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Recreational Camps and Day Camps

This Page Was Last Updated: 12/29/05

Parents of Lexington children may select from among numerous recreational and day camps in town for their children. Camp programs run from traditional curriculums that combine outdoors activities with crafts to specialized sports and language camps. While most camps are run by private organizations, the Town also offers "Camp for All" through its municipal recreation program. There are currently no residential (i.e., overnight) camps licensed in the town.

The Health Division regularly inspects all camps in town for compliance with State safety and health regulations. Inspection records for each camp are available in the Health Division of Community Development for examination. A checklist of requirements each camp must meet before passing inspection is provided below. All camps must have an annual permit given by the Health Division in order to operate.

Parents are advised to review the section "What to Look For in a Camp" prior to selecting a summer camp for their child. Questions on camp safety in general or on specific facilities may be addressed to the Health Division.

Lexington Camp Safety Program

The Health Division maintains an ongoing camp safety program that includes yearly inspections of each facility, and provides  communications with camp operators on regulations and safety issues. Make sure the camp you select for your child has been licensed by the Lexington Board of Health and is in compliance with all State codes.

What Parents Should Look For in Day Camps

The following is adapted from guidelines offered by the National Safety Council.

Yes. Your child's camp should have a permit given by the local Board of Health, which carries out annual inspections at each camp to ensure compliance with the state code put forth by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

All camps are required to have at least one staff member available at all times to act as a Health Supervisor. This person must be trained in first aid and CPR, and may be allowed (with written parental permission) to give the child prescription drugs as necessary. Each camp is also required to have a "medical consultant", either a doctor or nurse practitioner, who can provide guidance on specific medical issues when necessary. (The consultant is not necessarily a staff member, but a medical professional who has agreed to provide the camp with medical information and guidance as necessary). Written policies as to how to deal with a variety of injuries should be in place. Each camp must also maintain a log of injuries that occur at the camp.

Lifeguards at all pools are required to be certified in lifesaving, first aid and CPR. At no time should children be left in a swimming area unattended.

Camps are required to keep all medications in a locked box or drawer. All medications must be given by the camp's Health Supervisor. Written parental permission is required in order for medications to be given to a child during camp hours.

Is there a description of the camp's programs and philosophy?

Camps should have a program that suits the age group and capabilities of the children it serves. Make sure to find out the full curriculum of the camp to determine if the program is appropriate to your child's age and interests.

Camps are required to keep on a file a record of the required immunizations that the child must have received to enter the camp, including vaccinations for polio, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, and rubella and others. Written documentation of such immunizations are required for both children and all staff members.

In addition, you should supply all information pertaining to the child's health that may be needed in a medical emergency, such as allergies, illnesses or other conditions that medical professional may need in the event of an emergency. .

What is the Camper to Counselor Ratio?

State law requires that camps supply one counselor for up to 10 children over the age of six, and one counselor for up to 5 children under the age of  six years.

Are background checks carried out on staff personnel?

According to State regulations, all camps must carry out background checks on all camp staff, including a check for criminal history or sex offenses. These investigations are examined at the time the camps are inspected.

Does the camp provide instruction on Lyme disease prevention?

Lyme disease is a serious disease spread by the deer tick. Children should be taught to inspect themselves for ticks and to wear light-colored clothing, covering their legs and feet if they come into contact with high grasses or brush.

Does the camp promote the use of sun screen and insect repellent where appropriate?

Children should be encouraged to apply sunscreen and insect repellent whenever they are in areas where sun exposure, or mosquitoes, ticks or other insects are a problem.

For more information, contact the American Camping Association at (800) 428-2267 or www.aca-camps.org.

Inspections and Permits

Inspections on summer camps are carried out according to 105 CMR 430.00, Minimum Sanitation and Safety Standards for Recreational Camps for Children, State Sanitary Code, Chapter IV. Additional local regulations pertaining to food service and other safety issues set by the Lexington Board of Health may also apply.

Applications for camp permits may be obtained from the Health Division. A $100.00 fee is required for all permits.