Requirements For Wilderness Camps

Wilderness Camps must comply with the standards set forth in this section in lieu of sections 0250-4-5-.09 (Physical Facilities and Appendices A and B.) (1) Campsite. All sites selected for the purpose of a wilderness program must meet the following criteria: (a) There must be a minimum of one acre per child. (b) The topography must be such that standing water conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes and other safety hazards is not allowed to collect. (c) Areas must be selected that prevent offensive conditions and safety hazards. (d) Debris, noxious plants, and uncontrolled weeds and brush must not be present. (e) A space to pursue appropriate recreational activities must be available. (2) Health and Sanitation (a) All Wilderness Camps must be approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment and must meet conditions set forth in the State of Tennessee Camp Sanitation Act and its regulation (T.C.A. §68-28-103) prior to becoming operative and annually thereafter. (b) A water supply approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment prior to operation of the facility must be available. Annual inspection of this system conducted by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment must be required thereafter. (3) Bathroom and Laundry Facilities (a) Bathing, handwashing, and toileting facilities must be adequately housed and approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment. The facilities must be well maintained at all times. Separate facilities must be available to males and females. (b) Bathroom facilities must meet conditions set forth in the State of Tennessee Camp Sanitation Act and its regulations. T.C.A. §68-28-103. (c) Laundry Facilities. If not otherwise provided, on sight facilities must be available and supplied with hot and cold water under pressure. (4) Fire Prevention STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARING AGENCIES CHAPTER 0250-4-5 (a) All Wilderness Camps must be approved by the Tennessee Department of Insurance, Fire Safety Division prior to becoming operative. Annual Fire Safety inspections in accordance with state regulations must be conducted. Documentation of each inspection must be provided. (b) The facility must have written fire safety procedures which must include provision of regular fire drills and documentation of each drill. (5) Housing (a) All permanent buildings must meet appropriate state and local codes. (b) All habitable, common use rooms, yard areas, and pathways shall be provided with adequate lighting fixtures. (c) Temporary Housing. All housing must be approved by the Tennessee Department of Insurance, Fire Safety Division, Tennessee Department of Health and Environment and all applicable zoning codes. 1. Temporary housing must be structurally sound, sanitary, and provide protection to the occupants against the elements. 2. Housing shall have floor surfaces constructed to prevent the entrance of ground and surface water. 3. An upper story, attic, or loft shall not be used for sleeping. 4. Sleeping areas shall be protected against admittance of flies and mosquitoes. 5. Bedding provided at the campsite shall be clean and sanitary. 6. Linens shall be changed as often as required for cleanliness and sanitation, but not less frequently than once a week. 7. Adequate personal storage areas shall be available for each resident. 8. Males and females shall not share the same sleeping unit. 9. Counselors are permitted to sleep in housing with residents but each temporary housing unit must be limited to 6 persons. (d) Permanent Structures. Permanent structures must be provided for infirmary purposes, administrative purposes and must serve as a refuge in hazardous conditions. They must meet requirements set forth by the Tennessee Department of Insurance, Fire Safety Division and the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment.