New Jersey 2021 COVID-19 Youth Summer Camp Standards

New Jersey 2021 COVID-19 Youth Summer Camp Standards Guidelines

New Jersey youth day and resident summer camps are permitted to open, pursuant to

Executive Order No. 237. The Youth Camp Safety Standards and COVID-19 Standards were not

designed to support year-round (Ex: learning centers) accommodation for students/children

displaced due to hybrid school models implemented by the New Jersey Department of

Education (DOE). Youth camps, during the ongoing public health emergency, are only allowed

to operate during out-of-school vacations and holidays (e.g., summer break, spring break, etc.)

where the activity includes at least one high risk activity as defined in N.J.A.C. 8:25-1.4.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, all owners/operators of youth camp programs

should stay up to date with any changes to state and federal requirements related to summer

day camp entities and incorporate those changes into their operations. This guidance is not

intended to replace any existing applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and

standards, and is designed to supplement the youth camp program.

The multilayered use of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI) such as face masks, cohorting,

social distancing of 6 feet, hand hygiene and cleaning and disinfecting has shown to be

successful when mitigating the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within the youth camp setting. The

Department of Health has developed these guidelines to govern the operations of youth

summer camps, as required by Executive Order No. 237 .

If eligible, staff, volunteers, campers, and family members are encouraged to get fully

vaccinated for COVID-19 at least two weeks prior to traveling to camp. Per updated guidance

from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), camps should encourage all

unvaccinated staff and campers to engage in a 2-week prearrival quarantine. Camp staff and

campers who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to get tested with a viral test 3–5 days

after traveling home from camp AND stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days after their

return home.

General requirements for youth summer camps

1. “Youth summer camps” are defined in the Order to include youth camps required to be

licensed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:12-1 et seq., facilities operating programs as described in

N.J.S.A. 30:5B-3(b)(4), and other entities that provide daily multi-hour programming for

youths, without regard to whether the program is subject to the certification requirements

pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:12-1 et seq., including youth programs operated by municipal

agencies.

2. Youth camps that are subject to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 26:12-1 et seq., must

complete a Youth Camp Certificate application form.

3. Youth camps do not include child care services designed to accommodate children

displaced due to a school district virtual learning curriculum.

 
 
2 
 
4.  Licensed youth camps must meet the definition and offer at least one high risk activity, 
accommodate 5 or more children under 18 years of age, operate 3 hours or more over the 
course of 2 or more days within the same week. 
5.  Municipal public camps meeting the above definition of youth camps must comply with EO 
No. 237 and this guidance. The application fee for municipal camps will be waived with the 
following requirements:  A request to waive the application fee must be submitted on the 
municipality’s letterhead and a Youth Camp Certification application form must be 
completed.   
6.  Youth camps, as defined in Executive Order No. 237, must develop and implement a COVID-
19 Operational Plan that, at minimum, includes written policies and procedures addressing 
the following areas:  
 
a.   Training  
 
i.  Youth camp operator must access and review the CDC’s Youth Camp 
Programs and Camps Readiness and Planning Tool 
ii.  Camps must conduct staff training and update staff on the basic principles of 
emergency first aid, infection control, hand washing practices, personal 
protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 signs and symptoms.  
iii.  The health director must (1) be designated as the camp’s COVID-19 point of 
contact, (2) be knowledgeable about COVID-19 signs and symptoms, and (3) 
be familiar with the following training resources:  
1.  Training resources: 
a.  New Jersey Department of Health Communicable Disease 
Service (CDS) COVID-19 Youth Camp Guidance 
b.  Contact Tracing Awareness Training 
c.  Infection Control Resources Document 
d.  Centers for Disease Control(CDC) Suggestions for Youth and 
Summer Camps 
2.  Monitor the COVID-19 Activity Report at least weekly 
 
iv.  Camps must document in writing how age-appropriate instruction is 
provided to campers and their families on safe practices while attending 
camp, including face coverings, hand hygiene and staying home when ill. 
 
b.  Promote Healthy Hygiene Practices  
 
i.  Teach and reinforce among all campers and staff the importance of washing 
hands and covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. 

ii. Teach and reinforce use of face coverings among all staff. Staff should be

reminded not to touch the face covering and to wash their hands frequently.

