Almost 100 kids, aged 6 to 12, are registered to participate in Camp Orillia this summer. The first week of the new municipal camp aimed at helping parents returning to work as the economy open up amid the pandemic is now in the books.
“The first week went really well,” said Megan Visser, the city’s recreation program supervisor.
“We got a lot of really positive feedback that kids are really enjoying themselves and having fun.”
While civic officials were hoping for more than the 98 kids who registered, Visser said it was good to have fewer kids during the opening week as it gave staff the opportunity to adapt to physical distancing protocols and other measures put in place by the province to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
“We are doing everything in our power to keep children safe,” said Visser, noting staff are “following all the restrictions (and) guidelines set out by the province.”
“We have put every precaution in place. We have tons of procedures to deal with emergency situations, first aid ... our plans are pretty rock solid to keep things physically distanced,” said Visser.
She said children have been quick to adapt.
So, too, have staff adapted. It has not been easy.
Due to the restrictions, there is no swimming allowed for campers; swimming is always among the most popular camp activities.
But she said camp locations have sprinklers and traditional games have been adapted to ensure “normal camp activities” continue.
For example, the kids can play tag - but with pool noodles. There is still an obstacle course, but only one child tackles the course at a time.
Kids can play ‘minute to win-it’ games by attempting to keep a balloon in the air or they can play 4 corners, a camp favourite. In the COVID-19 world, however, there are now tape markings on the floor defining where the kids can run to.
“We’re still playing a lot of games that didn't require adaptations: wax museum, bingo, nature walks, freeze dance, jeopardy, and lots more,” said Visser.
“We have amazing staff doing so much thinking outside the box,” she said, noting she is proud of their creativity. “Kids are having fun and that’s a testament to staff.”
She said campers typically enjoy two crafts a day, play games, make slime, enjoy the outdoors and, during the first week, did some tie dying.
However, there are no large group activities this year. That’s because each camp confines groups to eight kids and two staff to keep the group size below the provincial maximum of 10.
Even though the province is moving into Stage 3 later this week, Visser thinks groups of 10 will continue to be the standard.
She said many parents have expressed appreciation for the camps. Over the past few months, kids - and many parents - have been cooped up inside in quarantine.
“Most of the feedback we’ve been getting from adults is them telling us their child is having a great time and their child is asking to go to bed at night because they are tired from all the activities,” said Visser.
She said several children have signed up for more weeks of camps, which is “a big indicator the kids are enjoying the experience and we’re doing something right.”
This year’s camps are being held at four city locations: Barnfield Point Recreaction Centre, Rotary Place, the Stephen Leacock Museum and the Opera House.
For information on safety precautions, what a day at Camp Orillia looks like, or to read the updated Parent Handbook, visit orillia.ca/camps or contact the Community Services Department at [email protected] or 705-329-7250.