Post #54 Summer Camp Guidance During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2021)

With the widespread deployment of COVID-19 immunizations and the knowledge that children are at far lower risk for serious COVID-19 disease and complications, it may be tempting to sign your children up for summer camp. 

However, please bear in mind that because the COVID-19 vaccine will likely not be available for children (under 16yo) until late 2021/early 2022 and with the spread of new COVID-19 variants, there is still real risk to children from the pandemic.

 

Some questions to ask yourself in choosing whether or not to send your child to summer camp this year:

 

1.    How healthy is your child? Do they have any chronic health conditions that would put them at an increased risk for significant illness from COVID-19, such as (but not limited to) diabetes, asthma, or an immune deficiency?

2.    How important is this camp to your child? If they are ambivalent about going, it may not be worth the increased exposure. If they have been looking forward to it for a long time, a serious family discussion may be warranted.

3.    Can you defer this camp until next year and substitute a safer option this year?

4.    An overnight camp would post the highest risk due to indoor close quarters. Is there a day camp alternative as a safer option this year?

5.    What safety measures is the camp taking against COVID-19? Is there a screening process? What happens if someone get sick at camp? Will they be following CDC guidelines? 

6.  If there remain unvaccinated individuals at home, are they at risk for serious disease if the child brings COVID-19 home from camp?

 

While summer camps create some of the best memories of childhood and friendships that last a lifetime, the pandemic still demands our attention. Although we are almost out of the woods with the COVID-19 pandemic, until children are vaccinated, risks must still be weighed against the benefits of camp. 

 

In the midst of a pandemic, there is no easy one-size-fits-all answer in deciding whether to send your child to camp or not. 

Hopefully, the questions above will provide each family a framework in determining their best plans for the summer.