Across the country, some summer camps have cancelled due to fears of a COVID-19 outbreak among participants and staff. Other camps are racing to put plans into place to hold the camps and still keep children safe.
Part of the decision to keep camps open is based on where the camp is. Some states are allowing daytime camps with no overnight stays, while other states further along in the reopening guidelines are allowing camps where kids stay day and night for weeks.
Some camp directors are getting creative to decrease the risk of COVID-19. Some are limiting the number of children. Others are closing camp on rainy days to avoid crowded indoor spaces. Some are restricting campers’ interaction with people outside the camp. Other ideas include staggered arrival times, frequent disinfection of equipment, dividing campers into small groups with designated counselors that maintain social distance from other groups, and temperature checks and screenings for kids and staff.
If you are a parent who wants to send your child to a summer camp, but you’re concerned about their health, inquire about steps the camp director and staff will be taking.
