Recreational Camps
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Camp Permitting & Documentation
Welcome! New information for 2026
All Northampton recreational camps must be inspected and permitted by the Northampton's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). 105 CMR 430.000: Minimum Standards for Recreational Camps for Children regulations establish minimum health, safety, sanitary and housing standards to protect the well-being of children who are in the care of recreational camps for children of Massachusetts.
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How to Apply
2026 Camp Memo: Link The camp memo will provide guidance for the permitting process including important timelines, due dates, inspectional checklist, binder submissions and review, required pool documentation, on-site inspections and DHHS recreational camp contacts. Please Note: Applications, fees and supporting documentation are due at least 6 weeks prior to your opening date.
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Important Documents and Resources
- 2026 Camp Permit Application: Link
- 2026 Camp Inspection Checklist: Link
- 2026 Public Health Nurse (PHN) Memo: Link
Samples of Required Documents: Link
DPH Recreational Camps Webpage: Link
Contact Information for Questions
Medical Documentation & Policies Questions
- Em Rhodes Moulton, Public Health Nurse: 413-587-1502 – erhodesmoulton@northamptonma.gov
- Jennifer Denkiewicz, Public Health Nurse: 413-587- 4905 - jdenkiewicz@northamptonma.gov
- Kelly Hughes, Public Health Nurse: 413-587-1216 – khughes@northamptonma.gov
General Operational, Physical Facility, Pools & Food Service Questions
- Kristen Hargrave-Amodio, Health Inspector: 413-587-1217 – khargraveamodio@northamptonma.gov
- Donna Bowman, Health Inspector: 413-587-1330 – dbowman@northamptonma.gov
- Angelica Sanchez, Regional Health Inspector: 413-587-4910 - asanchez@northamptonma.gov
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General Information: Questions and Answers for Parents
Vaccinations Required: Required Immunizations for Campers and Staff
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Heat-Related Illness
Swimming Pools and Virginia Graeme Baker Act
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Recreational Camp Regulations
Minimum Standards for Recreational Programs
- Programs that meet the criteria to be recreational programs for children must meet the minimum standards set by Link for complete regulations: Massachusetts Standards for Recreational Camps for Children (PDF)
Camp Structures and Facility Standards
- All camp structures used for sleeping or assembly purposes meet the standards set by 780 CMR: The Massachusetts State Building Code
Medical, Healthcare, Infection Control Standards
- All confirmed or suspected communicable diseases and cases of food poisoning among campers and staff must be reported in accordance with 105 CMR 300: Reportable Diseases and Isolation and Quarantine Requirements
- Medical or biological waste, including contaminated sharps, must be disposed of, stored, and transported in accordance with 105 CMR 480.000: Minimum Standards for the Management of Medical or Biological Waste
- Immunization requirements for campers and staff
Food Service Standards
- Food service must be in compliance with 105 CMR 590.000: Minimum Standards for Food Establishments
Aquatic Sports and Activities Standards
- All camps that offer swimming and aquatic activities must be in compliance with 105 CMR 432: Minimum requirements for personal flotation devices for minor children at municipal recreational programs and camps
- Pools: All swimming and wading pools used by campers and staff must be in compliance with 105 CMR 435.000: Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools (State Sanitary Code, Chapter V), including pool fence requirements in M.G.L c. 140, § 206 and 780 CMR: The Massachusetts State Building Code, and the Virginia Graeme Baker, Pools and Spa Safety Act
- Bathing Beaches: Bathing and swimming are only permitted at bathing beaches that meet requirements of 105 CMR 445.000: Minimum Standards for Bathing Beaches (State Sanitary Code: Chapter VII) and Christian's Law (M.G.L. c. 111 § 127A ½)
Challenge Courses and Climbing Walls
- All challenge courses and climbing walls must be licensed and maintained in accordance with 520 CMR 5.00: Amusement Devices