iii. Staff and campers should be educated on proper use, removal, and disposal

of face coverings.

iv. Have adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors, including

soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol (for staff and older

campers who can safely use hand sanitizer), tissues, and no-touch trashcans.

v. Post signs on how to stop the spread of COVID-19, properly wash hands,

promote everyday protective measures, and properly wear a face covering.

vi. Provide educational materials in advance to families for sharing with

campers prior to camp and reinforce awareness at staff and camper

orientation and periodically thereafter for all throughout the camp

experience.

vii. Encourage, promote and prioritize outdoor activities.

c. Screening and Admittance

i. Educate staff, campers and their families about when they should stay home

and when they can return to camp.

ii. Create a communication system for staff and camper families for self-

reporting of symptoms and notification of exposures and closures. In the

resident camp setting, a communication system for camper self-reporting of

symptoms and notification of exposures and closures should be

implemented. Camps should provide clear and accessible directions to their

camp community for reporting symptoms and reasons for absences.

iii. Require staff and campers who are sick or have recently had a close contact

with a person with COVID-19 to stay home.

iv. Develop a policy for safe and respectful daily screening of

staff/camper/visitor. The CDC has issued guidance on the activity available

here. Such screenings should be conducted in accordance with any

applicable privacy laws or regulations. Confidentiality must be maintained.

1. Parents/caregivers are strongly encouraged to monitor their children

for signs of illness every day, as they are the “front line” for assessing

illness in their children.

2. Have a plan to screen students if not screened by parents prior to

arrival.

3. At resident camps, staff assigned for the oversight of a camper under

care are encouraged to monitor children for signs of illness everyday,

as they are the “front line” for assessing illness in the child.

v. Monitor staff absenteeism and consider maintaining a roster of trained back-

up staff.

d. Face Coverings and Social Distancing

i. In indoor settings, staff must wear face masks at all times except when not

practicable, such as when eating or drinking, sleeping, or swimming. Staff

must also wear face coverings in outdoor settings when within 6 feet of

distance from fellow staff members or campers, except when not practicable

or when in extreme heat.

1. In indoor settings, it is particularly important to maintain 6 feet of

physical distancing when masks cannot be worn, such as when eating

or drinking.

2. Camps must supply their staff and campers with face coverings.

ii. It is understood that face coverings may be challenging for campers,

particularly younger campers, in an all-day setting.

1. In outdoor settings, when social distancing of 6 ft. between assigned

groups cannot be maintained, campers should mask.

2. Indoors, campers should wear face coverings at all times, but

particularly when physical distancing is difficult.

3. Campers should wear face masks indoors and outdoors, as described

above, unless (1) doing so is impracticable, such as when a camper is

eating or drinking or (2) while the individual is in the water.

4. Face masks should not be put on any child under the age of two.

e. Infection Control and Monitoring

i. Youth camp programs shall implement the following prevention and

mitigation strategies to slow and limit COVID-19 exposure and spread:

1. Stagger arrival and drop-off times or locations by cohort (group) and

limit contact between cohorts as much as possible.

2. Communicate and educate staff, parents, and campers in COVID-19

safety measures including:

a. Staying home when ill;

b. Proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette;

c. Wearing, removing and discarding face coverings;

d. Reporting illnesses and symptoms to the camp Health

Director or other healthcare personnel at the camp

immediately.

3. Handwash and/or hand sanitizers stations shall be provided in

numerous areas around the camp.

4. Document cleaning and disinfection procedures and frequencies for

frequently touched surfaces, and high traffic areas such as restrooms,

dining areas, and indoor areas prone to congregation using EPA

approved disinfectants.

5. Discourage sharing of items, especially those that are difficult to

clean or disinfect. If items are shared, limit use of supplies and

equipment by one group of campers at a time and clean and disinfect

between use.

6. Consider limiting non-essential visitors, volunteers, and activities

involving external groups or organizations as much as possible.

a. Visitors are required to wear face coverings unless medically

contraindicated. If a visitor refuses to a wear a cloth face

covering for non-medical reasons and if such covering cannot

be provided to the individual by the business at the point of

entry, the youth camp must decline entry.

b. Avoid large group events, gatherings, or meetings where

social distancing of at least 6 ft. between assigned groups

and/or individuals from other groups cannot be maintained.

f. Plan for When a Staff, Camper or Visitor Becomes Sick

Camp administrators must implement a policy in the event someone tests

positive with COVID-19 or gets sick while on site with COVID-19 symptoms.

