Choosing a Safe Summer Camp

When summer approaches, DCF reminds parents to be cautious while looking for safe summer camps for their children.

What to look for:

• Summer camps are not inspected or regulated by DCF, making it very important for parents to gather information about the quality and safety of the program on their own. Parents should check to see if they are welcome to visit and observe the camp in action or attend activities with their child at any given time, including water activities.
  
  Download the Selecting Summer Care Checklist English | Spanish.
   
• Florida law requires summer camps to conduct background screenings of all camp personnel, including; owners, operators, employees and volunteers. Volunteers providing less than 10 hours of service per month do not need to be screened, as long as they are always within sight of a person who meets the screening requirement. Ask specific questions regarding staff background checks!

Please report any complaints or concerns regarding background screening of Summer Camp staff to the Background Screening Helpdesk.
Call toll-free at 1-888-352-2849.