Update: Summer camp safety

July 24, 2020 1:00 p.m.
City of Vaughan
COVID-19 Updates
 
City of Vaughan news is released on a daily basis and kept on vaughan.ca for reference purposes. For the most recent updates and news as they happen, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the official corporate channels on and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 
 
Extensive precautionary procedures in effect for all in-person camps
 
With Vaughan’s in-person summer camps now underway, the City continues to implement heightened measures to ensure the health and safety of all citizens, staff and campers remains the priority.
 
Camps operate under strict York Region Public Health guidelines and in accordance with requirements set out by the Province of Ontario. Precautions include physical distancing, smaller camp sizes and enhanced cleaning and sanitization. The City continues to monitor these guidelines and assess if any changes are required. As a result of recent regional and provincial updates, participants in summer day camps do not have to wear masks or face coverings, but may if they would like.
 
Key health and safety measures in effect are as follows:
  • Campers are required to undergo a temperature check (by a forehead scan thermometer) each day before admittance.
  • A parent or guardian must submit a daily COVID-19 declaration form before the camper can be admitted.
  • Campers will be placed in dedicated groups of 10, consisting of eight campers and two staff members.
  • Each group has a dedicated room, washroom and outdoor space.
  • Each camper has equipment and supplies assigned to them for the week. Campers are asked to bring a shoebox or small container each week to store their issued supplies. Supplies are not shared between campers and staff.
  • Physical activity and games are limited to non-contact skills and drills.
  • Physical distancing is maintained in all indoor and outdoor spaces and during active games, skills and drills.
  • Modified drop-off and pickup procedures include the use of outdoor and curbside areas, in addition to assigned times for each camper.
  • Camp staff are outfitted with a mask, face shield and specific personal protective equipment where needed. 
In-person camps are taking place at Al Palladini Community Centre, Chancellor Community Centre, Dufferin Clark Community Centre, Garnet A. Williams Community Centre, Maple Community Centre, North Thornhill Community Centre and Vellore Village Community Centre. In addition, select heritage houses and sites are also hosting in-person camps this summer, including Armstrong House, Arnold House, Bakers Homestead and Maple Nature Reserve.
 
Registration is still open and spots are still available at some locations. Learn more about in-person camp programing and guidelines at vaughan.ca/camps. To register, visit the Registration Portal at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. For more information or to obtain a registration barcode and PIN, please contact Access Vaughan by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
 
VIRTUAL CAMPS
 
The City is also offering virtual camps for children of all ages to participate in from the comfort of home.
 
Virtual Summer Adventures: The City of Vaughan’s first-ever Virtual Summer Adventures series started on Monday, July 6, with City instructors livestreaming the programs remotely via Zoom. Classes will run until Friday, Sept. 4. Pre-registration is required at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. Registration is on a weekly basis and a materials and supply list will be emailed to everyone registered in advance of the course start date. Fees start at $75 per week and participants will receive a summer camps drawstring tote, while quantities last, available for curbside pickup at a pre-assigned community centre.
 
Online recreation programs: The virtual recreation program offers activities for 45 minutes to one hour each week. There will be up to nine weeks of programming with fees starting at $40 to $120. Programs are available for people of all ages, from preschool to older adults. There are also family lessons for parents and children to participate in programs together. Choose from creative and culinary arts, enrichment, health and wellness and sports. More information is available at vaughan.ca/RecOnline.
 
As the City enters into Stage 3 of the Province of Ontario’s reopening framework, receive the City’s latest updates on COVID-19 by checking vaughan.ca/ReopeningVaughan, signing up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and following the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
 
Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, including physical distancing tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
 
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