For those who may send their kid to sleepaway... question

[Anonymous]

Our camp is in NC and they have cancelled June camp and are announcing the decision for July and August in two weeks.

IF they opened and the world was exactly as it is today, we would not send our child. As the owner of the camp put it, camp and social distancing just do not mix. Even if you took out the bunks and had half the children to a cabin there are so many other matters to worry about. We were really looking forward to camp this summer and are bummed not to be going.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, our sleepaway just told us that they are planning to open, and detailed all the changes and precautions that would be in place. You should reach out to your camp to see what they are thinkkng.

They did outline a few things like testing everyone a few days prior and upon arrival, no all-camp activities, no Visiting Day, etc. so I suppose it could be ok in all likelihood, but sleeping in crowded bunks with tons of kids (mostly from hotspots) day in and day out seems so counterintuitive to what we have been doing and trying to do. Don't want to live in fear, but at the same time, I can't decide. I also agree with the PP that camp would be different and feel different. So wonder if it would be this eh experience and then I spend thousands for that and my anxiety to be through the roof?

[Anonymous]

OP, I don't think some sleep away camps canceled because they somehow care more about the well being of children/staff. I think the camps that have cancelled did so because they aren't able to make the changes needed to make camp reasonably safe; it would be there isn't enough space in cabins and common area to be 6 ft apart, they lack the extra healthcare providers, they can't find enough non international staff... I could go on and on.

I would wait to see what the camp is specifically doing/requiring if you, read it with your teens and get their input.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We still haven't heard. Based on our opinion of the camp and the administration, we completely planned on sending our child if the admin decides to open it. However, our child is suddenly expressing concern--not fear of getting sick, but knowing it will feel very different and thinks that may make her more sad than not going at all.

May not be an issue either way. Expecting to hear a final decision next week.

Are you a Louise family ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have the same concerns. I’m honestly hoping our camp cancels at this point so I don’t have to be the bad guy. I’d so love for DD to go, no screens g FYI or a month! But, I don’t feel like I’m able to adequately assess the risk at the moment.

Same here. I hope that camp cancels. They said they would announce by June 1st which is frustrating. We live in Montgomery County, which officially is not even in Phase 1 (although you couldn't tell by walking through Bethesda this week). I don't see how in a few weeks I would be comfortable sending DC to sleepaway camp.

[Anonymous]

Our camp has only one entry date and will last 1 month. The precautions they are taking make sense- but they are also focused on keeping as much of the normal camp experience as possible. So no masks, but they will make the cabins stick together as a unit -- essentially carving out small groups. Plus medical plans, etc.

We will quarantine and test before and after and they want all campers to take the bus so as to minimize parents on campus. I think its a smart plan and I am willing to take the risk, honestly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our camp has only one entry date and will last 1 month. The precautions they are taking make sense- but they are also focused on keeping as much of the normal camp experience as possible. So no masks, but they will make the cabins stick together as a unit -- essentially carving out small groups. Plus medical plans, etc.

We will quarantine and test before and after and they want all campers to take the bus so as to minimize parents on campus. I think its a smart plan and I am willing to take the risk, honestly.

What camp or state is it in? I think this makes sense too, but then what happens if a kid gets Covid? They get picked up, but then what about their bunk... I just think this whole plan these camps are doing make sense, but one little thing goes awry and it all falls apart. Also, what if a kid breaks a bone or needs medical treatment-- they have then left "the bubble" to the hospital..''

None of this is insurmountable but things i have thought about...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our camp has only one entry date and will last 1 month. The precautions they are taking make sense- but they are also focused on keeping as much of the normal camp experience as possible. So no masks, but they will make the cabins stick together as a unit -- essentially carving out small groups. Plus medical plans, etc.

We will quarantine and test before and after and they want all campers to take the bus so as to minimize parents on campus. I think its a smart plan and I am willing to take the risk, honestly.

What camp or state is it in? I think this makes sense too, but then what happens if a kid gets Covid? They get picked up, but then what about their bunk... I just think this whole plan these camps are doing make sense, but one little thing goes awry and it all falls apart. Also, what if a kid breaks a bone or needs medical treatment-- they have then left "the bubble" to the hospital..''

None of this is insurmountable but things i have thought about...

NP. If our camp opens they are sending the families’ test kits before they go and a negative test result is needed, and there will be another test when they arrive. All kids arrive on a bus and the staff is quarantined 14 days in advance. If they get Covid or require a DR.s visit we will be there in 4.30 hours to pick Up DC. If something unexpected happens we will manage it as we do whenever anything unexpected happens.

I’m not going to pretend I can control all risks in our DC’s life because I can’t. What I do know is that I have to balance their mental and physical health and camp seems like one of the safest ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our camp has only one entry date and will last 1 month. The precautions they are taking make sense- but they are also focused on keeping as much of the normal camp experience as possible. So no masks, but they will make the cabins stick together as a unit -- essentially carving out small groups. Plus medical plans, etc.

We will quarantine and test before and after and they want all campers to take the bus so as to minimize parents on campus. I think its a smart plan and I am willing to take the risk, honestly.

