Summer Camp Facility Opening Inspection

Summer camp pre-season opening inspections are essential for identifying facility hazards, equipment failures, and compliance gaps before campers arrive. This checklist addresses American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation standards, state health department camp licensing requirements, and NFPA life safety codes for residential summer camps.

Industry: Sports and Recreation
Frequency: Pre-season and before each session
Estimated Time: Half day - Full day
Role: Camp Director / Program Director
Total Items: 28

Cabins and Sleeping Quarters

Inspect all residential cabins and sleeping areas.

All cabin structures sound with no roof damage, broken steps, or structural issues?
Bunk beds stable with guardrails on all upper bunks?
No hazard trees with falling potential over or adjacent to cabins?
At least two exits from each cabin, unobstructed and operational?
Smoke detectors present and functional in all sleeping quarters?
Window and door screens intact to prevent insect entry?
No evidence of rodent, insect, or wildlife activity in cabins?

Waterfront and Aquatic Areas

Inspect all waterfront facilities for safety.

Waterfront area cleared of hazards, debris, and underwater obstructions?
Dock structurally sound with no broken boards, loose hardware, or sharp edges?
Swim area boundaries marked with buoys and lines?
Water depth adequate and hazards (submerged objects) cleared from swim area?
Rescue equipment (throw rings, reaching poles, rescue board) in place at waterfront?
Lifeguard stands and supervision positions functional and visible?
Watercraft, PFDs, and waterfront equipment inspected and serviceable?

Dining Hall and Food Service

Inspect food service facilities for health compliance.

All kitchen equipment operational (refrigerators, ovens, dishwasher)?
Walk-in coolers and refrigerators at required temperatures (below 41F)?
Current food service permit from state health department on file?
Dining hall tables, chairs, and surfaces clean after winter closure?
Pest control treatment completed and certificate on file?
Adequate hand washing stations in kitchen and dining areas functional?
Food allergy management plan and epinephrine protocol in place?

Health Center and Emergency Preparedness

Verify medical facilities and emergency response readiness.

Health center stocked with required medications and supplies?
Qualified health care provider (RN, EMT, or physician) identified for session?
AED present in health center and functional?
Emergency contacts, hospital routes, and evacuation plan posted?
All required staff First Aid and CPR certifications current?
Communication systems (phone, radio, cell) operational throughout camp?
State camp operating license current and posted?

Related Sports Recreation Checklists

Related Summer Camps Checklists

Why Use This Summer Camp Facility Opening Inspection?

This summer camp facility opening inspection helps sports and recreation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for camp director / program director professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: pre-season and before each session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Summer Camp Facility Opening Inspection cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 4 sections: Cabins and Sleeping Quarters, Waterfront and Aquatic Areas, Dining Hall and Food Service, Health Center and Emergency Preparedness. It is designed for sports and recreation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed pre-season and before each session. Each completion takes approximately Half day - Full day.

Who should use this Summer Camp Facility Opening Inspection?

This checklist is designed for Camp Director / Program Director professionals in the sports and recreation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.