A Statement from the Ontario Camps Association on the Closure of Overnight Camps for Summer 2020
TORONTO, May 20, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Ontario has announced that overnight camps in Ontario will continue to be ordered closed throughout the summer. While this decision is very difficult for everyone who loves Ontario's camps – especially children and their families, the OCA understands and supports this decision. The Government of Ontario made this decision in the best interests of Ontario's children and their families.
The Ontario Camps Association (OCA) supports, advances, promotes and accredits more than 450 day and overnight member camps throughout Ontario to ensure that they meet the highest safety standards for more than 400,000 children and 35,000 camp staff each summer. The priority of every OCA camp is that each camper and camp staff member has a safe experience at camp.
In recent weeks, the OCA has worked closely with multiple Government of Ontario ministries, including the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, to share our concerns and hopes and to offer our support. The OCA has greatly appreciated this partnership and the government's outreach to us. With today's announcement, that day camps may be able to operate this summer, the OCA is committed to continue working in partnership with the Government of Ontario and provincial and local public health officials, leading up to and throughout the summer to ensure a safe experience for campers and camp staff alike. The OCA will also work closely with accredited day camps that choose to open, supporting, advancing and accrediting those camps.
The OCA looks forward to working with the Government of Ontario on the measures that are needed to foster a thriving and successful day and overnight camp sector in the summers ahead.
About OCA The OCA is a non-profit organization representing over 450 camps and over 100 preferred vendors who are committed to creating the best camp experience for all campers, staff and volunteers through a commitment of meeting government regulations and best practices.
SOURCE Ontario Camping Association
Joy Levy, Executive Director, Email: [email protected]
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