Newtown Township Scraps Plan to Open Summer Camps

UPDATE (May 27, 2020): Newtown Township Manager Micah Lewis announced today at the Board of Supervisors Zoom meeting that the Township will cancel summer camp activities this year. Registration is down by 70% and the Township cannot guarantee that teenage camp personnel will scrupulously follow guidelines. Plus most venues that host camp activities will not be open. The consensus of Supervisors is that this is a wise decision.

According to a recent article in the Patch, “Summer camps and swimming pools in Bucks County probably will be allowed to operate this year, county officials say, while youth sports are probably canceled until fall.”

Although Dr. David Damsker, Director of the Bucks County Department of Health, said he plans to issue “guidance to camps and pools on ways they can safely operate over the summer,” several summer camps will be making their own decision whether to open or not this summer.

Newtown Township’s Parks & Recreation Department, for example, plans planned to open outdoor programs and camps this summer with the following restrictions/guidelines in place.

Reopening Plan - Yellow Phase

• Indoor recreation remains closed, including indoor summer camps – virtual programs and camps are available
• Outdoor programs and summer camps are permitted at various parks with a limit of 25 people per active use zone, provided social distancing and CDC guidelines are followed
• Large gatherings (25 or more) are prohibited
• Township parks and trails are open, however, bathrooms, skatepark, snack stands, basketball courts and pavilion rentals remain closed
• All playgrounds and ballfields should be avoided and used discretionarily
• Organized sports are prohibited from utilizing the fields
• Parks & Recreation Staff working in the office

Meanwhile, the Department’s website announcement asks asked, “If you do not feel comfortable sending your child to camp, please notify our department before June 12th.”

How comfortable would you be sending your child/children to summer camp?

That is the question I asked in an online survey I started on May 10, 2020. Local area residents answered that question under two different conditions:

• if there were no guidelines at all, and
• if CDC guidelines were followed.

As of May 25, 2020, 62 Newtown area residents responded to the survey. A majority (52%) said they would not feel comfortable sending their child/children to summer camp even if guidelines from the CDC (and the above) are followed.

Some Comments from Respondents

“Its too hard to give kids this summer experience it isn't what they will enjoy and too hard to keep reminding kids about distancing wearing mask not playing with kids etc. They may as well lay and run at home in their backyard with siblings without restrictions.”

– A Newtown Borough resident who would feel “Very uncomfortable” sending his/her child to summer camp with CDC guidelines in place.

“Camp is a FUN thing for my kids to go to. But, how are these kids just gonna clean their hands and not wear masks. And if they do wear mask, it’s very hot during the summer. It’s not safe! It needs to put rescheduled for next summer.”

– A Newtown Township resident who would feel “Not comfortable at all” sending his/her child to summer camp with CDC guidelines in place.span.

“Guidelines must be in place and clear. Ours is playground camp so I'd want it to be mostly outdoors. Bathroom situation makes me nervous.”

– a Lower Southampton Township resident who would feel “Somewhat comfortable” sending his/her child to summer camp with CDC guidelines in place.

“I can't believe anything.”

– a Newtown Township resident who would feel “Not comfortable at all” sending his/her child to summer camp with CDC guidelines in place.

“All it takes is one case to spread throughout the community! I trust the staff and adults involved but it is irresponsible to put others lives at risk.”

– a Newtown Township resident who would feel “Not comfortable at all” sending his/her child to summer camp with CDC guidelines in place.

“Controlled numbers in attendance and a genuine effort to keep children active but somewhat separated are concerns.”

– a Lower Makefield resident who would feel “Very comfortable” sending his/her child to summer camp with CDC guidelines in place.”

“I had my child signed up before Covid. Now I’m really not sure if I will send my child or not. My concerns are it’s hard for children to socially distance and as of now we haven’t gotten info on how the camp will change so I’m taking a wait and see approach since it’s still early May.”

– a Newtown Township resident who would feel “Very uncomfortable” sending his/her child to summer camp with CDC guidelines in place.

NOTE: This is NOT an official Newtown Township survey.

You can contact the Newtown Township Parks & Recreation Department by phone: 215-968-2800 X239 or via email: janycec@twp.newtown.pa.us