Child Safety, Require Licensing of Florida Summer Camps

Over the past few years, more and more children have attended various day or sleep away camps in the State of Florida. Each summer, children look forward to a special camp experience that will offer them fun, swimming, activities and lasting friendships. Summer camps offer programs of all types that start at age 5 on up to age 16. Parents want and expect their children to have fun while being safe. Are our children that attend Florida camps really safe? The state of Florida does not require day camps or 24 hour sleep away camps to be accredited or licensed. What this means is that there is NO set standard of care that must be followed. Camp directors as well as the staff are not required by law to show any proof of training or continuing education in dealing with children and the many safety issues that might arise. However in the state of Florida, personnel that work in child care facilities, child-placing agencies, child caring agencies, or family foster homes must comply with set standards.Lets make the effort and let The Florida House of Representatives and the committee on Children and Families in the State of Florida know how we feel and the need for a law to protect our children who attend summer camps day or sleep away. Our children need our help to be safe. Your signature will help to show how important this issue of safety is.