For many children, summer camp is what they look forward to all year long. The camp is the one thing they can do to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy a slower pace. Many children live in the city, and camp offers the only opportunity they have to get out and enjoy nature. The coronavirus has changed life forever and along with it summer camp. This year, many children will either have an unrecognizable summer camp experience or won’t be able to go at all.
Summer camps must follow CDC social distancing guidelines
Let that sink in for a few moments. Social distancing has to take place even at summer camp. Isn’t summer camp all about getting close with your friends and making new friends? It’s hot outside, and all you want to do is hang out and have a good time. It looks like if kids are going to hang out at summer camp this year, they’re going to have to do it at a distance. Many of the fun activities summer camps are known for are going to be a thing of the past this year. Also, all children will be expected to wash their hands frequently. What’s summer camp without being dirty all the time? There’s always next year to make yourself a mess.
Virtual summer camp brings the outdoors home
Everything is going virtual, and summer camp is no different. Did you ever think that it would be possible to have a summer camp at home? You can, and all you need is a computer or internet-connected device. No, there’s no running in the mud, playing under the stars, or telling late-night jokes while laying in the bunk bed. Though, for many, this is the best that you can get. Summer camp online is the only reality for many children, and somehow, they’ll have to make the best of it.
Will the summer camp be a thing of the past?
No one knows how long the coronavirus is going to be around. A cure might be found a year from now or never. If there is never a cure or a vaccine, it’s hard to see that summer camp would ever be back to where it was. Some might forget all about the virus and go on with their lives. A real possibility exists that people will become lax in their standards and end up causing the virus to spread like wildfire. If that’s the case, it’s possible that there might be summer camp in the future, even if a cure hasn’t been found.
It’s going to be a while until childhood is the same
Will childhood ever go back to being what it once was? You know, enjoying the summer heat, being outside with friends, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Hopefully, things will come back, but it’s anyone’s guess as to if or when it happens. The best we can hope for at this time is that people heed the warning and do their best to protect themselves from the virus. Maybe next year everyone will be back to swimming in the lake and swatting mosquitos while enjoying summer camp.