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It is the responsibility of the Carroll County Health Department to conduct camp inspections once per year prior to opening. A camp is defined as a tract of land, and all structures pertaining to it, which is used as living quarters or shelter and operates five (5) or more days per year, accommodating five or more persons at any time.

All camps in Carroll County are required to be permitted by this office, with the exception of camps used by one family on its own premises or camps inspected by the State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, such as youth camps, camps sponsored by Parks and Recreation, migrant labor camps, and mobile home parks.

Prior to the issuance of the permit, the following regulations must be met:

1. All toilet, shower, and laundry facilities must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and must be kept in good repair at all times. Separate toilet facilities must be provided for each sex.
2. All service buildings and buildings used for sleeping or living quarters shall have windows for the purpose of lighting and ventilation. Also, all doors and windows must be properly screened to control flies and insects. The exterior parts of the building, such as handrails and stairs are also examined for safety hazards. Each building should contain proper exits and have functioning smoke detectors.
3. A safe and adequate water supply shall be provided in compliance with State regulations. The Health Department samples all water supply systems that are on private wells.
4. All septic systems must comply with State regulations. Camps must have adequate sewage disposal and/or treatment, as well as, proper waste disposal and storage. All refuse should be stored in conveniently, leak-proof, rodent-proof containers on racks or concrete platforms designed so as to prevent tipping and minimize spillage, which does not create health hazards, rodent harborage, accidents, fire hazards or pollution.
5. A person that is qualified to render emergency care shall be available at all times. A registered nurse or physician should be on the camp staff or on call and able to reach the camp within a short time period.
6. Kitchens are required to obtain a separate license through this office and are inspected on a routine basis. The sanitation of the facility, as well as, food handling is evaluated.
7. Playgrounds must be in sound condition and free from possible safety hazards. The Health Department inspects the grounds for signs of rotted wood, protrusions, rusted equipment, frayed equipment or any possible entanglements.

If all of the above regulations are not complied with, the Health Department will not issue a permit until the camp complies with all regulations. The following is a list of approved camps for the 2007 season:

• Camp C.O.P.S
• Camp Farthest Out
• Cascade Lake
• Enrichment Program
• Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Camp
• Hashawha Environmental Center
• Living History camp
• McDaniel College Camp
• Mountain View Bible Camp
• Piney Run Nature Camp
• Ramblin Pines Campground
• River Valley Ranch

Click here if you wish to download an Application for Permit to Operate a Camp



More Information

For further information on youth camps, migrant labor camps, and mobile home parks, contact the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Division of Community Services at 410-767-8416.

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