Maine State Resources

State Rules for Licensed Maine Summer Camps

*MSC links to the most current information the state provides.

These State of Maine Resources can be found in the forms and applications section of this website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/services/business-services/forms-and-applications

Licensing Applications for Youth Camp Operators

Youth Camp Application (PDF)
Abbreviated Youth Camp Application (PDF) (When camps rent from Licensed Youth Camps)

Youth Camp Guidance Documents/Forms

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.

Guidance/Forms for Eating Places, Lodging Places, Summer Camps, Schools

Eating & Lodging License Application (PDF)
Youth Camp Licensing Scenarios (PDF)
- Camps should use this document to determine what type of Eating and/or Lodging License is required.
- A youth camp or organization that needs a catering license will be required to fill out the Health
  Inspection Program Eating and Lodging license application located above. On page 2, section 5. License Type and Fees, select Catering $270.

206 Rule

DHHS Rules Related to Lodging Establishments: These provisions shall be known as the Rules Relating To Lodging, hereinafter referred to as “Lodging Rules.” These rules shall be liberally interpreted and applied to promote their underlying purpose of protecting the public health. Adopted January 1, 2003.

MRS Title 22, Chapter 562

Definitions and licensure requirements: Eating establishments, lodging places, campgrounds, recreational and sporting camps, youth camps, public pools, and public spas.

Food

State of Maine Food Code

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:
- Nurse License Compact Member States 6-2-22.pdf (maine.gov)
- Board of Nursing 2012 Update
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)

Maine Summer Camps Memo to Camps Re: Child Abuse Prevention Policies Required by Law

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

Application for a Swim Area Permit

State Health Recommendations for Licensed Maine Summer Camps

Maine Medical Practice Act

Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Pesticide Application Rules

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.

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

State Rules for Smoke:Carbon Monoxide Detectors at Camps