Camps are a big part of growing up for lots of Sunshine City kids and they’re a big piece of the childcare puzzle during the summer, but coronavirus concerns make planning for, well, almost anything in 2020, extremely uncertain.
With the traditional school year cut short, some parents were looking forward to reconnecting their children with friends and routine when things returned to “normal.” For many though, that is simply still not the case.
“Nico was really excited to start camp at Riviera Day School in June and Canterbury in July. He was devastated when we found out RDS canceled all their summer programs. Canterbury has canceled one week already and who knows if he will get to attend any camps this summer.” said Christine Hunsberger, Nico’s mom.
Parents aren’t alone in their feelings of apprehension and worry though; camp owners and employees are also forced to make difficult decisions. With many small businesses reporting the devastating financial impacts of the Safer at Home Order, these camps were a way to rebuild and provide a much needed service for the community.
“We waited and waited to see what was going to happen and if we’d even be allowed to run camp this summer,” said Gabe Whitney, owner of Noisemakers, Inc. “Due to the number of people signed up that wanted us to still run Rock Camp, and the government giving permission for businesses to reopen, we decided to continue with our summer camp.”
As most businesses have adjusted in some capacity, the process to generate income while keeping the best interests of public safety in the forefront have led to many businesses running their camps with some changes to meet CDC guidelines and keep their staff and attendees safe.
“We will be using a scanning thermometer at the beginning of each day to determine if someone has a fever. If they do they will have to go home. We will be taking handwashing breaks every 45 minutes. We have limited the number of kids drastically so as to maintain space between people and keeping the facilities as clean as possible,” said Gabe.
Taking these extra precautions is in the works for lots of camps, but many others have opted to write off 2020 as a lost cause. And some have tried to split the difference with virtual and take-home options.
Here are some of the anticipated changes to camps across St. Pete. We encourage you to reach out to any camp directly regarding hours and capacity as many may change to keep up with current CDC guidelines.
The Art of Science
All camps are canceled for Summer 2020.
Morean Arts Center
Updated camp dates are June 15 – August. Virtual options are also available.
Makeme
In-person camps are canceled, but camps-in-a-box are available to take home.
Canterbury School
June camps will be held virtually with plans to hold July camps on-campus. July camp is postponed until the second week of the month.
St. Pete Dance Center
All camps are canceled for Summer 2020.
Riviera Day School
June camps are canceled. July is TBD.
Summer at Shorecrest
Camps running June 1 – July 3 will be virtual; July 6 – August 7 camps are expected to be on campus.
St. Pete MAD (Music, Acting and Dance)
All June camps are canceled. July camps are scheduled as originally planned as of May 26.
Great Explorations Children’s Museum The museum is temporarily closed to the public until further notice and camps have reached capacity for the summer.
City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation
Camp participants will be selected via lottery due to reduced enrollment. For the complete list of updated summer guidelines, please visit stpeteparksrec.org/camps.
