PURPOSE: This rule is established to provide an orderly procedure in making the facilities available to the public and guaranteeing their safety and welfare while using these facilities.

1. (1) Application Procedure.

   1. (A) Group camps shall be available for use from April 15 through October 15 each year.
   2. (B) Any group may apply to reserve a group camp online or by contacting the applicable facility.
   3. (C) Applications for reservations may be taken up to twelve

2. (12) months in advance of the day of arrival. All applications for the next calendar year open season are due by October 16. Those groups applying after that date will be offered remaining dates. The reserving party must also indicate a second and third priority stay period. Rental priorities shall be given to nonprofit, youth organizations, and/or applications with the earliest postmark.

   1. (D) The camp schedule shall be set not later than November

3. 15. In the event of duplicate requests, the facility manager has the right to consider second and third priorities in preparing the schedule. If after considering priorities, a conflict still exists between the requests of two (2) groups, a drawing may be prepared.

   1. (E) Cancellation of reservations shall be made forty-five (45) days prior to the arrival date as listed on the permit or with the prior approval of the facility manager. Cancellation of reservations without prior approval or within forty-five (45) days of the arrival date shall result in the forfeiture of the deposit.

4. (2) Fees.

   1. (A) A deposit fee shall be made payable to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources upon confirmation of the reservation.
   2. (B) The director of the Department of Natural Resources shall approve fee schedules for the use of group camps and facilities.

5. (3) Check-In and Checkout Procedures.

   1. (A) Check-In Procedures.

      1. 1. Check-in must occur no later than 3 p.m. on the date of

arrival, as stated in the letter of confirmation.

1. 2. Groups arriving after 3 p.m. may be charged an hourly

rate for each hour they are late.

1. 3. The camp director must arrive at the park prior to the

group, have in his/her possession a copy of the confirmation letter and group camp policy manual, and check in with designated park staff in the park office.

1. 4. The camp director and park staff shall make an inven-

tory of the facilities, to be signed by the camp director and kept in the park office. No one can move into the cabins until the inventory is completed.

1. (B) Check-Out Procedures.

   1. 1. Check-out must occur no later than 3 p.m. on the date of

departure, as stated in the letter of confirmation.

1. 2. Groups departing after 3 p.m. may be charged for an

additional day. Group camp minimums and appropriate utility fees will be charged for late check-outs.

1. 3. The camp director and park staff shall make an inven-

tory of the facilities, to be checked against the inventory made at check-in, and any damages or shortages will be charged to the rental group.

1. 4. Charges for damages, shortages, the amount of utilities

used, and the rental charges—less the deposit—shall be paid at the time of departure.

1. (4) Staffing.

   1. (A) The using organization shall provide minimum supervision consisting of a camp director and a ratio of counselors to campers that conforms to minimum standards established by the American Camping Association, as well as necessary qualified personnel for all phases of the camp program.
   2. (B) Campers shall be supervised at all times.

2. (5) General Policy.

   1. (A) The division shall close a camp and cancel a group’s reservation at the time that use of the facilities is found to be detrimental to the health and safety of the campers. A camp may be closed at the discretion of the division director if the group’s program is not in keeping with the mission and objectives of the Department of Natural Resources or the group refuses to abide by the rules established by the division. In these cases, all deposits shall be forfeited and all fees incurred to date shall be paid upon departure.
   2. (B) User groups shall maintain the facilities assigned, including grounds, during their stay at camp and shall leave them clean. The camp director shall ensure they are clean and hazard free, and report any facility in need of repair to the facility manager.
   3. (C) Representatives of the division shall inspect the kitchen as often as necessary to ensure groups meet the laws and regulations governing food services as set forth by the Missouri Department of Health. If the using group fails to comply with the standards set forth by the Department of Health, the division shall close that facility.
   4. (D) Intoxicating beverages and/or non-intoxicating beer shall not be allowed without written authorization from the facility manager.
   5. (E) Outdoor fires shall be permitted only by approval and as designated by the facility manager, and shall not be left unattended. No other fires shall be started except in fireplaces provided for that purpose.
   6. (F) Groups wishing to have a rifle or archery range activity within the park shall request written permission from the facility manager.
   7. (G) No alterations, changes, or additions shall be made to existing facilities. No building shall be constructed; no tents erected; or house or travel trailers parked within the camp area without written permission from the facility manager.
   8. (H) All users of group camp swimming pools shall require the presence of a lifeguard who holds an American Red Cross Lifeguard Certificate or equivalent.

   9. (I) Regulations governing the use of a group camp swim area are as follows:

      1. 1. All registered youth groups must have a lifeguard, who

holds a senior or instructor’s lifesaving certificate or equivalent, present during any use of the designated swim area;

1. 2. Registered adult groups may swim without a lifeguard

present;

1. 3. Children accompanying a registered adult group must

have an adult present when swimming; and

1. 4. All users must comply with posted rules and regulations.
2. (J) All buses and cars are to be driven only on the entrance road and parked in the lots provided. Only in case of emergency will they be allowed on service roads or within cabin areas.
3. (K) The camp director shall have transportation available at all times.
4. (L) Permittee waives and releases all claims against the state of Missouri for any damage to person or property arising from the exercise of the privileges granted by the facility permit.

AUTHORITY: section 253.035, RSMo 2016.* This version filed Dec. 31, 1975, effective Jan. 10, 1976. Amended: Filed June 10, 1981, effective Sept. 11, 1981. Amended: Filed Dec. 14, 1983, effective March 12, 1984. Amended: Filed March 18, 1987, effective July 23, 1987. Rescinded and readopted: Filed Oct. 26, 2000, effective June 30, 2001. Amended: Filed June 7, 2018, effective Feb. 28, 2019. Amended: Filed July 18, 2022, effective Feb. 28, 2023.

*Original authority: 253.035, RSMo 1961 amended 1967, 1983, 1993, 1995.