Parks & Rec’s summer day camps reopened with care on Monday, July 6. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health prepared summer camp guidance to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

These guidelines restrict the number of campers at each site. They also set requirements for masks, physical distance between campers, and handwashing. This will help keep campers and staff safe this summer. They will also help keep those who use our playgrounds and spraygrounds safe. Here’s a summary:

What day camp will look like

Masks are required

Campers age eight and over must bring a mask and wear it throughout the day, except during mealtime. Exceptions are made for campers with health conditions. A doctor’s note is required.

Camp groups

Campers will be assigned to a small group. They will stay with their assigned group and staff member(s) every day.

Safe fun

There will be plenty of ways for campers to have fun while keeping six feet apart. Our play experts provided camps with ideas for over 100 games and activities. Campers can:

  • Take part in socially distanced games.
  • Learn sports skills building.
  • Enjoy splashing around at a local sprayground.

Keeping our sites clean & safe

To keep our sites clean and safe for campers, staff, and others, Parks & Rec staff will:
  • Sanitize play equipment and supplies throughout the day.
  • Limit non-campers from using play equipment and spraygrounds during camp hours.
  • Wear masks.
  • Practice social distancing.

Based on this guidance:

  • Some Parks & Rec sites will be limited to campers on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Recreation buildings will remain closed to the public.

Parent and guardian tips

Sending your child to camp this summer will be a new experience for campers and their families. Families are required to sign the parent/guardian agreement and follow new health and safety guidelines.

General guidance for parents and guardians:

  • Talk to children about camp and the new hygiene routines.
  • Keep children home if they have symptoms of COVID-like illness. Know the symptoms.
  • Have household members tested if they have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Keep children home for 14 days if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19.

At drop off and pick up parents and guardians should:

  • Arrive at the scheduled time.
  • Stay outside. All recreation buildings are close to the public.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Stay at least six feet from others.

Each day at drop off, parents and guardians must:

  • Wait with their child until Parks & Rec staff take the camper’s temperature. Staff will confirm if the camper may attend that day.
  • Share daily family health updates.

Promote general healthy habits:

  • Avoid gathering with people outside of your household.
  • Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol or wash your hands for at least 20 seconds during pick-up and drop-off.

Observe your child’s health after each camp day

Talk to your child each day about what they did at camp. Check on how they’re feeling. Consider asking:

  • What was the highlight of your day?
  • What is something new you learned?
  • How are you feeling? Hot? Tired? Excited?
  • How many times did you wash your hands?
  • How did you do with keeping your mask on?