Children’s Camps

Air Quality Information for Children’s Camp Operators

Camp directors should know their local AQI forecast and alert level.  See airnow.gov for current conditions and follow DOH/USEPA AQI guidance as follows:

• Orange 101-150: outdoor activities are ok for children, but they should be shorter, less intense, take more breaks, watch for symptoms, and follow all camper asthma action plans.
• Red 151-200: similar to above, but further curtail intensity and length of outdoor activities and consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.  For day camps this may mean seeking indoor activities or canceling camp during a red or higher alert level.  
• Purple and higher (>200):  avoid all physical activity outdoors, seek indoor options, and follow indoor guidance regarding air conditioning, air purifiers, etc. as available.  Consider cancelling camp.    

Information on asthma:

• Asthma Action Plan  
• Video for coaches about athletes and asthma
• Asthma brochures

More information about air quality is available at erie.gov/air.

Program Overview

Children’s Camps are classified as either Summer Day Camps or Children’s Overnight Camps.  The Erie County Health Department (ECDOH) inspects these camp facilities to make sure that they are safe and have proper supervision.

To find out if your camp requires a permit to operate as a Children’s Camp, see the NYS Sanitary Code Subpart 7-2.2 Definitions or contact our office at (716) 961-6800. 

Required Application Documents

• ECDOH Application & Worker’s Compensation/Disability Benefits Information Sheet
• Required NYS forms (DOH-367, DOH-367a, DOH-2271, and DOH-2040)
• NYS Sex Offender Registry Search Procedures for Children’s Camps 

NY State Sanitary Code Sections

• Children’s Camps
• Food Service
• Swimming Pools       
• Bathing Beaches

Additional Documents and Resources

• NYS DOH Children’s Camps Website
• NYS Approved Certification Fact Sheets
• Safety Plan Template
• Written Plan Checklist
• Requirements for Camps for Children with Developmental Disabilities
• Preventing the Spread of Measles at Summer Camp
• NYS School Vaccination Requirements
• Reportable Incidents Poster
• Amusement Devices
• Meningococcal Disease in Children’s Camps
• Epinephrine Auto-injector Use
• Public Access Defibrillator Program/AEDs

Contact

Environmental Health Division
503 Kensington Ave
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: (716) 961-6800
Fax: (716) 961-6880
For Emergencies after regular business hours: 716-961-7898