Camp trip to Six Flags

[Anonymous]

Would you allow your kid who has been attending a field trip style camp to go to Six Flags? I am extremely dubious about this. I've been ok with hikes, lake beaches, and the pool but Six Flags seems like an unnecessary risk. DH pointed out that pulling our kid for the day isn't enough -- if a kid in the group is exposed at Six Flags, our kid ends up exposed when the group goes hiking the next day. Considering withdrawing from the camp. What would you do?

[Anonymous]

Ugh this is a tough one for sure. I would not. Just not controlled enough, and not worth the risks.

I'm so over 2020.

[Anonymous]

It's a tough call! On one hand, they're limiting capacity, wearing masks, washing hands often, in the outdoors; but on the other they are relying on teen employees to do cleaning.

I think you may be able to swing it if you can rely on the group to stay at least 6 feet away at most times and out of enclosed/indoor type venues. Maybe those aren't even open?

[Anonymous]

Is this KAH? I have the same concerns. Teens hangout there and they’re not the best about caring about guidelines. I think I am not sending my dd that day and hoping for the best other days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you allow your kid who has been attending a field trip style camp to go to Six Flags? I am extremely dubious about this. I've been ok with hikes, lake beaches, and the pool but Six Flags seems like an unnecessary risk. DH pointed out that pulling our kid for the day isn't enough -- if a kid in the group is exposed at Six Flags, our kid ends up exposed when the group goes hiking the next day. Considering withdrawing from the camp. What would you do?

It's a technicality, but they probably aren't contagious in a day. So, for instance, if the trip is Wednesday and you aren't using the camp the following week it's probably low risk that a camper was exposed and is spreading in to other thursday or friday. (Of course, if some of those kids go to other camps the next week there's no way for the campers at the new camp to know what they've been up to in the past week or so)

[Anonymous]

Is this KAH? I have the same concerns. Teens hangout there and they’re not the best about caring about guidelines. I think I am not sending my dd that day and hoping for the best other days.

OP here. Yes, it is KAH. They have been so open, communicative, and great with adjusting camp to make it safe. I was really surprised to see Six Flags on the agenda for next week.

[Anonymous]

Eek. No.

I assume they are busing them there? That's problem 1.

I would also assume that nothing in the park is sanitizes and there are plenty of indoor areas that are unsafe.

Hard pass.

[Anonymous]

If enough parents chime in with their concerns, it's possible that the guy in charge would change plans. As you say, he is very responsive and transparent

[Anonymous]

Eek. No.

I assume they are busing them there? That's problem 1.

I would also assume that nothing in the park is sanitizes and there are plenty of indoor areas that are unsafe.

Hard pass.

They ride in a van, just like they do every other day with the same other 8 kids they are with all week long. The transportation is not the issue. The issue is whether amusement parks are safe enough to warrant a camp trip there.

[Anonymous]

Amusement parks are usually on the higher risk portion of lists of activities. I’d be very uncomfortable.

FWIW, our camp canceled all field trips.

[Anonymous]

Hello ALL,
My name is Bob Sickels and I run Kids After Hours. I would LOVE folks input about this subject. I can tell you that we travel in vans with no more than 10 kids in a group and the groups are separated though-out the day. My concerns about the trip are as follows. First, for the number of people in the park. I do believe it will be fairly empty from what Six Flags is telling us. You have to have a reservation and normally during the week there's a lot of groups. The number of groups are extremely low. My other large concern is "How well will they sanitize the rides after each ride". Frankly. I assume they WILL NOT do that well. So our solution is to hand sanitize after EVERY RIDE. The idea of our camp is to give the kids as fun of a Summer that still remains covid safe. I will send this info out to our families. Our first trip is on Monday and we will have a number of our Admin. Team there. If we aren't comfortable we will cancel the trip and all other trips to Six Flags. I can tell you that it is by far the most expensive trip we go on.... and my wallet wouldn't mind cancelling. However, if it can be done safely, I'd rather spend the money to help the kids enjoy a "somewhat" regular Summer. I have no problem admitting if I made a mistake. It is completely possible that everything can be done safely and parents still aren't comfortable with the trip. Which means we will need to adjust. Please feel free to reach out to me directly (especially if you are a KAH parent) my email address is [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello ALL,
My name is Bob Sickels and I run Kids After Hours. I would LOVE folks input about this subject. I can tell you that we travel in vans with no more than 10 kids in a group and the groups are separated though-out the day. My concerns about the trip are as follows. First, for the number of people in the park. I do believe it will be fairly empty from what Six Flags is telling us. You have to have a reservation and normally during the week there's a lot of groups. The number of groups are extremely low. My other large concern is "How well will they sanitize the rides after each ride". Frankly. I assume they WILL NOT do that well. So our solution is to hand sanitize after EVERY RIDE. The idea of our camp is to give the kids as fun of a Summer that still remains covid safe. I will send this info out to our families. Our first trip is on Monday and we will have a number of our Admin. Team there. If we aren't comfortable we will cancel the trip and all other trips to Six Flags. I can tell you that it is by far the most expensive trip we go on.... and my wallet wouldn't mind cancelling. However, if it can be done safely, I'd rather spend the money to help the kids enjoy a "somewhat" regular Summer. I have no problem admitting if I made a mistake. It is completely possible that everything can be done safely and parents still aren't comfortable with the trip. Which means we will need to adjust. Please feel free to reach out to me directly (especially if you are a KAH parent) my email address is [e-mail]

Hi Bob - My kid isn't at your camp, so take what I say with a grain of salt! But I would not be ok with the plan. I would much prefer you take them white water rafting or tubing, or do a paddle board lesson or sailing. What about paint ball or laser tag outside? All of these would make me much more comfortable as a parent than an amusement park which is pretty much run by teens. There are just way too many potential covid hazards.

[Anonymous]

Every assessment I've seen lists theme parks as a 10/10 risk. Too many people from different places all mixing together. No way.

Go for a hike or canoe trip or something.

[Anonymous]

Don't do it!
Don't put 10 kids in a van.
Don't bring 10 kids to Six Flags.

[Anonymous]

I'm not familiar with KAH, but I just wanted to say that it's refreshing to see someone who runs a program being so open to feedback and transparent about the thought process.