The Opening of Day Camps for Summer 2020
TORONTO, June 10, 2020 /CNW/ - Yesterday, the Government of Ontario confirmed that day camps in Ontario are allowed to open this summer with a number of guidelines to promote the safety of campers and staff. Overnight camps are not allowed to open this summer. Each Ontario Camps Association (OCA) accredited day camp either has undertaken or will undertake an assessment of the day camp guidance documents and their ability to fulfill the requirements of them. We applaud the government for working arduously to create clear guidelines to permit Day Camps to operate. Some day camps will have challenges meeting such guidelines because of the type of camp, the necessity of bussing campers, and the use of indoor areas and type of program offered. The O.C.A. is aligned with government on doing whatever it can to allow for children to enjoy the outdoors, and participate in healthy social group experiences while at the same time allowing for parents in turn to get back to work and restart the economy. We remain committed to the health and safety guidelines for Day Camps regardless of the challenges they may present in the execution thereof.
The OCA encourages people looking for quality day camp experiences for campers, volunteers or staff to choose a camp that the OCA has accredited. OCA accredited camps have demonstrated the ability to implement a range of standards to promote a safe and quality experience for campers, volunteers and staff. In particular, OCA accredited camps are required to follow guidance from public health and occupational health and safety officials.
With the constraints placed on both overnight and day camps this summer, the OCA wishes to remind parents and caregivers to do their due diligence with respect to backyard or driveway camps, or rent-a-counsellor programs which may not have our accreditation. While the OCA recognizes the efforts of those trying to meet the need created with the restrictions on overnight camps, the OCA believes that some of these programs may not meet the OCA’s standards which can be found at www.ontariocampsassociation.ca.
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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