Safe Children's Camp: What Requirements for Location, Living Conditions, and Nutrition of Children Are Established by the Ministry of Health

A safe children's tent camp does not start with setting up tents, but with the correct choice of its location.

Requirements for camp placement

In particular, children's tent towns are not allowed to be located near landfills, cemeteries, or animal burial grounds.

Minimum safe distances are also established:

• at least 500 m from populated areas;
• at least 100 m from roads;
• at least 100 m from railway tracks;
• at least 100 m from power lines;
• at least 500 m from sources of water pollution.

Before starting operations, the territory must be prepared: grass is mowed, dry vegetation is removed, tick treatment is carried out, and rodent control measures are taken.

General sanitary requirements for children's institutions

According to the sanitary regulations for children's health and recreation institutions (Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 377 dated 20.03.2026), the following are provided:

• admission of children only with a medical certificate form No. 079/o;
• only personnel who have undergone medical examination are allowed to work;
• prohibition of exceeding the design capacity of the institution;
• mandatory availability of shelters during martial law and ensuring 100% access of children to them.

Drinking water: supply requirements

• 1 drinking fountain per 100 children;
• jet height — 15–20 cm;
• if fountains are absent, each child is provided with packaged water;
• water must meet hygienic quality standards;
• quality control: for seasonal camps — once before the season, for year-round camps — twice a year.

Safe recreation near water

Beach infrastructure must comply with standards:

• beach area — at least for 50% of children in the institution;
• 1 changing cabin per 75 children;
• 1 toilet per 75 children;
• 1 drinking fountain per 100 children.

Swimming is allowed only under favorable conditions:

• water temperature — from 20°C;
• air temperature — from 23°C;
• water testing is conducted before the season and every 2 weeks;
• for children who cannot swim, the group size is no more than 10 persons;
• mandatory training on water safety rules.

Living conditions for children

• no more than 5 children in a room for younger age;
• no more than 4 children in a room for middle and older age;
• each child has a separate sleeping place;
• rooms must have natural lighting and ventilation possibilities;
• room temperature must comply with sanitary standards.

Also established:

• furniture must be in good condition;
• bedding is changed weekly;
• daily cleaning and airing;
• annual cleaning of pillows and blankets.

Hygiene and cleanliness

• territory cleaning — daily;
• sanitary facilities cleaned at least twice a day;
• bedding changed at least once a week;
• 3 sets of bedding and 2 mattress covers per sleeping place are provided.

Children's nutrition

Nutrition should be 4–5 meals a day and balanced. Daily diet must include:

• vegetables and fruits;
• protein products (meat, fish, eggs, legumes, dairy products);
• cereals and whole grain products;
• vegetable fats, nuts, and seeds.

Drinking regime provides access to clean water throughout the day.

Prohibited:

• products brought from outside the institution;
• food delivered by parents;
• fast food and snacks;
• sweet carbonated drinks;
• products with excess salt, sugar, and trans fats.

Allowed and recommended:

• dishes prepared directly in the institution;
• varied menu;
• boiling, stewing, and baking as main cooking methods;
• compliance with age-appropriate calorie norms.

Medical support

• 24-hour presence of a medical worker;
• availability of an isolation room (at least 2% of bed places);
• mandatory examinations of children upon arrival, during the shift, and before events;
• isolation of children with signs of infectious diseases;
• constant control of sanitary conditions and preventive measures.

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