SB12-043, Children’s Residential Camp

SB12-043

CLARIFICATION OF THE AGES OF CHILDREN WHO MAY ATTEND A CHILDREN‘S RESIDENT CAMP

Sen. K. King, Rep. Stephens

Staff Name:  Lou Irwin

What the Bill Does:  SB 12-043 extends from 16 to 18 the age of eligibility for attending children’s resident camps licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), and extends eligibility through age 20 for students who have graduated from high school within the last six months. The bill also clarifies that camp recreational activities may take place at a permanent location or at off-premise locations during field trips.

Colorado Context: Under current law, licensed children’s resident camps in Colorado serve children who are 6 to 16 years of age. These camps are organized for the purpose of providing a group living experience offering education and recreational activities in an outdoor environment, and are designed for children who are still in school.  Older students, including those who are graduating late, are precluded from attending these camps under current law.

National Context:  Nationwide, 4.6% of students graduate from high school more than 4 years after entering the 8^th grade, the vast majority of whom are 18 years old or older.[1]  For minorities, the percentage of late graduates is over 10%.

Provisions

• Revises the age of eligibility to attend children’s residential camps organized by the Colorado DHS to 6 to 18 years inclusive.
• Extends the eligibility age to 20 years, if attendance comes within 6 months of the students graduation or certification.
• Clarifies that recreational activities can include field trips away from the permanent residential site.

Fiscal Impact:  None

Sponsor’s Comments: