Garwood Cancels Summer Camps Due To Coronavirus

GARWOOD, NJ — Garwood Recreation Department announced its Summer Camp is being canceled due to the coronavirus.

"It pains me beyond words to send this email. It is with deep regret and genuine sadness that I inform you that the Summer recreation camp will not take place this summer," stated Garwood Recreation Director of Summer Camp Dana Parkhill.

Parkhill pointed to the coronavirus and the possible effects on children as the reason for the cancellation this year.

"With COVID-19 changing all of our lives and with the additional threat of Pediatric Multi System Inflammatory Syndrome linked to the Coronavirus affecting young children, we simply cannot take the chance of infecting campers, counselors or staff. It will be very difficult to social distance, wear masks in the heat, alternate days, hours, grades, and conduct the camp even if we made major modifications," Parkhill said.

The camp will return in 2021 and if restrictions are lifted by mid-summer Parkhill said the department "will gladly try to run some kind of program or entertainment for the kids."

Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday that he's allowing youth day camps, including municipal summer recreational programs, to begin on July 6 amid the coronavirus outbreak. However, major modifications would be needed to follow state laws of New Jersey and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Read More: NJ Issues Rules On Youth Sports, Daycare, Horse Racing Reopenings

Clark also announced this week the cancellation of its summer camps as well. Read More: Clark Summer Camps Canceled Due To Coronavirus

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