The camp’s COVID-19 response policy must include, at a minimum, the

following procedures:

1. The camp must immediately separate the impacted staff or

camper(s) from the other staff and campers.

2. If the camp becomes aware of an individual who has tested positive

for COVID-19, the camp must immediately notify the local health

authority where the camp is located. While maintaining

confidentiality, the camp must also immediately notify all staff and

families of campers that a confirmed case has been identified at the

camp.

a. Notification to the NJDOH-Youth Camp Safety Project is

required within 24 hours at [email protected].

3. The camp must establish a COVID-19 isolation area.

4. Document procedures detailing the safe transportation of implicated

staff/camper.

5. Document procedures for contact tracing, which include maintaining

records of groups/cohorts, assigned staff and daily attendance logs.

a. Camp administration should assist the local health

department with identifying close contacts of positive COVID-

19 cases.

6. Document policies that detail camper/staff readmittance which

follow NJCDS COVID-19 Youth Camp Guidance

7. Document policies and procedures for closure due to outbreak as

determined by the LHD.

a. Local health officials, in consultation with CDS

epidemiologists, will provide direction to the camp if a closure

is warranted.

i. The duration of a temporary closure may be

dependent on several factors which will be

communicated by the local health official.

ii. Notification of a recommended closure to the NJDOH-

Youth Camp Safety Project is required within 24 hours

at [email protected].

b. Staff/campers are discouraged from attending another facility

if the camp is closed due to an outbreak.

c. Close off areas used by a sick person and do not use these

areas until after cleaning and disinfecting them (for outdoor

areas, this includes surfaces or shared objects in the area, if

applicable). Follow CDS guidance on reopening after a

closure.

g. Intensify Cleaning, Disinfection, Facilities and Ventilation

i. Outdoor camp activities are strongly encouraged

1. Canopy/tenting/cover accessibility is required for camps that

maintain a primarily outdoor camp environment.

2. Camps must have procedures in place in the event of inclement

weather. Outdoor camps may move their activities indoors, as

opposed to cancelling session, but should ensure properly ventilated

indoor space to allow for social distancing.

ii. Refer to the CDC cleaning guidance for general information.

iii. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces within the camp and on

buses at least daily (e.g., playground equipment, door handles, railings) and

shared objects between uses (e.g., toys, games, art supplies).

1. Document the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of bathrooms.

iv. Create processes for bathroom use that encourage 6 ft. of social distancing

while also protecting camper safety.

v. Ventilation

1. Inspect and evaluate the heating, ventilation and air conditioning

(HVAC) unit to ensure that the system is operating within its design

specifications and according to existing building code standards.

2. Conduct routine maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer

or HVAC professional within the design specifications of the HVAC

unit.

3. Set HVAC systems to bring in as much outdoor air as the system will

safely allow. Reduce or eliminate HVAC air recirculation, when

practical and with expert HVAC consultation.

4. Make sure the ventilation systems are serviced. If the camp does not

own the building where the camp is operated, it should contact the

owner and discuss and document any actions taken over the

pandemic to ensure indoor air quality.

5. Run the HVAC unit for at least two hours before and two hours after

the facility is occupied.

6. Filter(s) for A/C units must be maintained and changed according to

manufacturer recommendations.

7. The camp should open widows if air conditioning (A/C) is not

provided.

8. Consider installing portable air cleaners equipped with a high

efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to increase the amount of clean

air within the facility.

9. Consider using carbon dioxide devices as a means of monitoring CO2

levels and ventilation/air flow within a room/space.

vi. Take steps to ensure that all water systems and features (e.g., drinking

fountains, decorative fountains) are safe to use after a prolonged facility

shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other water-

borne diseases.

vii. Shared Buildings

1. If multiple entities/camps operate programs using a shared facility

(Ex: school building), those entities must arrange to stagger their

activities in order to minimize intermingling among groups of

campers.

h. Attendance and Cohorting (Groupings)

i. Camper: Staff Cohorts

1. Staff to camper ratios of 1 adult:1 counselor: 20 campers (ages 5-17

yrs.).

