation Certificate or Form CE-200 if exempt.
  • Disability Benefits Insurance Certificate or Form CE-200 if exempt.
  • Proof of Comprehensive Liability Insurance or Form CE-200 if exempt.
  • Proof of Transportation Insurance (for private or chartered vehicles).
  • NYC Summer Camp Safety Plan Addendum – Automated External Defibrillator
  • Trip Itinerary and Parental Consent Form.
  • Children's Camp Facility and Staff Description.
  • Camp Director's Resume (if different from last year).
  • Camp Director's Statewide Central Register Database Check.
  • Prospective Children's Camp Director Certified Statement.
  • Health Director's CPR (CPR Pro) Certification.
  • Health Director's Advanced First Aid Certification (First list of courses are acceptable for Health Directors).

• If the camp will provide swimming, boating or aquatic theme park services, include aquatics staff qualifications information:

  • Aquatics Director's Resume (if different from last year).
  • Aquatics Director's Lifeguard Management Certification.
  • Aquatics Director's CPR Certification (for example, CPR Pro).

Permit Fee Payment

For-profit summer camps are required to pay a $200 permit fee. You can make a payment online. Follow the steps to pay your fee:

• Log in to your account at NYC Health Department Permit and License Online Portal.
• Click on “My Records (Renew/Amend)” in the light blue heading section.
• Search for your program’s record that shows the 8-digit Accela or Record ID number, e.g. “55555555” Note: Record may show a previous date, however your payment will reflect today’s date.
• At the far-right side of the record, under Actions, click the “Renew Application” link.
• If you don’t see the “renew application” link, email campinfo@health.nyc.gov.
• Click the checkbox next to “*Renew Application” then click “Continue” at the bottom – do not upload documents here.
• Review your information and click “Continue”
• Pay your fee

Account Access for New Directors

If you will be using a newly registered NYC.ID account (with a new email address), you must request a PIN to access the existing camp record. Do not create a new camp record. To request a PIN email campinfo@health.nyc.gov with your camp name and site address in the subject line. You may also complete the PIN Request Form.  Once you have your PIN and your camp’s 8-digit Record ID number, follow the steps:

• Create an NYC.ID account at nyc.gov/dohmhpermits.  (Unless you already have an NYCID account.)
• Login and click "Health Permits and Licenses"
• Click "Create a new application or link existing records"
• Read and accept the terms and click "Continue"
• Click “** Pin Link/Relink” drop down arrow.
• Select “**Link/Relink an Existing License to your Account with your PIN / Record Number”
• Enter your PIN and Accela/CAMIS/Record ID number and click “continue”
• Review the information, then click “continue”
• Now go to “Home” then “My Records (Renew/Amend)” and follow the instructions above to pay.

Pay outstanding fines

You cannot renew a permit if you have outstanding fines. You must pay fines online before renewing. Login to your account on the NYC Health Department Permit and License Online Portal to pay fines.

• If you are using a new account, you may request a PIN to "PIN Link/Relink" and access the existing camp record. Do not create a new camp record.
• If you need your PIN, complete the PIN Request Form or call 311 to request your PIN.

Application status updates

You may receive automated "Deficiency List" emails about the status of your application. For detailed updates on your application, contact your Borough Office representative.

Complete the Summer Camp Survey

If your permit is ready to be renewed, your Borough Office representative will email you an online survey to complete.  Use your “Children’s Camp Facility and Staff Description form” to help you complete the survey.