I was told last year that I need an area for the children to be able to lay down when not feeling good. My camp is located at a Public park. My question is does the cot need to be off the gorund or can a matt be used .

Half of our kids sleep on the ground all the time--I don't think this would be a problem. Just make sure there is a wide tarped area so the kids aren't lying with their faces in grass or dirt, and keep the area clean.