2. Staff to camper ratios of 1 adult: 1 counselor: 14 campers (ages 2.5

through 4 yrs.)

ii. Restrict mixing between cohorts.

1. Ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that cohorts include the

same children and staff each day. Camp operators should minimize

staff/camper movement between groups.

2. If mixing of staff/campers cannot be avoided, masking of all floating

staff and campers should be implemented.

iii. Social distancing of 6 ft. of distance should be maintained between cohorts.

i. Transportation Services

i. During bussing/transportation, social distancing must be maintained by

maximizing space between riders and maintaining space between the driver

and the passengers.

1. Consider seating campers who are part of a cohort or family

members together to maximize limited space.

ii. When feasible, a staff person should accompany the driver on all

transportation routes to ensure safety and social distancing.

iii. Face coverings must be worn by all onboard transport vehicles except for

those with medical necessities which prohibit the use and children aged 2

and under.

iv. Open windows, if safe to do so and except during inclement weather, to

encourage air flow.

v. Vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected between uses and the activity

documented.

j. Food Service

i. Camps should stagger mealtimes and ensure cohorts remain intact.

1. If feasible, have campers bring their own meals.

2. Camps must make appropriate accommodations for food storage.

3. Consider serving meals in separate rooms if possible and avoid

congregation.

4. Consider serving meals in outdoor environments.

ii. Clean and sanitize surfaces between each meal service.

iii. Eliminate self-service food such as buffets and salad bars. Self-service food is

permitted where all food is packaged (e.g. is in individual wrapping or plastic

containers). Facilities may operate buffet stations if food is kept behind

plexiglass or a similar barrier and an attendant serves the campers and staff.

Limit self-service drink stations to those that can be routinely and effectively

cleaned and disinfected.

iv. Encourage proper hand washing before and after meals.

v. Use disposable food service items wherever feasible.

1. If disposable items are not feasible, ensure that all non-disposable

food service items are properly cleaned and sanitized.

k. Sports and Recreational Activities

i. Where possible, perform activities that have the potential to produce

respiratory droplets including singing, chanting, shouting, or playing an

instrument outside. Campers and staff should wear masks, unless not

practicable (i.e. when an individual is playing an instrument that requires use

of their mouth), and maintain at least 6 feet physical distance during these

activities.

ii. All sports and recreational activities shall be conducted in accordance with

the Organized Sports Guidance and applicable Executive Orders.

iii. Camps should increase breaks and encourage hydration of masked

staff/campers throughout the day.

iv. All swimming facilities shall operate in accordance with Executive Directive

20-031 Health and Safety Standards for Pools and Aquatic Facilities.

v. Sprinkler and spray park play areas which do not use recirculated water are

approved for use and are not regulated via the N.J.A.C. 8:26 Public

Recreational Bathing rule

1. Ensure social distancing procedures are in place for unmasked water

play participants.

vi. Educate campers and staff on sports etiquette regarding social distancing

and hygiene (e.g., no spitting, handshakes, etc.).

vii. Clean and disinfect shared equipment between use. Avoid use of items that

are not easily cleaned or disinfected.

viii. Stagger outside play and events for individual camps (campers?) and

coordinate outside play between camps sharing the same building.

ix. Off-site activities and field trips are discouraged, but not prohibited.

1. When participating in off-site activities and field trips, proper mask

use is required consistent with Section D above, unless:

a. impractical for an individual to wear a face mask, such as

when the individual is eating, drinking or swimming, or

b. when not around the general public (Ex. Hiking in wooded

area away from the public).

2. Offsite activities should minimize prolonged contact with others

outside the camp.

3. Consider day trips with small groups to nearby recreational areas

where interaction with the external community may be limited.

4. Day/resident camps who elect to participate in field trips and off-site

activities must keep in mind that venue capacities remain impacted

by Executive Orders limiting their on-site capacity and gatherings

limits.

l. Additional Requirements for Resident and Sleepaway Camp Activities

i. COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Unvaccinated Individuals

1. Before arrival: All staff/campers will be required to have a

documented negative test within 72 hours of arriving on-site.

a. Camps must have a procedure for documenting any

exceptions.

2. After arrival: All staff/campers will be required to receive a

documented test within 3-6 days of arrival at any youth camp.

