Youth Camps and Programs

Are you looking to host a youth camp or program at Bowie State University? Whether you’re an external group looking for rental space or a BSU employee looking to host a camp or program on campus, certain requirements must be met and documentation must be provided to youthcamps@bowiestate.edu.
 

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Youth Camps Program regulates and licenses all youth camps in Maryland to protect the health and safety of kids attending Maryland youth camps. 

Requirements

State of Maryland Youth Camp License

Not sure if your camp/program needs to be licensed as a youth camp? Please review the regulations for youth camps (COMAR 10.1​6.06), including the sections on scope and definitions. If you have additional questions, please contact MDH here​. 

Background Checks

Maryland Youth Camp regulations require two types of background checks. One is a criminal background check through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) which checks both the State of Maryland and FBI records. This involves fingerprinting. The second type of background check is with Child Protective Services (CPS). A CPS check does not require fingerprints, but it does require forms to be completed and notarized. 

  • Who is required to obtain fingerprinting and background checks? All youth camp/program personnel and volunteers that have direct and/or regular contact with minors must go through the fingerprint and background check process. 
  • How long is the background check valid? At BSU, the CJIS criminal background check record is valid for 5 consecutive years. If there is a break in employment at any point during the 5-year period, the employee(s) or camp/program operator(s) must be fingerprinted, and the background check is done all over again. The Child Protective Services (CPS) background checks are a snapshot in time. The CPS check must be done at the start of each season. 
  • Where do I get the background checks completed? BSU employees can contact the BSU Department of Public Safety to get their checks completed. BSU employees and external youth camp/program personnel and volunteers can have background checks completed with the Maryland Department of Human Services (CJIS and CPS) or through the University of Maryland, College Park, located at 7569 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD 20742.  

CPR, First Aid & Medical Administration Training

CPR/First Aid training classes are required for all camps and youth program personnel. CPR/First Aid training classes are offered by the American Heart Association. Medical Administration training for at least two staff members for each camp is also required annually. Medical Administration training is available through the Maryland Department of Health.  

Sexual Misconduct & Child Abuse Training

Youth camp/program personnel and volunteers, who have regular contact with children, must familiarize themselves with and meet the requirements of the USM Policy on the Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect and the BSU Policy on Minors on Campus. Additionally, they must complete the Center for Hope online “Mandated Reporter” Training.  

Emergency Management Plan

The State of Maryland requires all youth camps/programs to have an emergency management plan (EMP). Please review the MDH’s Emergency Procedures Guidance and other guidance under the “Youth Camp Safety Plan Guidance” section to learn more, including specific requirements for the EMP. Documented youth camp/program personnel and volunteer training on the program’s EMP, Trip and Transportation Plans, and “Specialized Activities” Safety Plans are required. EMPs should include, but are not limited to: 

  • Evacuation plans
  • Plans for notifying parents
  • Emergency communication plans
  • Missing camper protocol
  • Transportation for Evacuation
  • Medication administration protocols
  • Requirements for number of authorized adults based on number of campers and camper ages
  • Written safety plans for transportation and field trips 

Housing & Camp Rosters

Overnight youth camp/programs must submit a housing roster of attendees and a list of first and last names of all event participants, including campers, personnel, and volunteers. 

Questions?

If you have questions or need to submit your youth camp/program documentation, contact the Conference & Event Services team at youthcamps@bowiestate.edu.  

If you are looking to host a youth camp or program at Bowie State University, we have a variety of spaces and housing options to meet your needs. Please fill out our request form. 

Youth Camp/Program Request Form