The Municipality of Port Hope is pleased to announce that day camp registration will begin on Monday, July 6, 2020, and camp is scheduled to begin the following week, on July 13, 2020.
“Municipal staff have done an extraordinary job of preparing detailed policies and best practices in anticipation of our day camps resuming this summer,” notes Wendy Meadows, Member of Council for the Municipality of Port Hope and the councillor responsible for the Parks, Recreation, and Culture portfolio. “While there have been many modifications made to our regular day camp programming in order to comply with government directives and to be mindful of the safety and wellbeing of our campers and staff, the camp will offer engaging, fun, and meaningful programming for many of our youngest residents this summer.”
Camp registration will be conducted by staff over the phone on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations for day campers between the ages of 6 and 10 years old will be accepted each week until Thursday prior to the week of camp. Intent to register will be received via email to daycamp@porthope.ca each week. Parents are asked to email their intent to register including details of each child, their age and address. Staff will then call to complete the pre-screening and registration details. All registration steps are available at //porthope.ca/day-camps.
In order to safely register, participate and enjoy camp, parents and caregivers will be required to read and agree to the Day Camp Parent Handbook, a guide that includes all of the day camp details for parents and caregivers. The Handbook is available for review on the day camps webpage.
Camp programming has been modified from the standard camp activities to accommodate the physical distancing and enhanced cleaning and sanitation guidelines outlined by the government during the pandemic. To work within the regulations and to uphold safe hygiene protocols, the following modifications have been implemented to the day camp programming:
· The day camp program will be available Monday to Friday for children ages 6 to 10 years old, and registration is for week-at-a-time enrolment only this summer. Single-day camp registration is not being offered at this time. Care will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. only.
· Current Provincial ratios allow for 10 people in one group. Based on this guideline, the day camp program will accommodate 2 camp staff for every 8 campers in each pod.
· Based on facility size, transition needs, and available space, a total of 3 groups can be accommodated, limiting registration to 24 participants per week.
· Pods must stay together all week and limit interactions with other participants and staff.
· The summer program will be restricted to the Town Park Recreation Centre to optimize our enhanced cleaning measures and to simplify supervision. This site also allows for limited access and control points for parents and will limit exposures to other patrons. The use of other municipal facilities will be considered when the health and government authorities provide further direction.
· Field trips and bussing is not permitted. Virtual field trips and outdoor play and exploration is included in the daily camp programming.
· Screening protocols and sign-in procedures will be required at the start of each camp day.
· As always, regular communications to parents/guardians will be provided throughout the camp week.
Cleaning and sanitation protocols
During the camp day, campers and staff will be required to comply with the following protocols, where possible:
· proper handwashing and sneeze/cough etiquette.
· keeping hands away from eyes, nose and mouth.
· avoiding sharing food/beverages or personal items (utensils, water bottles, etc.).
· using the hand sanitizer provided upon arrival and departure.
· using masks and gloves in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
As usual, staff and campers are expected to remain at home if they are experiencing any cold and/or flu-like symptoms.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
