Local summer camps reopen, focus on safety

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Greece, N.Y. – Summer camps are back in full swing after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave the green light for them to start up, beginning Monday.

“What’s been really amazing is watching the kids come back to camp and come alive again. They’re playing with their friends and doing new and exciting opportunities here,” said Chelsea Ammerman, camp director for YMCA’s Camp North Point in Greece.

New guidelines are in place there due to COVID-19.

“We’ve worked really hard to social distance at all times as soon as a camper comes into our care, after temperature checks and questioning in the morning,” said Ammerman.

Hand-washing stations are set up throughout the camp, and equipment is sanitized regularly. The campers are separated in groups of 10, with one counselor assigned to each group.

“Everyone’s on board in making sure this is the best summer ever for these campers, even if things look differently this year,” said Ammerman.

Camp Abilities of Brockport is a week-long summer program for children who are visually impaired. The camp did not have the luxury of meeting face-to-face this year, but instead turned to Zoom for virtual sessions.

“They look forward, the entire year, to camp, and I can’t imagine kids having to wait an entire year to feel normal,” said Dr. Lauren Lieberman, founder of Camp Abilities.

Each camper was sent home with the equipment they would normally receive in person, which allows them to play sports, even if it’s through a computer screen.

“It’s not like having the face-to-face camp where you have dancing and you’re learning to swim. But, they have equipment now and goals they’re working towards,” said Dr. Lieberman.

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