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California Summer Camps Running Without Licenses?

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The camps taking in children this summer may not be regulated by the state, or even have a license in California.

"Regulations that resident camps have, day camps do not.  We gotta make sure we keep our kids safe," State Senator Tony Mendoza said, adding that "while some counties regulate day camps, there are no set standards across the state."

Mendoza is sponsoring a bill that would put some regulations in place that would require staffing ratios of at least one qualified adult staff member for every ten campers.  It would also require campers to provide a health history, and mandate safety equipment in camp buildings.

"I just assumed every camp or every place you're going to send your kids to is regulated, so that they're safe when they're in the hands of other people," parent Natalie Doane said.

Day camps are not required to be licensed in California, but can choose to be if they want.

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