05/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/09/2025 12:15
PO Box 360 May 9, 2025 |
Jeffrey A. Brown |
TRENTON - The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) are reminding summer camp operators, employers, and managers across New Jersey of their legal obligations when hiring workers, including young camp counselors. With summer recruitment currently in full swing, NJDOL and NJDOH have issued a bulletin to put camps across the state on notice that young workers are entitled under state law to fair pay, meal breaks, and earned sick time. In addition, NJDOL is proactively providing free educational resources to businesses that hire minors to help support compliance with the law.
"Our most important responsibility is protecting our children, especially when they take the leap to land their first job," said Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. "Our youngest workers are dedicating their summer breaks to gain valuable skills-they deserve their first job experience to be a positive one. Employers must protect the safety and well-being of young workers by paying them for the time they work; providing uninterrupted breaks; and scheduling shifts and job duties that are age-appropriate."
New Jersey's summer camps provide safe, fun, and enriching experiences for children across the state. They enhance our communities by bringing together families, local businesses, and organizations. Successful youth camps foster educational and personal growth for participants, as well as community trust. Summer camps also play a critical role in bolstering the state's economy and workforce, often serving as an important first job for thousands of New Jersey minors every year.
"A summer camp job is often someone's first step into the workforce, and that experience should be safe, supportive, and fair," said Jeff Brown, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health. "Creating these environments is a shared responsibility. By working closely with the Department of Labor, we're reinforcing the standards that protect minors, both as campers and as workers."
The New Jersey Department of Health (DOH), Public Health and Food Protection Program, Youth Camp Safety Project is the principal authority on matters relating to health and safety conditions at summer youth camps within the state. All summer youth camps must obtain a license issued by NJDOH prior to operating. The NJDOH and NJDOL joint effort aims to promote employer compliance with minor workers' rights and protections under the law.
Minor workers receive special protections under state law including regulations around their wages; the number of days, hours, and times they can work; as well as restrictions around hazardous work and environments. All summer camps are required to ensure fair wages and work conditions for young workers under the age of 18 years, although religious and nonprofit camps receive certain exemptions under state law during seasonal months.
Under New Jersey's Wage and Hour laws, key protections for young workers under the age of 18 years include:
While certain exemptions exist for minors at religious and nonprofit summer camps, these exemptions do not override the fundamental legal obligations regarding the State's employment practices. For-profit summer camps are required under state law to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions year-round for all employees.
NJDOL is committed to protecting the rights of workers, New Jersey employers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with New Jersey's labor laws and regulations to ensure full compliance. For more information on work rights for minors visit: https://www.nj.gov/labor/youngworkers.
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