How Camps Are Approaching This Summer’s Uncertainty
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How Camps Are Approaching This Summer’s Uncertainty

By Bridget Fetsko — June 25, 2020 1 min read
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Camp counselor Savon Edwards, 18, and James Johnson, 7, work on their hula hoop skills at the Barnett Recreation Center. Columbus Parks and Recreation has started modified summer camps that adhere to coronavirus protocols.
Camp counselor Savon Edwards, 18, and James Johnson, 7, work on their hula hoop skills at the Barnett Recreation Center. Columbus Parks and Recreation has started modified summer camps that adhere to coronavirus protocols.
Eric Albrecht/Dispatch via TNS

For kids attending summer camp, this year will look different as camps work to determine whether and how to reopen safely amidst the continuing concerns of the coronavirus pandemic. Some camps have decided to reopen with additional safety precautions, including social-distancing measures and health screenings, while others have moved programming online or remained closed.

Plastic barriers are placed between Bruce McCall, 5, left, and Capri Bishop, 6, as they sit at a table during martial arts daycare summer camp at Legendary Blackbelt Academy in Richardson, Texas, Tuesday, May 19, 2020. As daycare and youth camps re-open in Texas, operators are following appropriate safety measures to insure kids stay safe from COVID-19.
Plastic barriers are placed between Bruce McCall, 5, left, and Capri Bishop, 6, as they sit at a table during martial arts daycare summer camp at Legendary Blackbelt Academy in Richardson, Texas, Tuesday, May 19, 2020. As daycare and youth camps re-open in Texas, operators are following appropriate safety measures to insure kids stay safe from COVID-19.
LM Otero/AP
Ty Fenton, 11, pauses as he eats lunch during martial arts daycare summer camp at Legendary Blackbelt Academy in Richardson, Texas, Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
Ty Fenton, 11, pauses as he eats lunch during martial arts daycare summer camp at Legendary Blackbelt Academy in Richardson, Texas, Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
LM Otero/AP
Fen Bohen, 9, of Gibsonia, participates in an obstacle course with fellow campers Thursday, June 11, 2020, at Camp Guyasuta in Sharpsburg, Pa. Camp Guyasuta’s STEM Adventure Day Camp started for the summer on June 8, one of a handful of camps to open with adjusted protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fen Bohen, 9, of Gibsonia, participates in an obstacle course with fellow campers Thursday, June 11, 2020, at Camp Guyasuta in Sharpsburg, Pa. Camp Guyasuta’s STEM Adventure Day Camp started for the summer on June 8, one of a handful of camps to open with adjusted protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael M. Santiago/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP
June 24, 2020, Jupiter, Florida, USA: Kids float on their surfboards during the Blue Water School of Surfing Summer Camp.
June 24, 2020, Jupiter, Florida, USA: Kids float on their surfboards during the Blue Water School of Surfing Summer Camp.
Greg Lovett/ZUMA Press
Shawn Chou and Jennifer Lee drop off their daughter Samantha Chou, 6, at L.A. Gymnastics in Culver City, California. They are among parents who have pinned their hope on summer camps reopening.
Shawn Chou and Jennifer Lee drop off their daughter Samantha Chou, 6, at L.A. Gymnastics in Culver City, California. They are among parents who have pinned their hope on summer camps reopening.
Al Seib/Los Angeles Times via TNS
Jami Brewer of Randolph stopped by the Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum to purchase summer camp to-go bags.
Jami Brewer of Randolph stopped by the Wm. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum to purchase summer camp to-go bags.
Julie Vennitti/CantonRep.com via TNS
Camp counselor Savon Edwards, 18, and James Johnson, 7, work on their hula hoop skills at the Barnett Recreation Center. Columbus Parks and Recreation has started modified summer camps that adhere to coronavirus protocols.
Camp counselor Savon Edwards, 18, and James Johnson, 7, work on their hula hoop skills at the Barnett Recreation Center. Columbus Parks and Recreation has started modified summer camps that adhere to coronavirus protocols.
Eric Albrecht/Dispatch via TNS
Elijah Omelsky, a second-grader in Heritage Christian School’s summer enrichment camp, eats strawberries during lunch at the school. The city of Canton provided a $14,000 grant for the program, which includes a free breakfast and lunch, said Superintendent Sharla Elton.
Elijah Omelsky, a second-grader in Heritage Christian School’s summer enrichment camp, eats strawberries during lunch at the school. The city of Canton provided a $14,000 grant for the program, which includes a free breakfast and lunch, said Superintendent Sharla Elton.
Kevin Whitlock/IndeOnline.com via TNS
Camp Stella Maris has had summer camps for over 90 years.
Camp Stella Maris has had summer camps for over 90 years.
Tina Macintyre-Yee/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle via TNS
Grounds crews are on duty but there won’t be any campers this summer at the Wheeler School Summer Camp.
Grounds crews are on duty but there won’t be any campers this summer at the Wheeler School Summer Camp.
David DelPoio/The Providence Journal via TNS

Bridget Fetsko
Visuals Intern,  Education Week
Bridget Fetsko is a former visuals intern for Education Week.
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Summer Learning Health

A version of this article first appeared in the Full Frame blog.

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