Senator Carlucci Pushes for Regulation of Single Purpose Day Camps

Senator David Carlucci (D – Rockland/Westchester) and Champion Day Camp owner Sasha Bunchuk hosted a press conference calling for the regulation of single-purpose day camps.

Under current state law, unlike multi-purpose day camps, single-purpose day camps do not require permits from the New York State Department of Health.

To receive a permit from the Department of Health, multi-purpose day camps are subject to inspections that include camp conditions as well as applications filed by all employees at the camp. Multi-purpose camps must also check the sex offender registry and do criminal background checks on potential employees.

In New York State, the number of single-purpose camps has grown dramatically. According to the Department of Health, there are approximately 2,400 single-purpose camps in New York, almost the same number as multi-purpose camps. Across the state, single-purpose day camps, which include sport, music and academic camps are hiring counselors and camp staff, none of whom must legally be subject to a criminal background check, or checked against the sex offender registry.

Senator Carlucci is sponsor of S1750, legislation that will require single purpose day camps to check the sex offender registry when hiring an employee, or volunteer. The bill also requires the camp to inquire whether the potential employee is the subject of an indicated child abuse and/or maltreatment report on file with the statewide central register of child abuse.

"As a new father it’s frightening to know that all camps are not legally required to follow the same safety regulations,” said Senator David Carlucci.  "There is a glaring loophole that needs to be closed to ensure every child that goes away to summer camp can have an enjoyable experience, without be put in harm’s way. I am positive the parents who are sending their children to music or sports camp this summer are not aware that the employees who are responsible for their child’s safety have not been subject to background checks, or the sex offender registry.”

"Right now you can have a tennis or golf camp that doesn't follow the same guidelines that a camp like Champion Day Camp does,” said owner Sasha Bunchuk. “In fact, we could have a situation where actual sex offenders or an individual on the child abuse registry could be working in camps and dealing with our children. Also, these camps, which include athletic day camps are not subject to the same guidelines when it comes to the treatment and reporting of illness and injury."

A companion bill A1002 has been introduced by Assemblyman Michael Miller and is currently in the Assembly Health Committee.