Maine State Resources
State Rules for Licensed Maine Summer Camps
*MSC links to the most current information the state provides
208 Rule
Camp Licensing 208 Rule – Adopted May 5, 2025
Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control, and Prevention rules relating to youth camps, primitive, and trip camping.
- HIP Youth Camp 208 Rule Checklist Noting Critical and Non-Critical Violations – June 6, 2025
201 Rule
DHHS Administrative Rules Chapter 201: Effective June 3, 2024. Changes include the addition and clarification of definitions, the removal of the waiver for an alternative entity performing inspections of youth camps and an increase in administrative fine amounts for establishments operating without a license or committing other violations.
Food
- Administration and Enforcement of Establishments Regulated by the Health Inspection Program For all state licensees, including Summer Camps. Requires a certified Food Protection Manager. – Revised 10.10.2018;
- Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Courses (required for camp kitchens)
Health Center
- Unimmunized or Partial Immunizations
- Emergency Medication Administration
- Waiver for Day Camp Health Supervisor – These rules are administered by the Health Inspection Program of the Environmental Health Division with DHHS. Contact for Camp Inspections is Lisa Silva, Program Manager, Health Inspection Program: Lisa.Silva@maine.gov, (207) 287-5691
- Camp Nurses:
- Conditions
- Form to Submit Reportable Conditions (within 72 hours)
- Notifiable Conditions
- notifiable-conditions-2-17-2021.pdf (maine.gov)
- Call (800) 821-5821 to report Notifiable Conditions
- Notifiable Conditions can be reported on the Form to Submit Reportable Conditions (linked above-#9). The camp operator shall report to the Maine CDC any “Notifiable Conditions” listed in Rules for Control of Notifiable Conditions, 10-144 C.M.R. Ch 258 in the timeframe specified in the Notifiable Conditions list found in Appendix B of the Youth Camp Rules (within 48 hours of recognition or strong suspicion of disease).
Abuse Prevention Resources
Title 22 Compliance (Abuse & Neglect Prevention Policy)
Abuse Prevention Resources:
- 2023 Maine Mandated Reporter Resources
- Child Abuse & Neglect “Out of Home” Inspections (in youth camp, child care and other DHHS-licensed settings)
- HIP Procedure for Youth Camp Child Abuse Complaints
- An Act To Require Training of Mandated Reporters
- Maine Service Providers for Survivors of Sexual Violence
Pools
- Swimming Pool & Spa Regulations – Sept. 1, 2010
- American Disabilities Act requirements for Pool Entry:Exit 2010
Swim Area
State Health Recommendations for Licensed Maine Summer Camps
- Epinephrine Auto-injector Training and Certification
- Emergency Medication Sample Permission Forms
- Health Records Retention for Campers & Staff
- Federal Health Privacy Act Rules HIPAA – What does it mean for camps?
- American Camp Association Articles re: HIPAA
- H1N1 & Influenza Recommendations from Maine Center for Disease Control
- Immunization Recommendations for Camps
- Measles Update Summer 2011
- Marijuana in Maine after Citizens’ Initiative – January 30, 2017
- Maine Law regarding Medical Use of Marijuana
Maine Medical Practice Act
Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Rules
Contact: Mary Ann Foye, maryann.foye@maine.gov; (207) 287-3614
Camp Trip Leader Requirement – A person 18 years or older with a Trip Leader permit is required to lead overnight trips of 2 nights or more.
- Trip Leader Rules
- Camp Trip Leader Exception Law
- Camp Trip Leader Permit Law
- Camp Trip Leader Program PowerPoint
Tax Issues & Maine Revenue Services
Labor & Employment Issues and Department of Labor
- MERIT (Maine Retirement Investment Trust) Information (12/12/23 Hall Monitor)
- 2023 MSC Member Bulletin
- 2016 MSC Members Bulletin
- Maine’s Minimum Wage
- Minimum Wage Exemptions in Camps
- Rest Breaks for Hourly Wage Earners
- Pay Period Requirement & Counselor Exception
- The state of Maine camp licensing rules clearly state the expectation that a criminal background check should be conducted on each staff member. 6.A.3.b. Prior to hiring any employee, or selecting any volunteer, the youth camp should; (1) review the employment application, (2) check references, (3) interview the applicant, and (4) review the National Sex Offender Public Registry of the US Department of Justice or other relevant available public record information.
- Define your Season- Unemployment Compensation – Labor Dept Form FX-25
- Unemployment Rules – for Students
- International Support Staff Pay Rules
- International Staff – Federal Rules (J1 Visa)
- U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens
- Staff Applications – Elements to Consider
Fire & Life Safety
Concealed Weapons Law
Other Rules & Information
- Maine Boating Laws for Camps 101
- Baxter Park Hiker Group Size Limit
- Acadia National Park Protocol
- Motor Carrier Regulations 2016
- Appalachian Trail Release and Waiver of Liability