Language Translation
  Close Menu

Youth Camp Inspection and Approval Program

Program Overview

Welcome to the home page for the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Youth Camp Construction Approval and Facility Inspection Program.  ISDH’s Environmental Health Program inspects youth camps and approves plans for construction or alteration of youth camps.  The program seeks to insure safe facilities, proper water supply, and proper sewage disposal at youth camps.

Announcements / Current News

COVID-19 Information

CDC | How to Protect Yourself and Others

American Camp Association | Camp Operations Guide Summer 2022

Directories

Indiana certified water laboratories
Organizational Campgrounds (youth camps) Roster
Pre-approved automatic Hot Water Temperature Control Valves
Pre-approved Exterior Drinking Fountains and Yard Hydrants
Pre-approved Exterior Water and Sewer Piping
Approved Manufactured Septic Tanks

Forms

Permit Application for Construction or Alteration of Youth Camp.
Injury/Incident Report Form
Order Form for Drinking Water Sample Bottle

Laws and Regulations

410 IAC 6-2.1 Public and Semi-Public Pools -- or -- PDF
410 IAC 6-7.2 Youth Camps -- or --  PDF
410 IAC 6-10.1 Commercial On-Site Wastewater Disposal
410 IAC 6-12 Plan Review, Construction Permits, and Fees for Services
675 IAC 20 Swimming Pool Construction Code

Program Information and Policies

Abandonment or Removal of an Onsite Sewage System

Bats in Youth Camps
A letter to all Summer Camp Directors from the Director, Zoonotic and Environmental Epidemiology Division, Indiana State Department of Health. Bats pose the possible risk of rabies to youth camp staff and campers. Quick Facts on Rabies.
For information from the CDC on bats in youth camps see
Bats: Safety and Risk Management At Camp.

Bed Bug Information
Bed bugs are reddish-brown, oval-shaped, flattened insects that are about 1/4 inch long. Bed bugs usually feed on the blood of humans during the night-time hours and crawl away to hide in nearby cracks, crevices and recesses of furniture (especially mattresses) and walls of the home during the day.

Bulletin S.E. 11.
A planning guide including minimum requirements for the construction of vault privies.

Bunk Bed Guardrail Requirement
In order to provide for the safety of children and counselors at youth camps in the State of Indiana, guardrails that are manufactured and maintained in accordance with the CPSC Safety Standard for Bunk Beds are considered to be in compliance with 410 IAC 6-7.2. All other bunk beds used by campers and staff will require the operator of the youth camp to complete an evaluation of the upper bed to determine compliance with these requirements.

Diseases Caused by Sewage or Sewage Contaminated Water -- or --PDF

Frost-free Hydrant Policy - or - PDF
Frost-proof (or freezeless) hydrants with stop and waste valves which, when turned off, drain back and discharge through subsurface outlets are not approved for use in public facilities. This policy relates to water distribution systems serving properties and commercial facilities under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Health.

Guidelines for safe recreational water environments.

Guideline for Youth Camp Emergency Plans

Hand Washing.
Information on why hand washing is important; how diseases are spread; when hands should be washed; the proper way to wash hands; and how hand washing can protect you and your family.

Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is a respiratory illness caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a soil fungus common throughout the Midwest. Indiana has the optimum combination of temperature and humidity for the fungus to grow very well. While the illness is usually so mild that it may go unnoticed, for a small minority, usually those who are very young, very old, immunocompromised, or who suffer from a chronic illness, the illness can be quite severe. It can cause permanent damage to the lungs, blindness or death.

Rats and mice
Rats and mice can be found in and around every town and farm in the country. It is estimated that there is one rat for every person living in the United States. Rodents have followed man to almost all parts of the world. They have no respect for social class; they are equal opportunity pests.  Click here to find out more about rats and mice, how to recognize a rodent problem and how to eliminate it.

Screen, Window and Mechanical Ventilation Requirements in Youth Camps.
This document provides guidance in interpreting Section 29(c) of the youth camp rule which references 675 IAC 14-4.3-1.

Sewage Holding Tanks -- or -- PDF
In essence, only temporary holding tanks can be approved, and only for a maximum of two years operation.

Soil Survey and Plan Review Submittal Status
This page indicates the current status of plans and soil surveys for a commercial sewage disposal projects that have been submitted for review. Click on the county link to see the status of any project ongoing in that particular county.

Universal Precaution
Guidelines for anyone who must develop a policy on the use of universal precautions to prevent bloodborne disease transmission during student athletic, extracurricular, or recreational activities.

West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitos which have first bitten an infected bird.  Click here to learn more about West Nile Virus.