Summer Camp’s New Guidelines for Covid-19
With the arrival of summer around the corner and states easing restrictions it can be easy to forget that COVID-19 is still here. Parents are eager to send their children to camp in hopes that they have a better Summer than last, but what restrictions will be put in place?
This Summer season provides hope that things are slowly getting back to normal with the vaccine playing a major role. The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for those twelve and older, with hopes that those younger will have their chance to get vaccinated soon. Getting vaccinated as soon as possible is an important way for camp operators and staff to keep from getting and spreading COVID-19.
The CDC updated their guidance for Summer camps on April 24, with special instructions for sleep-away camps. Through CDC guidance it is requested that even after camp employees are vaccinated, camps need to continue prevention measures for the foreseeable future, including requiring masks and physical distancing.
The updated guidance emphasizes that camp activities should take place outside as much as possible. If activities are held indoors, “bring in as much fresh air into camp buildings as possible” by opening windows and using fans.
The CDC also recommends cohorting campers, creating small groups that do not interact with each other. Campers within a cohort should maintain 3 feet of distance, and 6 feet while eating or drinking. Campers from different cohorts should keep 6 feet of distance from other campers and staff.
After the CDC announced their new guidance, top White House medical advisor, Anthony Fauci said in an interview with Today Show host, Savannah Guthrie that the rules put in place for camps are “stringent.” In the interview he suggested that the rules might be loosened as new data is released.
The updated guidance from the CDC was great news for camps, however New York State still has not offered any guidance, causing frustration for many. Sally Buttinger, owner of Camp Hillcroft located in Dutchess County on Rte. 55 says, “Everyday that passes where Cuomo does not give guidance to Summer camps it derails our official plans even more.”
Although there is no guidance from the state Buttinger began constructing plans based off of the CDC’s guidance, planning on revising them if the state’s plans do not match. Last year the camp was unable to open due to the pandemic and faced large financial loss. This year, Camp Hillcroft will be opening on June 28 for campers ranging from pre-k to 9th grade at 70% capacity. The camp is already full and has waitlists if any spots open up. A typical Day at Hillcroft is very structured and varied with over 30 different activities some include swimming, theater, arts & crafts, and athletics. As a result of the pandemic there will be as many outdoor activities as possible.
The children attending the camp will be required to wear masks at all times unless they are eating or swimming. Buttinger says, “Keeping children masked during sports activities is a bit ridiculous, but we will do as we are told.”
In order to accommodate social distancing guidelines, the camp will be serving lunch in three large outdoor tents. These tents were made possible through fundraising efforts. Buttinger excitedly shared that one of these tents would be located at their man-made lake. As they finalize their safety plans parents will be sent out a guidebook that will outline different requirements.
Located a few towns over, YMCA Kingston’s Camp Esopus will be operating at 50% capacity beginning July 5th. This camp is designated for those entering kindergarten ranging up to those entering the 6th grade. In the kindergarten group six campers will be permitted per counselor, increasing one camper per grade. There are three different sessions campers can attend each spanning two weeks.
Last year, the camp was able to safety operate under CDC local guidelines. They will be implementing the same plans as last year despite the newly updated guidelines. This means staff being masked at all times, daily health screenings/temperature checks, and observing social distancing practices. There will also be constant hand washing and sanitization of spaces and equipment.
The camp already holds all their activities outside, focusing on active play. However, tend to largely interact with the community, inviting guests for different demonstrations. They hope to continue interacting with the community, however will require for guests to have a vaccine or a negative test. Camp director, Cailin Rooney says, “Interacting with the community is apart of the YMCA mission we will do everything we can to keep this tradition going.”
Children are not the only ones ready to go back to camp this summer their parents are equally as excited. Parents had the difficult task of finding ways to keep their children entertained last summer, with many camps being closed. Francesca Stanford, mother of two campers at Hillcroft feels comforted by the safety measures taken place at the camp. She says, “My kids are counting down the days till camp, it has been a long year. They are ready to get back to the Summer they are used to.”
