Local summer camps look at possibilities for reopening amid to COVID-19

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Summer camp is a big deal for children and parents, but in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the question is will they happen this year?

According to phase one of Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order, summer day camps can open, but they must follow guidelines from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. There can’t be sports or other activities without social distancing, and no overnight camps can happen right now.

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“It’s probably one of the most important things for a child in the summer, right?” said Adrianne Hobbs, with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Hobbs said camp is on for them this year, and they’re actually looking to start earlier than usual with children out of school and more parents headed back to work.

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“Children need to be outside, they need to be stimulated, they need to be with their peers,” she said.

Even though camp will happen and they are accepting registrations, it will look different this year.

“We’ll operate at half capacity to make sure that we have our social distancing and then group distancing in addition to that,” Hobbs said. “Right now we are evaluating our entire portfolio and really looking to see what we can and can’t offer so we can get that info our to our families as soon as possible.”

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They’re not alone, Bethlehem Center of Charlotte will be offering some summer programs. It is open to rising first graders to 12th graders, and right now, they still have some spots open. There’s a $25 registration fee, but the camp has no weekly fees. If you’re interested, the phone number is 704-371-7426.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation said it’s currently evaluating the potential to have summer camps given the impact the pandemic is causing.