Summer camps are a right of passage for many kids and even a great activity for adults. However, COVID-19 may put a hiatus on this year’s summer fun.
Some Rimbey and area summer camps such as Rohoboth Christian camp for individuals with developmental disabilities has cancelled all their summer camp programs due to the pandemic.
“Due to COVID-19 and the current restrictions/limitations in place throughout Alberta, Rehoboth’s 2020 Camp Weeks have been cancelled.” A statement on Rohoboth’s website says.
Others, such as Camp Silversides, will not be running their summer overnight camp programs. A statement on their website regarding their decision as impacted by COVID-19 says, “After reviewing all of the daily updates from Alberta health authorities and officials, as well as analyzing our current camp situation, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to suspend site camps for this summer.”
The Camp’s statement continues, mentioning their reliance on a combination of summer camp fees, donations, and rental revenue to fund the summer camp programs. “Due to the virus regulation situation, we have lost substantial revenue, making it infeasible to proceed with camp operations this year.”
However, Camp Silversides is working on moving forward with summer day camps after Alberta Health Services announced larger gatherings, provided the gathering is under 50 people, are no longer prohibited.
Camp Silversides is currently working on structuring a day camp that would be held strictly outside and following all AHS mandates for COVID-19. An update on the day camps should be available on their website by the end of the week.
“We want to make sure it is safe for everybody,” says a Camps Silversides representative.