The summer of 2020 will not look how we expected, yet we are still delivering on our core covenant to young people. Yes, we are reducing activities, length of programming, and yet we are still offering a sense of purpose and belonging. More than ever, this COVID-19 pandemic requires us to focus on the essence of our collective work: enduring relationships. It is because we are fiercely dedicated to not losing any more academic ground for our kiddos that we are offering in person summer camp for the month of July.
We are following the Responsible RestartOhio guidelines for Youth Day Camp. We have complied with all the mandatory guidelines as well as 100% of the recommended best practices that apply to us. Providing a safe and secure environment is a core value of the center. We will limit the number of campers for each group (we have 3 groups) to 10 or less.
For the 30 or so families who send their children to camp, we are using a breakthrough summer literacy program called Lit Camp from Scholastic. This program combines innovative, researched based reading and writing with an emphasis on engaging the students on a variety of activities. The goal is to cultivate our campers’ confidence and aptitude for reading and writing, critical thinking and learning.
As an OST (Out-Of-School Time) provider we know the importance of developing strong character and the best way to infuse programs that build positive relationships, strengthen social emotional skills is best done face to face. While we wish we could offer our camp to the usual 60-65 children, at least those who can attend will have a fun, positive experience that promotes academic success as well as promoting social and emotional learning.
