Ontario camps using various strategies to prevent spread of COVID-19
For many Canadian children, summer camp is an annual ritual, as well as a much-appreciated break for parents.
“Last year when they announced there was going to be no camp, she cried almost every day the whole summer," mother Lauren Shulman said of her daughter.
Her two children - Addison, age 13, and Harrison, age 9, were delighted to be able to attend Camp Walden this year. They were eager to observe all recommended protocols, even before arriving at camp.
Two weeks before camp opened on July 2, the family was asked to isolate themselves as much as possible. They did PCR tests for COVID-19 just before coming up to the camp. And upon arrival, they were tested once again.
While Addison has had her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, Harrison is too young to get vaccinated.
“To be honest, I didn’t have any worries” says Shulman when asked whether she was concerned about her children getting together with other children. She pointed to the mild illnesses that the vast majority of children who got COVID-19 experienced and she believes the mental health benefits of overnight camp outweigh the risks.
Chief of Pediatrics at Lakeridge Health, Dr. Joan Abohweyere, agrees and said that camp provides the vital social interactions that children need to practice as they grow.
But she also says all children age 12-17 should be aiming to get their vaccinations now, especially while there is plenty of supply.
She says that will help not only at camp, but also for the start of in-person classes in the fall.
At the same time, Abohweyere says vaccines are not a silver bullet. Proper mask use, hand hygiene and maintaining consistent groupings for campers are also important strategies.
“At camp, kids are of different ages and they do different activities, so cohorting children is another way of limiting the spread (of illness)," Abohweyere said.
Shulman says her son actually keeps his mask on outside, despite being allowed to remove it for outdoor activities.
The Ontario Camps Association (OCA), which has about 400 members including day and overnight camps, has been working since last fall to established good safety protocols.
Chair Jack Goodman says camps began opening just after July 1.
Campers and staff were asked to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test results before coming to camp, and we’re tested again on arrival.
“We sort of encircled our bubbles," Goodman said. “We prevented non-essential visitors from coming in. Staff are staying in camp on their days off.”
No overnight camps with the OCA has had any COVID-19 cases so far. Two cases have been reported at a day camp that is not part of the OCA.
And if a suspected case of COVID-19 should arise, most camps have created double infirmaries - one for regular scrapes and bruises, and one for potential COVID-19 cases.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.