Emergency Action Plans Required for Youth Camps
Oklahoma House Bill 1675 — the 2026 Camp Safety Law — requires all youth camps and recreational campgrounds conduct a site-specific hazard assessment and develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) by Jan. 1, 2027. The law takes effect on Nov. 1, 2026.
What kinds of camps are affected?
- Youth Camps: Programs providing organized recreational, educational, or residential activities for individuals under 18 years of age. This includes day, overnight, seasonal, and specialty camps, whether for-profit or nonprofit. Youth Camps must update hazard assessments and Emergency Action Plans every three years.
- Exclusions: Single-day programs without oversight and programs operated exclusively by parents for their own children.
- Recreational Campgrounds: Facilities that provide grounds for visitors. Recreational Campgrounds must update Emergency Action Plans annually
The EAP must address potential severe weather hazards, evacuation and sheltering procedures, emergency communications and other measures to protect campers and staff.
The requirements may apply to OSU colleges, departments and employees organizing youth camps and outdoor programs, whether held on an OSU campus or at an off-campus location.
- Camps held at OSU facilities: Organizers should work with OSU Emergency Management to identify the applicable emergency plan and ensure appropriate preparations are in place.
- Camps held at other locations: Organizers should confirm that the host facility has an appropriate site-specific hazard assessment and EAP and familiarize themselves with its emergency procedures.
OSU Emergency Management is here to help. Templates and planning resources are available to assist camp organizers in meeting these requirements. Employees with questions about whether their program is covered or how to prepare should contact OSU Emergency Management at emergency-management@okstate.edu. Completed EAPs must be submitted to OSU Emergency Management a minimum of one month before the camp starts.