Youth Camp Program

The Texas Department of State Health Services is the principal authority on matters relating to health and safety conditions at youth camps in Texas. All youth camps must obtain a license prior to operating. Any youth camp may be inspected during operation to determine compliance with the Youth Camp Safety and Health Act and the Youth Camp Rules.

Youth Camps Program Update

11/19/2021

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

All applications with fees are to be sent to this address:

Department of State Health Services 
Cash Receipts Branch – MC 2003
PO Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347

To minimize delays in processing renewal applications, submit documents to youthcamps.reg@dshs.texas.gov .

Coronavirus Information can be found at the following link: 

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The following information is provided for youth camp operators to make an informed decision concerning summer youth camp operations for 2021. In addition to following federal and state issued orders we urge you to reach out to your local government officials, community leaders, and local public health officials for additional guidance.

• The Governor has announced Youth Camps may operate using the following checklists: Residential Camps Checklist and Day Camps Checklist (PDF)
  
• Governor has established the Strike Force to Open Texas—a team of nationally recognized medical experts and private and public leaders who will advise the Governor on safely and strategically reopening the state of Texas. For more information about the Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas, visit the strike force webpage. 
  
• Updated Guidance for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Individuals.  DSHS has revised the guidance for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. (PDF)
• Report confirmed COVID-19 cases to your Texas county public health officials.
  
• FDA - Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Industry Guidance 
• CDC Guidance for Operating Youth Camps - 05/28/2021
• CDC guidance for youth summer programs during COVID-19 pandemic PDF
  
• CDC guidance on operating and managing public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds during the COVID-19 pandemic
• If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms, contact Texas Health Trace at 833-753-0909. Texas Health Trace website has tools for checking symptoms, self-reporting, and testing sites.
  

Contact Information

For Questions about Regulations and Requirements

Email: Public Health and Sanitation

Phone: (512) 834-6753

For Questions Regarding Licensing

Email: Environmental and Sanitation Business Filing and Verification Unit
Phone: (512) 834-6600 ext. 2174
Fax: (512) 834-6614

Mailing and physical addresses may be found on the contact page.