REDMOND, Wash. — Last summer, COVID-19 had playgrounds surrounded by caution tape. Kids couldn’t play, and summer camps were canceled.
This summer, health officials stated camps can safely reopen with some precautions, and Redmond is gearing up. Redmond Parks and Recreation will offer half-day and full-day camps for children of all ages. All camps will be outside.
“We have not had summer camp since 2019, so we were a little uncertain. Was there going to be pent-up demand or a lot of hesitancy?” said Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Loreen Hamilton, with City of Redmond.
The city will use many of its parks for camps.
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“We’re doing all kinds of sports camps this year from tennis, to flag football, to soccer to basketball,”
said Katie Fraser, recreation program administrator, City of Redmond.
Parents should expect the same safety guidelines they see now at their children’s schools, including masks, social distancing, and frequent hand washing and sanitizing. Equipment should be sanitized and not shared.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance allows children to be 3 feet from each other in smaller groups. The only time they should be without masks is while swimming, eating, drinking and napping. During those activities, they should stay 6 feet apart.
Redmond already has 1,000 families signed up for day camps, and the first day of registration was on par with a regular year.
Parents are striving to find opportunities for their children to interact with others after so many months of remote learning.
“Just seeing kids out of the house, away from their computer, and just playing again out in the parks,” said Fraser.
“Allowing opportunities for them to become socially connected with their peers again and socially connected with caring adults in their lives. We envision having a great return on investment for our kids’ mental health,” said Hamilton.
The CDC guidelines for overnight camps recommend everyone 16 and older be vaccinated at least two weeks before camp. Those unable to get vaccinated should quarantine for two weeks before heading to camp.
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