(a) Firearm or pellet gun programs at youth camps. A firearm or pellet gun program shall be conducted on a range that meets or exceeds the specifications outlined by the National Rifle Association or its equivalent. Safety procedures shall be enforced whenever the range is in use. The range shall be conspicuously marked and configured to prevent entry of campers onto the range while it is in use.
(b) Archery program at youth camps. An archery program shall be conducted on a range that meets or exceeds the specifications outlined by the National Field Archery Association or its equivalent. The archery range shall be conspicuously marked and configured to prevent entry of campers onto the range while it is in use.
(c) Program equipment condition and use. Equipment used in all programs shall be kept in good condition and present no hazard as a result of poor condition to the user at any time.
(d) Storage of firearms, pellet guns, and archery equipment when not in use. Firearms, pellet guns, ammunition, and archery equipment shall be kept in a secured area when not in use.
(e) Safety and maintenance of tools used by campers. All tools, including power tools, used by campers shall be maintained in good repair, shall have the necessary safety guard attached, and shall be used only under supervision.
(f) Horseback riding programs.
  (1) Camps providing horseback riding programs shall require the head instructor or director of the program to follow the camp's riding program and safety procedures outlined in a written document. This document shall include the following:
    (A) procedures to be followed in the event of an accident;
    (B) procedures to determine each horse's suitability for safe use;
    (C) proper care of tack and equipment;
    (D) proper procedure for mounting;
    (E) the number of riders per supervisor; and
    (F) any other information that is specific to the camp's equestrian program or is helpful to the horseback riding director.
  (2) Camps providing horseback riding programs shall:
    (A) ensure that horses that are in use are sound and in good physical condition;
    (B) ensure that the stable area is kept clean and free of all hazards; and
    (C) require all riders (campers and instructional staff) to wear appropriate protective helmets.
(g) Adventure/challenge courses. Camps providing an adventure/challenge program utilizing belaying, spotting, or non-spotting elements must:
  (1) designate a certified adventure/challenge program manager, who shall be in attendance whenever the adventure/challenge program is operating;
  (2) ensure that the adventure/challenge program is operated and maintained in a safe manner;
  (3) develop a set of site-specific policies and procedures, which establish criteria for all adventure/challenge operations, including equipment used and safety precautions;
  (4) ensure that spotters and belayers are instructed in the proper procedures prior to assuming their duties, and that they are directly supervised until competency is demonstrated;
  (5) establish a method to control access to the equipment and the activity area in order to prevent use by unauthorized or unsupervised campers;
  (6) perform safety checks of all equipment and ropes prior to each use and maintain a record of all inspections and maintenance;
  (7) provide a safety orientation for each camper prior to allowing the camper to engage in adventure/challenge activities;
  (8) ensure that all campers engaged in adventure/challenge activities are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment; and
  (9) provide documentation of an annual physical inspection of the adventure/challenge course and equipment by an insured third party inspector.

Source Note: The provisions of this §265.17 adopted to be effective April 16, 2006, 31 TexReg 3049; amended to be effective March 13, 2014, 39 TexReg 1713