The Municipality of Port Hope has announced day-camp registrations can begin July 6, with camps beginning July 13.
Councillor Wendy Meadows – the council member responsible for the Parks, Recreation and Culture portfolio – commended municipal staff on an extraordinary job of preparing detailed policies and best practices.
“While there have been many modifications made to our regular day-camp programming in order to comply with government directives and to be mindful of the safety and well-being of our campers and staff, the camp will offer engaging, fun and meaningful programming for many of our youngest residents this summer,” Meadows stated in the press release.
Staff will conduct registration by phone on a first-come-first-served basis.
Registrations for day campers aged six to 10 will be accepted each week until the Thursday prior to the week of camp. Intent to register can be sent via e-mail to daycamp@porthope.ca each week. Parents are asked to e-mail their intent to register, including details for each child such as age and address. Staff will then call to complete the pre-screening and registration details. All registration steps are set out at porthope.ca/day-camps.
Also on the web page is the Day Camp Parent Handbook which all parents and caregivers are required to read and agree too in order to ensure safe registration and participation, with all necessary day-camp details.
Camp programming has been modified from the standard camp activities to accommodate the physical-distancing and enhanced cleaning-and-sanitation guidelines outlined by the government during the pandemic, resulting in certain changes.
The day-cam program will be offered weekdays for children aged six to 10, and enrollment is on a week-at-a-time basis only this summer. Single-day registrations are not offered at this time. Care will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. only.
Current provincial ratios allow for 10 people per group. Based on this guidelines, the day-camp program will consist of pods that include two camp staff for every eight campers.
Based on facility size, transition needs and available space, a total of three groups can be accommodation – limiting registration to 24 participants per week.
Pods stay together all week, and limit interactions with other participants and staff.
The summer program will be restricted to the Town Park Recreation Centre to optimize enhanced cleaning measures and simplify supervision. This site also allows for limited access and control points for parents (limiting exposure to other patrons). The use of other municipal facilities may be considered when the health and government authorities provide further direction.
Field trips and busing are not permitted. Virtual field trips and outdoor play and exploration are included in the programming.
Screening protocols and sign-in procedures will be required at the start of each camp day.
As always, regular communications to parents and guardians will be provided throughout the camp week.
The announcement shared details of the enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols that will be required of both campers and staff, including:
Proper hand-washing and sneeze/cough etiquette
Keeping hands away from eyes, nose and mouth
avoiding shared food. Beverages or personal items (such as utensils and water bottles)
Using the hand sanitizer provided upon arrival and departure
Using masks and gloves in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
As always, staff and campers are expected to stay home if they experience any cold- or flu-like symptoms.