New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 3A - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Chapter 55 - MANUAL OF REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE FACILITIES
Subchapter 9 - ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Section 3A:55-9.15 - Camping

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 3A:55-9.15

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

(a) The facility shall obtain and maintain on file at the administrative office all permits, certificates or licenses that are required by the host state and local governments when using a campsite.

(b) The facility shall ensure that all campsites it utilizes are located in areas that are well-drained and free of observable seepage.

(c) The facility shall ensure that all tents, teepees and canvas on covered wagons are:

1. Made of fire retardant material; and

2. Made of waterproof material that have seams that are coated to resist water.

(d) The facility shall ensure that cabins, tents that are designed for two or more children, teepees and covered wagons when used for sleeping provide:

1. At least 20 square feet per person (for teepees, usable space is measured from the four foot level from the ground and does not include space taken up by any inside liners);

2. At least 30 inches between beds and sleeping bags;

3. At least six feet between heads of sleepers; and

4. Cross ventilation.

(e) The facility may follow the manufacturer's tent capacity instead of the requirements identified in (d) above when children and staff utilize a tent(s) for three days or less.

(f) The facility shall prohibit smoking of tobacco products and cooking in all tents, teepees and covered wagons.

(g) The facility shall ensure that male and female children do not sleep in the same quarters.

(h) If the facility uses sleeping bags instead of beds or bed linens, the facility shall ensure that sleeping bags are:

1. Flame resistant;

2. When in use, aired at least every five days and cleaned at least once a month and more often if necessary;

3. Sufficient for the temperatures where the sleeping bags will be used, as indicated by the manufacturer's label; and

4. Placed on a mat or padding when the air temperature at night is below 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

(i) If the facility uses bunk beds, the facility shall ensure that bunk beds:

1. Have railings on top bunks that are no more than 3 1/2 inches from the top of the bed frame;

2. Have mattresses that are at least five inches from the top of the railing; and

3. Are limited to two in height.

(j) If the facility uses latrines instead of toilets, the facility shall ensure that all latrines:

1. Provide for privacy;

2. Are dug at least six feet deep; and

3. Are at least 100 feet to 200 feet from the campsite and bodies of water, based on accepted practice and local terrain.

(k) The facility using latrines shall ensure that there is one latrine for every 10 persons.

(l) Facilities using cabins, tents or teepees for over seven continuous days shall ensure that:

1. There is one shower or bathtub for every 10 children and staff members;

2. The children have access to bathing facilities every day during normal waking hours; and

3. The children have privacy when bathing.

(m) Facilities that camp overnight for seven or fewer continuous days shall ensure that children have access to bathing facilities or are provided with other means of maintaining personal hygiene. These may include, but are not limited to, wet towels, dry shampoo and using showers in schools or in other public facilities.

(n) Whenever regular plumbing facilities are not available for bathing or washing, the facility shall:

1. Ensure that all washing is done with biodegradable nondetergent soap; and

2. Prohibit all washing and bathing in lakes, rivers and streams.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Jersey may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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