What camp or state is it in? I think this makes sense too, but then what happens if a kid gets Covid? They get picked up, but then what about their bunk... I just think this whole plan these camps are doing make sense, but one little thing goes awry and it all falls apart. Also, what if a kid breaks a bone or needs medical treatment-- they have then left "the bubble" to the hospital..''

None of this is insurmountable but things i have thought about...

NP. If our camp opens they are sending the families’ test kits before they go and a negative test result is needed, and there will be another test when they arrive. All kids arrive on a bus and the staff is quarantined 14 days in advance. If they get Covid or require a DR.s visit we will be there in 4.30 hours to pick Up DC. If something unexpected happens we will manage it as we do whenever anything unexpected happens.

I’m not going to pretend I can control all risks in our DC’s life because I can’t. What I do know is that I have to balance their mental and physical health and camp seems like one of the safest ways.

What camp?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our camp has only one entry date and will last 1 month. The precautions they are taking make sense- but they are also focused on keeping as much of the normal camp experience as possible. So no masks, but they will make the cabins stick together as a unit -- essentially carving out small groups. Plus medical plans, etc.

We will quarantine and test before and after and they want all campers to take the bus so as to minimize parents on campus. I think its a smart plan and I am willing to take the risk, honestly.

What camp or state is it in? I think this makes sense too, but then what happens if a kid gets Covid? They get picked up, but then what about their bunk... I just think this whole plan these camps are doing make sense, but one little thing goes awry and it all falls apart. Also, what if a kid breaks a bone or needs medical treatment-- they have then left "the bubble" to the hospital..''

None of this is insurmountable but things i have thought about...

NP. If our camp opens they are sending the families’ test kits before they go and a negative test result is needed, and there will be another test when they arrive. All kids arrive on a bus and the staff is quarantined 14 days in advance. If they get Covid or require a DR.s visit we will be there in 4.30 hours to pick Up DC. If something unexpected happens we will manage it as we do whenever anything unexpected happens.

I’m not going to pretend I can control all risks in our DC’s life because I can’t. What I do know is that I have to balance their mental and physical health and camp seems like one of the safest ways.

Same with ours. Negative test required.

In PA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our camp has only one entry date and will last 1 month. The precautions they are taking make sense- but they are also focused on keeping as much of the normal camp experience as possible. So no masks, but they will make the cabins stick together as a unit -- essentially carving out small groups. Plus medical plans, etc.

We will quarantine and test before and after and they want all campers to take the bus so as to minimize parents on campus. I think its a smart plan and I am willing to take the risk, honestly.

What camp or state is it in? I think this makes sense too, but then what happens if a kid gets Covid? They get picked up, but then what about their bunk... I just think this whole plan these camps are doing make sense, but one little thing goes awry and it all falls apart. Also, what if a kid breaks a bone or needs medical treatment-- they have then left "the bubble" to the hospital..''

None of this is insurmountable but things i have thought about...

NP. If our camp opens they are sending the families’ test kits before they go and a negative test result is needed, and there will be another test when they arrive. All kids arrive on a bus and the staff is quarantined 14 days in advance. If they get Covid or require a DR.s visit we will be there in 4.30 hours to pick Up DC. If something unexpected happens we will manage it as we do whenever anything unexpected happens.

I’m not going to pretend I can control all risks in our DC’s life because I can’t. What I do know is that I have to balance their mental and physical health and camp seems like one of the safest ways.

Same with ours. Negative test required.

In PA.

Another PA camp family here. It sounds as if a bunch of the PA camps worked together on their plans. The only difference for ours is that parents will be driving the kids to camp. No buses or flights. The kids will be tested again for COVID at camp arrival, and if negative, will say goodbye to their parents at the car. If a child develops COVID at camp, there is an isolation area and parents have 12 hours to get the child. Masks will not be required - staff will have already quarantined at camp for the 14 days.

If they have to leave the camp for medical treatment, it is possible that the parents will have to come and get the child - it sounds like this is still being worked out.

After seeing pictures from this weekend at the beaches and outdoors, I'm comfortable with them going to camp. Seems as if it may be the safest place for them this summer.

[Anonymous]

Our camp in PA cancelled. they are in a county that is not yet green so I am not sure that they had a choice. At least it happened soon enough to make other plans. I thought about signing my kids up for Modin but it seemed like too much money and too far away for something so uncertain. I'd hate to spend that much money (about $25K for two kids) and then have them have to leave early if they caught COVID or there was a big outbreak. For a cheaper camp in PA I would have taken the chance.

[Anonymous]

Which day camps and sleep away camps are you talking about?

[Anonymous]

Masks and distance at sleepaway camp?

I don’t care what the directors say. I don’t trust 20 year olds to make it all happen for days on end. Not happening for us this year.

[Anonymous]

Every other congregate living setting has had incredibly high rates. Cruise ships, children's homes, boarding schools, prisons, halfway houses, dormitories for migrant workers, assisted living, nursing homes, all of them have been sites of rapid spread. '

Sending kids to camp is irresponsible at best. Even if you are confident that your child isn't going to be at risk, they'll be at huge risk of bringing the virus home and spreading it in their communities, where increased levels will put people at risk, further tank the economy, and lead to school closings.

So, unless you're so selfish that you don't care about your kid, others, education, or the economy, don't send your kid to sleep away camp.