Day Camp in the Time of COVID-19: What Went Right?
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate whether a successful camp experience can be achieved with implementation of COVID-19 education, screening and hygiene protocols, and designated cohorts during the summer of 2020.
Study Design
A survey study of summer day camp directors in the metro-New York area was conducted in September, 2020. The survey inquired about camper demographics, COVID-10 related policies, and the number of COVID-19 cases and exposures at each camp.
Results
Responses were received from 77% (23/30) of camp directors at the completion of the 2020 summer. There were 8,480 camper children and 3,698 staff across the 23 camps surveyed. A variety of precautions were taken to limit COVID-19 incidence among campers and staff, most often including COVID-19 screening at entry, cohorting campers, maximizing outdoor activities, mandating mask use when indoors, and frequent hand sanitizing. Six staff and one camper tested positive for COVID-19. There was no secondary spread within the staff or campers in any of the camps.
Conclusion
Camps successfully stayed open in the summer of 2020. The low level of COVID-19 in the community was critical to the initial success of camp opening. Policies that were consistent and maintained among the camps helped prevent further spread.
Related articles
Related articles are currently not available for this article.