Just before our community began to feel the effects of the global pandemic in mid-March, we were busy finishing up our annual Summer Camp Guide. Those days of planning ahead already feel like a lifetime ago.
But, summer isn’t cancelled. And many local organizers have told us they are cautiously moving ahead with their plans.
“Right now we are preparing as if we will be offering our full slate of summer programming starting on June 22,” said Middlebury Recreation director Dustin Hunt. “That date could be fluid at the moment as we make sure we are in compliance with all of the state and national orders in place.”
He added that the rec department has been working with both MiddSummer and Mary Johnson to provide the summer childcare coverage parents will need if and when they start heading back to work.
In Vergennes, Recreation Coordinator Kim Buckley said she is hoping to have the city’s Sam Fishman Pool programs — including swim lessons and the Vergennes Champs Swim Team — running as normal. As for other rec programs, said Buckley, “We are going to try to offer the same offerings as last summer.”
Tara Brooks told us that she is still planning on running the Addison Northwest School District’s Summer Fusion Program, though “this could change at any point based on the Governor’s guidance.”
Bristol’s rec department is also moving forward with its summer camp programs, though director Meridith McFarland says the swim program will likely be canceled or limited, and they will most likely postpone the Teddy Bear Picnic and town-wide yard sale to the fall.
Overnight camps, too, are planning their summers as usual. Keewaydin Camp Director Peter Hare is cautiously optimistic for a full camp season this summer.
“Fortunately, we do have time before we have to make a final decision,” he said, noting that he would wait until the end of May. “Whatever decision we make will be based on the best information from public health officials, state guidelines, our own medical staff and the American Camp Association.”
To peruse our camp guide, click here.