It’s been a long few months in quarantine, but summer has just begun, and families still have the chance to make summer 2020 the best one yet. How? Day camp, of course!
Through day camp, kids can blow off steam, meet new friends and make memories that last a lifetime. If you’re looking for day camp opportunities for your child, look no further than the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. Camps have officially opened for the summer season, and kids ages 3-17 can experience a number of weekly themed day camps at their local YMCA — from superheroes to nature to Olympics and beyond.
They’ll get the chance to learn STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills, sing songs, experience nature and much more. Plus, certified staffers keep a watchful eye on campers all day long.
Things are a bit different this year due to COVID-19, but the fun for kids remains the same. For families who are still concerned about sending their kids to day camp after quarantine, the YMCA has implemented a number of safety procedures to help families feel safe during the new normal.
Read on for all the details.
Safety procedures
Keeping your children safe is top of mind at the YMCA. To ensure campers and YMCA staff are protected all summer long, the YMCA is taking the following steps:
1. Upon drop-off, health waivers are required.
2. Drop-off and pick-up times are modified. Arrivals take place between 7 and 9 a.m., while departures happen between 4 and 6 p.m. Families who need to arrive after 9 a.m. or depart after 4 p.m. need to notify YMCA staff at least 24 hours in advance so those time adjustments can be approved.
3. Health screenings for staff and campers take place daily. In addition to temperature checks, three questions are asked upon arrival:
- Has your child been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19?
- Has your child felt unwell in the last three days? (Persistent cough, temperate, difficulty breathing, cold, diarrhea and/or vomiting)
- Are you feeling well today?
4. Staff is monitoring each camper’s symptoms and behaviors during day camp to make sure the child isn’t showing symptoms of illness — such as flushed cheeks, rapid or difficulty breathing, fatigue or extreme fussiness.Those who are sick will be immediately separated from other campers and staff, sent to a designated isolation space and the child’s parent or guardian will be contacted immediately.
5. If a person in a shared area tests positive for COVID-19, the shared area will be closed for cleaning and disinfecting, and everyone that came into close contact with the person who tested positive will need to self-quarantine for at least 14 days.
What campers can expect
Days at camp will look and feel a little different, but there are still plenty of opportunities for fun. It’s important for parents to prepare their kiddos for the changes.
Staffers are wearing masks, and those ages 3 and older should also wear masks — although it is not required.
Kids participate in groups of no more than 1 staff member to 9 children, and, as often as possible, those campers will stay within the same group to limit exposure. Regular social distancing is practicedusing cone placement, hula hoops and consistent encouragement of distancing from staff to campers.
Equipment is cleaned before and after use, and any supplies that do not air dry within 10 minutes after being cleaned are not used.
Swimming is suspended until further notice, and, due to the State of Michigan’s day camp licensing guidelines, field trips to other public spaces are not currently permitted.
Hand washing and sanitation is required between each activity — and before and after all meals.
Campers can bring the following items from home each day: Extra change of clothes as needed, a reusable water bottle, lunch (in a brown paper bag), a backpack and coats or jackets.
Day camps are taking place at 11 different YMCA locations here in metro Detroit. To find a location near you, visit the camps page.
Content brought to you by the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. For more information, visit ymcadetroit.org.