VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Summer camp is back for kids in Virginia Beach, but there will be some modifications due to the coronavirus.
The City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation summer child programs begin June 15.
“We know it’s been a long spring and they’ve been looking forward to coming back. We know it’s been a nerve-racking time for parents wondering whether or not they’re going to be able to have the childcare this summer. We are very pleased to be able to welcome back participants on June 15,” said Julie Braley, the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Public Relations Manager.
This year camp will be very different than years' past.
Braley said normally the camps accept thousands of children a year. She said they are the biggest childcare provider in the city.
The program is very popular, and there is currently a wait list for children to get into the various programs.
Right now, staff is getting ready for the kids to come on Monday.
“Our staff is going to go through some extra training to make sure they’re fully aware of all the different guidelines that they need to follow to make sure that the kids are hand washing frequently,” she said.
According to Braley, staff will be trained on coronavirus state guidelines.
Activities at the summer child care programs will focus on social distancing. The city says they will not be offering recreational swimming and will be asking kids to wear masks. Children will not be forced to wear face coverings; it will only be encouraged.
Braley says there will not be regular field trips, but there will be virtual field trips.
“Kids are able to participate live from the comfort and safety of the rec center,” said Braley. “We’re looking at really adapting and modifying all the things we would normally do in a COVID world."
Since April, Virginia Beach has offered essential childcare to essential workers in the city, so they already have practice on how to manage the new regulations.
"We will continue to adapt to change as long as it’s safe,” said Braley.
For more information on this year's summer camps, click here.
