Registration: All youth camps are required to register their program through the Office of Risk Management.
Youth Camp Administrative Processing Fees Starting on January 1, 2025 the Office of Risk Management began implementing an administrative processing fee to register all Youth Programs and Camps. This adjustment is necessary to continue to provide the highest quality of services. More information can be found here.
Licensing: At the University of Maryland, most summer youth programs meet the mandatory licensing requirements of the Maryland Department of Health. More information about the regulations can be found on this site. Summer Camps that do not meet the State of Maryland’s mandated licensing requirements are still required to register with the Office of Risk Management and follow the same requirements to the extent possible.
Background Checks: All summer camps are required to complete background checks for all staff and volunteers who engage with minor participants. See the Camps & Programs FAQ section for more information around background checks for camps. Contact ESSR at youthprograms@umd.edu if your program does not already have a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Authorization Number or if you cannot remember your Authorization Number.
Trainings: Camp staff and volunteers that have direct contact (in-person or virtual) with individuals under the age of 18 must receive training and strategies for recognizing, preventing, and reporting child abuse. Training is available on Workday. If you do not have access to Workday, reach out to mmcw@umd.edu for support. Note: the Demographic Survey is optional.
Mandatory Reporting: USM’s Policy on Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect should be read by everyone that will engage with the camp participants.
Special Activities: Certain camp activities require additional safety plans. More information can be found on MDH’s website.
Guidance: Specific procedures, guidelines, and forms for camps are located in the Camps and Youth Programs Section below and in the links to the left.
*These procedures and guidelines do not apply to general public events where parents/guardians retain care, custody and control of the minors and are expected to provide adequate supervision.