Important COVID-19 Information for YMCA Camps

 

We believe the role of the YMCA is critical as families attempt to get back to a new normal.  The safety of our staff and children in our care is our highest priority.  We are following guidance from the CDC, State and Local Health officials, as well as implementing best practices from the Field Guide for Camps on Implementation of CDC Guidance prepared for the American Camping Association and YMCA of the USA. 

 

However, some of the protective measures that we can expect from adults are, for a variety of reasons, simply not possible for young children to practice in youth camps and programs.  In some cases, children are too young to understand, or consistently practice the precautions, and in other cases the precaution may create a new safety concern.   All of these factors mean that while certain precautions against the spread of COVID-19 can and will be applied in our youth camps and programs, our infection control measures will differ from those that may be suitable for other environments. 

 

Because we know it is difficult for youth to practice consistent social distancing, we are structuring programs to social distance by group/cohort.  Keeping children in the same group together and avoiding co-mingling of groups as much as possible.  In addition to group social distancing, our programming will also promote social distancing within the group. 

 

Staff will wear masks to the extent they are able to safely in the heat and will always where masks when close interactions with youth may be necessary, such as assisting in an activity like archery. 

 

Additional elements of our infection control plan include:

  • Encouraging social distancing through activity design and reminders;
  • Regular and frequent scheduled hand hygiene;
  • Enhance cleaning and sanitation protocols of curriculum items between use and/or groups;
  • Altered drop off and pick up procedures where parents will be asked to stay in the car and/or not enter the facilities;
  • Limiting access to the building or camp to participants and staff, parents will be asked to not enter program spaces;
  • Encouraging parents to monitor children’s temperature prior to attending programs and daily health screening by staff prior to entering programs;
  • Daily staff health screening and temperature checks;
  • Updated illness policy and partnership with parents to ensure only healthy children attend programs. 

We request parents partner with us in keeping our staff and campers healthy by monitoring the health of your children by not sending them to the program if they exhibit any symptom of COVID-19. If your child exhibits symptoms, you should seek COVID-19 testing promptly and report results to the YMCA given the implications for other children, families, and staff.

 

YMCA Reopening
MAINTAINING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Read here about what to expect when you visit the Y, the measures we have taken to help create and maintain a safe environment, and to make your reservations for Group Exercise classes, Childwatch, and Lap Swim.