Youth and summer camps can play an important role in the lives of children, including supporting their social, emotional, and physical development. Camps provide opportunities for children to try new activities, develop relationships and social skills, and be physically active. In addition to allowing for free play and unstructured learning, many camps also incorporate educational content, which can help prevent summer learning loss. The present guidance is intended to help camp administrators operate camps while preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting campers, their families, staff, and communities.

Camp administrators, in collaboration with state, local, territorial, and tribal health officials, can adapt the recommendations in this guidance to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the populations served. Implementation should be guided by what is acceptable, and, tailored to the needs of each community. This CDC guidance is meant to supplement, no replace, any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which camps must comply.

Many of us will enroll our children/grandchildren in summer camps this year. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the most recent CDC guidance for summer camps and overnight camps and hold your provider accountable to the set standards. Let’s keep our kids safe and healthy while they enjoy “summer vacation”! Stay well, mask up and stay tuned!