Above: Southborough Recreation usually offers a slew of activities through camps over the summer. They hoped to expand that this summer. Now one of the questions they face is, if they hold them will kids come?
The state has yet to issue guidance on holding camps this summer. But it’s coming soon. Southborough Recreation is trying to lay the groundwork for making decisions when those guidelines come in. They are asking parents for help.
The department asked me to share:
With anticipated State guidance regarding COVID-19 as it relates to recreation services coming next week; the Southborough Recreation Department is actively planning summer programming opportunities – both traditional and alternative. As camp is an essential service of our department, we would like to collect feedback from our community on your current feelings towards summer camp programs. Thank you for your time and continued support!
It’s a very quick survey.
Rec had promoted expanded camps this summer with full day options and regular field trips. Now they want to know – if they hold camps, will parents sign kids up?
The survey doesn’t ask for demographics. Recreation Director Tim Davis confirmed that parents of CIT aged kids are also invited to respond.
Other questions cover finding out: How would you respond if field trips were cancelled? Would you be interested in virtual programming? Would time restrictions on camps make a difference? What other comments/concerns do you want to note about camp programming this summer?
Click here to give your feedback. No deadline is given, but I assume that the quicker, the better.
Updated (5/14/20 1:38 pm): On a related note, one of the two other in-town camps cancelled its program for this summer. Fay School announced this afternoon:
I am writing today to share the news that FaySummer will not hold an in-person program this summer. Throughout the spring, all of us here at FaySummer have maintained the hope that we would be able to run our regular program. Unfortunately, it has become clear that this will not be possible.
Although we are disappointed by this development, we are confident that it is the right decision. In the absence of standardized safety guidelines and screening protocols at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks associated with opening camp this summer far outweigh the benefits, and it would not be possible to safeguard the health of our community members.
Any families who have already registered for FaySummer programs will receive full refunds. The FaySummer team is also developing plans to offer some online programs, and we will share this information with you as soon as the details are finalized. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will miss seeing your children on our campus this summer, and we look forward to a time when our FaySummer campers and staff can gather together once again. I send you and your families my very best wishes.
Sam Renshaw
Director of Auxiliary Programs
