What Constitutes a Camp? Understanding Massachusetts Camp Code

The most common question I’ve been asked during my 24 years as a camp director is, “What exactly is a camp?” While this might sound straightforward, the answer can get a bit tricky, especially in Massachusetts, where regulations are quite specific. So today, I want to take a moment to break down the Massachusetts camp code for day camps, officially known as 105 CMR 430.000, in a way that’s both informative and easy to digest.

Now, this isn’t just technical jargon. Over the years, these regulations have cleared up a lot of confusion that camp directors and coaches have had. For example, many of us have tried to find creative workarounds, calling programs "clinics" or running them for a couple of hours, thinking that would exempt us from camp regulations. But nowadays, even short programs, like those that run for a few days or just a few hours, can still be classified as camps under these updated rules.

To make this easier to understand, let’s break it down to a few key points:

105 CMR 430: Massachusetts Camp Code – Simplified

1. Timing matters – Any program that runs between June 1st and September 30th or lasts fewer than 15 business days during other times of the year is considered a camp.

   - In simple terms: Your Winter, February, or April vacation program? Yep, it counts as a camp.

2. If you call it a camp, it is a camp – This one is pretty straightforward. If you use the word “camp” in your marketing materials, it doesn’t matter what activities you’re running; you are operating as a camp.

   - Think about it: Even if your program is focused on a specific sport or activity, using the word “camp” means you’ve got to comply with camp regulations.

3. Duration counts – If your program runs for more than two hours a day and takes place at least four days within a 14-day period, it qualifies as a camp.

   - Translation: Even if you're only running a short clinic from Monday through Wednesday, it still falls under the camp category.

While these rules may seem daunting at first, the real takeaway is that if you’re in a position of responsibility for kids’ well-being, even for a few hours, it’s worth checking in with your local health department to ensure you’re compliant. The last thing you want is to accidentally overlook important regulations.

If you’ve got examples or specific situations that don’t fit neatly into these rules, I’d love to hear about them in the forum. Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other navigate these camp regulations!