Licensing Of Florida Summer Camps

Every year more and more children attend Florida summer camps. The camps include day camps as well as 24 hour sleep away camps. Children attend with the expectation of having a fun filled summer of activities, swimming, sports and meeting new friends. The ages of these children usually range from 5 to 16.Parent's expectations are that their children will have a great summer and will be safe. Safety is the most important thing in caring for children. Camp directors as well as their staff should know how to handle emergencies and be able to deal with the physical and psychological needs of the children while away from home. Summer Camps in the state of Florida are NOT required to be Licensed and are NOT regulated. There is no mandatory set of standards or training required for the Director or staff. Unlike personnel that work in Child Care Facilities, Child Placing agencies, child-caring agencies, or family foster homes, summer camps DO NOT have to comply to the same set of standards. Accreditation in the State of Florida is VOLUNTARY and camps can not be closed or penalized if it does not meet Accreditation standards. Licensing focuses on the enforcement of the minimum standards while Accreditation focuses on education and evaluation of a Camp's operation and management.Please sign this petition showing your support for MANDATORY ACCREDITATION and LICENSING of Summer camps in the state of Florida.We the undersigned and supporters petition the Florida House of Representatives to present a Bill to require that Summer Camps in the state of Florida be required to be licensed and accreditied