CLARIFICATION OF RECREATIONAL CAMPS FOR CHILDREN REQUIREMENTS All operators are strongly encouraged to review their programs and consult with the Board of Health to ensure compliance before operating.

CLARIFICATION OF RECREATIONAL CAMPS FOR CHILDREN REQUIREMENTS

CITY OF NEWBURYPORTHEALTH DEPARTMENT60 Pleasant StreetNewburyport, MA 01950

 

Kelechi ObikaDirector of Public Health PHONE: 978-465-4410 WEBSITE: www.cityofnewburyport.com

 

February 19, 2026

RE: CLARIFICATION OF RECREATIONAL CAMPS FOR CHILDREN REQUIREMENTS

Dear Camp Operators,

The Newburyport Board of Health is issuing this notice to clarify licensing requirements under 105 CMR 430.000 (Minimum Standards for Recreational Camps for Children).

It has come to our attention that some operators may have received incorrect guidance regarding the designation and licensing of camps in Newburyport. Specifically, it was previously suggested that removing the word “camp” from public advertisements would exempt an operation from being considered a camp under Massachusetts regulations. This is not correct.

Pursuant to 105 CMR 430.000, any facility that meets the statutory and regulatory definitions of a recreational, sports, or day camp is considered a camp and must be licensed by the Newburyport Board of Health.

Definition of Recreational Camp for Children (430.020)

Under 105 CMR 430.020, a Recreational Camp for Children means:

Any day, primitive or outpost, residential, sports, travel or trip camp conducted wholly or in part for recreation or recreational instruction which: (a) operates for profit or philanthropic or charitable purposes, whether or not a fee is charged; and (b) serves five or more children who are not members of the family or personal guests of the operator; and (c) operates for any period of time between June 1st and September 30th of any year or fewer than 15 business days during any other time of the year; or

Any person, entity, or program that promotes or advertises itself as a camp, even if it does not meet the criteria listed above.

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Camp Specific Definitions:

Day Camp

A program that…

Operates on a site for more than two hours but less than 24 hours a day;

Operates for at least four days during a 14 consecutive day period in a city or town; and

Meets the definition of a Recreational Camp for Children.

Residential Camp

A program that…

Meets the definition of a Recreational Camp for Children;

Operates on a permanent site for three or more consecutive overnights; and

Operates for at least four days during a 14 consecutive calendar day period in a city or town.

Sports Camp

A program that…

Meets the definition of a Recreational Camp for Children;

Has a primary focus on one or more sports activities;

Operates on a site for more than two hours but less than 24 hours a day; and

Operates for at least four days during a 14 consecutive calendar day period in a city or town.

Exemptions

Pursuant to 430.010(C), provided a program is not promoted or advertised as a camp, the following are not required to comply with the provisions of 105 CMR 430.000:

Single purpose classes, workshops, clinics or programs sponsored by municipal recreation departments, or neighborhood playground programs as described in M.G.L. Chapter 111, Section 127A;

Programs operated solely on a drop-in basis;

Classroom-based instructional programs, provided no specialized high-risk activities (see 430.103) are conducted;

Accredited summer school programs meeting applicable accreditation standards for specialized high-risk activities, where applicable.

 

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Clarification

Using the word “camp” in promotion or advertisement is not the sole qualifier in deeming status or designation as a camp. Camp status is based on how a program functions and operates, not solely on its name. The following distinctions are important to note for operators to be aware of:

1. Programs that do not call themselves a “camp” but meet one or more of the regulatory definitions listed in 105 CMR 430.000, are considered camps and must be licensed by the local Board of Health.

2. Programs that call themselves a “camp” but do not meet any of the regulatory specific camp types listed in 105 CMR 430.000, are considered a camp and must be licensed by the local Board of Health

3. A program that does not meet any of the regulatory specifications of a “camp” and also does not advertise or promote itself as a camp is not subject to the provisions of 105 CMR 430.000 and therefore does not need to be licensed by the local Board of Health.

All operators are strongly encouraged to review their programs and consult with the Board of Health to ensure compliance before operating.

Enforcement

Failure to comply with the provisions of 105 CMR 430.000 may result in enforcement action, including but not limited to:

* Civil penalties and fines* Orders to cease operations* Denial or revocation of permits;*Additional legal action as authorized by law 

The Board of Health appreciates your cooperation in protecting the health and safety of children participating in recreational programs in our community. Early coordination will help to ensure compliance and avoid delays coming into this season.

Please contact the Newburyport Board of Health at (978) 465 – 4410

Sincerely,

Kelechi Obika, MPH, REHS/RSDirector of Public HealthCity of Newburyport