Farm camps can be a great way to introduce children to plants, animals, and insects, and help them understand where our food comes from and how it grows.
Colorado regulations require that they be licensed to ensure the health and safety of children at camp, including farm camps. Licensing helps ensure that the environment is safe and that staff are appropriately trained.
Farm Camp Minimum Safety Practices
At a minimum, farm camps should have the following priority health and safety practices in place:
Child Care Staff
- Child care staff who are at least 18 years old and have passed a background check.
- Child care staff with training in the following areas:
- Hygiene and sanitation practices
- Safety regulations
- Emergency procedures
- First aid/CPR
- Communication
- Behavior management techniques
- Child abuse prevention
- Appropriate staff and camper behavior
- Appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
Supervision and Safety of Children
- Children are well-supervised around animals and farm equipment.
- Children’s activities and materials are well-supervised and safe.
Restroom and Handwashing Facilities
- Available restrooms and handwash sinks are supplied with soap and paper towels that are kept clean.
Food and Drinking Water
- Ample, safe, and potable drinking water.
- Children never consume or have contact with raw milk or raw milk products.
- Washing and preparation of fresh fruits and vegetables:
- Children and staff have washed their hands with running potable water and soap before picking and handling fresh produce.
- The staff inspects the produce for obvious signs of soil or damage before cutting, slicing, or dicing it.
- Produce is washed with continuous running potable water before being served or cut.
- All equipment, utensils, and food surfaces that came into contact with produce have been washed, rinsed, sanitized, and air-dried before use.
Hand Hygiene
Staff and children who have washed their hands thoroughly with soap and running, potable water at these times:
- Before handling, preparing, or eating food
- After using the restrooms
- After touching or caring for animals
- After handling bodily fluids, coughing, or sneezing
- After working in the garden
- Any time hands become soiled or otherwise contaminated
Medical Emergencies
A plan for medical and other types of emergencies is in place.
For Parents and Guardians
Before enrolling your children in a farm camp, ask the owner these questions:
- Is your program licensed by the State of Colorado, Department of Human Services?
- Are the priority health and safety items listed above in place?
Resources
- Colorado Office of Early Childhood at 303-866-5958
- Colorado Office of Early Childhood – Child Care Licensing
- Child Health Promotion (CHP) Program
- Food Safety Program
For Farm Owners
Before operating any farm camp or classes for children, contact the Colorado Office of Early Childhood, Department of Human Services at 303-866-5958 to learn about licensing requirements and guidelines.
Due to the nature of farm camp activities and the developmental needs of young children, farm camps and classes are best suited for children aged 5 years or older.
