Are any local kids camps opening this summer?

Moving to SOMA in June. Are any of the local camps opening this summer? Looking for something for my 14 year son who will be starting 9th grade at CHS.  Maybe tennis camp (where social distancing is possible)? The circumstances are so tough- so we'd make any camp work. We had hoped that he would have the opportunity to meet some local kids before going to the HS. Not so hopeful here...but thought I'd ask.  I know we are all in the same boat-- what are we going to do with our kids?

i doubt it is legal for any to open yet.  The question should be if any are planning on opening if legally allowed.  are there even  'camps' for 14 year olds/hs?  most camps are to provide child care.

i would think he could connect with members of the tennis team...and assuming courts are open can just set up their own meet up.  or just show up at the  court and ask to join in.

jmitw said:

i doubt it is legal for any to open yet.  The question should be if any are planning on opening if legally allowed.  are there even  'camps' for 14 year olds/hs?  most camps are to provide child care.

i would think he could connect with members of the tennis team...and assuming courts are open can just set up their own meet up.  or just show up at the  court and ask to join in.

 Thanks for the reply. Yes, camps can go to 16- especially sports camps or teen specific camps. There are also CIT (counselor in training) programs for this age group. 

During the township committee meeting Tuesday night they mentioned that they are still aiming to have a camp with a limit of 50 children and groups of 10. I'm not sure what ages it will cover.

https://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/recreation-division/youth-programs/pages/camp-programs

As of today they are also planning on opening the pool in early July with a limit and time slots. 

Go to the CDC recs for opening camps. They are HUGELY stringent. 

With all SOMA school district buildings closed until the end of June, they have ALOT of physical ground to cover before the doors could open in September. Forget about numbers on the curve. I'm talking about retrofitting the schools: one way demarcation in hallways, no transferring between classes, one teacher in one room for a whole day, eating in the classroom, temperature checks, disposable face masks, retrofitting the bathroom stalls, lines on sidewalks entering and exiting schools, installing plexiglass between teacher and student when they need intensive help, contactless water fountains and hand sanitizer.This is a huge undertaking for one building, let alone an entire district. Add to this, experienced older teachers, who are saying "hell no, this ain't worth it; teachers learning about subjects that they have no business teaching. Kids who have allergies and the entire school is shut down. Hysterical parents. Sorry to be a Debbie downer, but I don't see how this is gonna get done in 2 months and in a social distancing fashion. "Hey Jimmy, I'll put down the plexiglass between and walk away, then you lift it by yourself and anchor it alone. Don't drop it"  "Also, hey kids, sit forward, sneeze or yawn near your schoolmate and your out. Keep 6 feet apart!"

Gov. Murphy announced today that camps can reopen on July 6. 

Putting aside feelings and beliefs about whether or not its a good idea to open camps, it seems that some will be opening. In the past, I've known 14 year olds who have attended Diamond Gymanastics. I believe Seton Hall has also offered some camp programs for teens with interests in STEM.

I dont know the age cut off for camps such as Riverbend, Harbor Hills but you might want to look inot that.

(I assumed from you post that you are looking for day camps, not sleepaway programs.)

Keep in mind that just because the Governor has given the green light to open camps, that does not mean they will all open.

Good luck with your transition to SOMA.

with the economy starting to re open, families will need camps for child care.  hopefully, those who don't need it will choose not to use it, but rather allow their children to have a small group of friends to play with for the summer.  children need to socialize and play.

FYI, the South Orange Maplewood Adult School summer camp will be online.

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Children-s-Summer-Program-Update.html?soid=1101940814428&aid=1cYVYoyHJ3g

Regards,

RCH

We got an email that the South Orange Baird summer camp will be operating, with significant precautions in place.

cubby said:

Putting aside feelings and beliefs about whether or not its a good idea to open camps, it seems that some will be opening. In the past, I've known 14 year olds who have attended Diamond Gymanastics. I believe Seton Hall has also offered some camp programs for teens with interests in STEM.

I dont know the age cut off for camps such as Riverbend, Harbor Hills but you might want to look inot that.

(I assumed from you post that you are looking for day camps, not sleepaway programs.)

Keep in mind that just because the Governor has given the green light to open camps, that does not mean they will all open.

Good luck with your transition to SOMA.

 Thank you for your response. We have missed feelings as well.  

mrincredible said:

We got an email that the South Orange Baird summer camp will be operating, with significant precautions in place.

 Thank you.