What is a Organized Camp?
Under state law, Organized Camps are defines as sites with program and facilities established for the primary purposes of providing an outdoor group living experience with social, spiritual, educational, or recreational objectives, with four (4) or more overnight stays during one or more seasons of the year.
If the camp offers three (3) or less overnight stays and is in an unincorporated area of the County, it is classified as a Children's Camp.
Requirements
Organized Camps located anywhere in Los Angeles County need a Public Health Permit to operate.
Camps applying for a Public Health Permit for the first time must submit a Public Health Permit Application and Organized Camp Supplemental Application , along with a copy of ACA Certification or Written Operating Procedures, and the fee for review.
As part of the application review process, a site evaluation will be conducted to verify that all requirements are met. When the requirements are met, an invoice will be issued for the appropriate fee. The Public Health Permit will be mailed once the payment is received.
Each following year, camps renew by submitting a Notice of Intent to Operate (NOI), ACA Certification or updated written operating procedures and plans at least 30 days prior to camp operation. (Note: year-round camps do not need to submit a NOI each year.)
Please read our Guidance Document for Camp Permits and Registration for more information about the application process for permits/registration and the fees for each.
ACA Certification or Written Procedures
Organized Camps must submit at least 60 days prior to the start of camp operations a written description of operating procedures and written plans that describe how the camp will address medical and other emergencies, transportation needs, specialized activities, insect and rodent concerns, and camper's health.
Description of Written Operating Procedures
- Supervisor qualifications and training
- Staff skill verification criteria and process
- Camper eligibility requirements (if any)
- Counselor-to-camper supervision ratios
- Safety procedures, including the storage and handling of hazardous materials
- Identification of potential environmental hazards
- Equipment repair and maintenance
- Equipment access and control
- Health Care Plan
- Emergency Plan
Download Description of Written Operating Procedures Template
A sample template for the Written Operating Procedures is available for downloading by clicking on the link above. Camp operators may use their own format, but they must include all required elements.
Site Evaluations and Inspections
All Organized Camps will undergo a site evaluation to be completed by EH within 30 days prior to the start of operations.
Permitted camps will receive an annual inspection to monitor compliance with the state and local requirements.
Resources
Report a Problem
If you observe code violations or would like to report an issue, you may contact the Environmental Health Call Center at (888) 700-9995 or File a Complaint Online. In addition, inquiries can also be emailed to campsandschools@ph.lacounty.gov
For further assistance, you can contact the Camps and Schools Program at (626) 813-3428.
Contact Us
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Tel: (626) 813-3428
Email: campsandschools@ph.lacounty.gov
County of Los Angeles Public Health
Environmental Health
Camps and Schools Program
1435 West Covina Parkway
West Covina, CA 91790