Recent Updates
Register for Elena Matyas Children's Camp Safety Ordinance Implementation Assistance
We encourage you to attend our upcoming virtual Q&A sessions on how to meet the new requirements.
Updated: 2023-01-09 Learn More >>
What is a Children's Camp?
In Los Angeles County, any camp operating in the unincorporated areas of the county is classified as a Children's Camp if:
- The site has programs and facilities attended by 5 or more children ages 3-17
- The primary purpose is providing group experience with social, spiritual, educational, or recreational objectives; and
- The site operates for over 3 hours per day for at least 5 days during any 12-month period.
If the camp offers 2 or 3 overnight stays per season, then it is classified as a Children's Overnight Camp.
If the camp offers no more than 1 overnight stay per season, then it is classified as a Children's Day Camp.
On June 28, 2022, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the Elena Matyas Children's Camp Safety Ordinance in honor of Elena Matyas, the mother of 6-year-old Roxie Forbes who drowned at the swimming pool of a children's summer day camp. The ordinance amends the Los Angeles County Code to promote the health and safety of children's camps by:
- establishing counselor-to-camper ratios, background and training requirements for camp counselors and directors
- establishing operational and structural minimum standards
- requiring each camp location to have written operating procedures and plans to address medical and other emergencies, transportation needs, and oversight of swimming and other specialized recreational activities.
The full ordinance can be found in Code of Ordinances Ordinace No. 2022-0031
Requirements
Site Evaluations and Inspections
All Children's Camps will undergo a site evaluation to be completed by Environmental Health within 30 days prior to the start of operations.
Permitted camps will receive an annual inspection to monitor compliance with the Ordinance. Camps with registrations will not be inspected by EH unless complaints are received.
Resources
- Children's Camp Ordinance Implementation Webinar
- Public Health Permit Application
- Children's Camp Supplemental Application
- Children's Camp Registration Application
- Notice of Intent to Operate
- Guidance Document for Camp Permits and Registration
- Children's Camp Staff Training and Qualifications Guideline
- Elena Matayas Children's Camp Safety Ordinance
- List of the Permitted/Registered Camps in Los Angeles County
- Children's Camp Inspection Guide
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.