3. Resident camps must document policies and procedures for testing.

4. Lab analyzed tests whereby results are reported in congruence with

New Jersey Communicable Disease Service guidelines are required.

ii. Camp operators should, prior to the arrival of staff and campers at the

facility, communicate to staff, campers and parents the continued

accessibility of free COVID-19 testing in areas across the country.

iii. Operators should strongly encourage staff/campers to quarantine prior to

arrival at camp.

iv. Camps should document policies and procedures that minimize the risk of

transmission for staff concerning their permissible off-duty activities. The

rules should detail expectations, training, testing, quarantine and isolation

policies and procedures.

1. At minimum, screen staff upon return

2. Consider retesting staff upon return to the camp.

v. Long-term camps lasting more than 14 days who have implemented a

bubble environment whereby all staff and campers remain on-site at all

times, and routine on-site testing, quarantine and monitoring is conducted

to establish “stable cohorts”, may help facilitate safer larger group activities

after the 15

day.

vi. For all resident camps, health directors and other on-site health personnel

must identify an isolation room or area to separate anyone who exhibits

COVID-19 like symptoms. Also, see Section F above.

vii. Resident camps must document policies and procedures for the isolation and

quarantine of impacted staff/campers. Also, see Section F above.

1. These policies and procedures must be provided to staff and to

parents and guardians of all campers prior to attending camp.

2. Parents/guardians may choose to allow campers to stay at the camp

or to take their child home. Parents/guardians who choose to pick up

a sick child should be provided with educational material regarding

isolation, quarantine and the care of someone sick with COVID-19.

viii. Bunking/ Sleeping

1. Try to align mats or beds so that campers and staff sleep head-to-toe

and at least 6 ft. apart.

2. Ensure adequate ventilation within sleeping quarters.

a. Consider portable air filters in the sleeping quarters.

b. When possible, promote cross ventilation by opening two or

more windows.

c. Consider the use of child-safe fans to increase the

effectiveness of open windows. Safely secure fans in a

window to blow potentially contaminated air out and pull

new air in through other open windows and doors.

d. Set HVAC systems to bring in as much outdoor air as the

system will safely allow. Reduce or eliminate HVAC air

recirculation, when practical and with expert HVAC

consultation.

ix. Campers, as part of defined cohort based on sleeping arrangements, are not

required to mask while in their assigned sleeping quarters and among

bunkmates/cohort.

1. Campers must mask when 6 ft. distancing is not feasible or cannot be

maintained when in the presence of those outside of their

bunk/cohort.

x. Document the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of bathrooms (e.g., in

the morning and evening, after times of heavy use) and use EPA-registered

disinfectants

1. Encourage staff and campers to avoid placing toothbrushes or

toiletries directly on counter surfaces.

xi. Staff and campers with symptoms of COVID-19 at resident camps should

immediately be separated from other campers and staff. Individuals who

are sick should be cared for in accordance with CDC Guidance for caring for

oneself and others who are sick.

1. Staff/campers with symptoms are encouraged, but not required, to

stay at the camp.

xii. Staff and campers who have had close contact with a person who has

symptoms should be separated, monitored and follow CDS Youth Camp

Guidance. If symptoms develop, individuals who are sick should be cared for

following CDC guidance for caring for yourself or others who are sick.

1. Staff/campers with symptoms are encouraged, but not required, to

stay at camp.

xiii. If a person becomes sick and needs to be transported, camps must establish

procedures for safely transporting him or her. If circumstances require

medical transport of someone displaying symptoms of COVID-19, the camp

should advise the dispatcher or receiving health care facility that the person

may have COVID-19.

m. High Risk and Special Needs Populations

i. Parents of campers are encouraged to work with their primary care provider

and the camp director to determine if camp is a reasonably safe option for

them.

ii. Camps should consider adjusting cohort ratios as necessary to promote child

safety and to ensure that social distancing can be maintained.

iii. For children who rely on lip reading, people in close contact can use face

coverings with transparent windows. Face shields alone are not a substitute

for a face covering.

7. Violations and Enforcement

a. Compliance with the conditions set forth in this Executive Directive shall be

investigated and enforced by the Department of Health.

b. A youth camp’s noncompliance with the conditions set forth in this Executive

Directive that is reasonably believed to endanger public health will be subject to a

closure order by the Department of Health.