CA SB955

Establishes comprehensive licensing and safety requirements for recreational camps (day camps serving 5+ children for at least 5 days), while expanding existing regulations for organized camps, with licenses issued by local agencies.

Requires camp directors to be at least 25 years old with 2 years administrative experience; mandates counselors be at least 18 years old and 2 years older than campers; establishes specific counselor-to-camper ratios based on age and activity type.

Imposes detailed safety standards for high-risk activities including swimming/aquatics (lifeguard requirements, buddy systems, water safety assessments), firearms, archery, horseback riding, climbing, and watercraft activities, with mandatory staff certifications and equipment specifications.

Requires background checks and criminal history reviews for all camp staff and volunteers; designates camp operators, directors, and staff as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Establishes the Recreational Camp Safety Advisory Council to advise on camp safety policy; requires local agencies to conduct inspections and report compliance data annually to the State Department of Public Health; authorizes civil penalties up to $200 per day for non-compliance.