The CDC Has Issued Updated Guidelines for Summer Camps

After a year of being cooped up and dealing with remote learning, many parents are eager to send their children to summer camp. Luckily, the CDC has updated its COVID-19 related guidelines for summer camps.

According to the new guidance, released April 24, kids should maintain at least three feet of distance between all campers within the same cohort. That number increased to at least six feet between all campers outside of their cohort, as well as between staffers and campers. Masks should also be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking (but six feet of distance should be maintained between everyone), napping or swimming.

The guidelines recommend conducting as many activities as possible outdoors, including singing, chanting, shouting or playing instruments. Those activities that must be done indoors should be done in a well-ventilated area with open windows. The guidelines state windows should also be kept open on camp buses and vans being used for transportation. Close-contact and indoor sports and large gatherings (such as assemblies) should be avoided, and kids should refrain from sharing toys, books or games. For summer camps with younger children, the recommendations include clearly labeled cubbies and assigned nap mats that are sanitized before and after use. Plus, enough hand sanitizing stations should be available at key locations to prevent crowding.

In addition to these updated guidelines, the CDC maintains that all eligible participants should get vaccinated; stay home if they’re sick; use correct, well-fitted masks; properly hand wash and cover coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect as needed; and contact trace in collaboration with the local health departments.

To learn more about the updated guidelines for summer camps, visit CDC.gov.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.