It is that time of the year again. Summer is that golden time of the year that we all look forward to – kids and adults alike. For kids, summer means a lot of things. For starters, summer camp is an opportunity to go on field trips, meet new people, make new friends, learn new things, have fun, while also doing educational activities. So, yeah, it is the magical time of the year.
That said, news making headlines lately suggest this year’s summer camp will be completely different from what we’ve known all these years. With the Coronavirus crisis still threatening lives, it isn’t wise to send our children out. Granted, parents really need a break after all this time locked up with the kids indoors. We totally understand that. However, one can never be too careful in a crisis like this. So, it begs the question – is summer camp worth it this year?
Yes or No? The Schools of Thought!
This is one of those questions that do not necessarily come with a ‘yes or no’ answer. From one school of thought, summer camps are important now more than ever. This is because kids have been home for so long. The switch to online learning wasn’t an easy one. As a matter of fact, many kids are struggling to catch up because they are yet to get acquainted with the new paradigm of learning.
In this school of thought, summer camps will be a great way to combat summer learning loss and help these struggling kids get back on track. Of course, being locked inside the four walls of the house isn’t helping at all. Most definitely, summer camps will help kids unwind, while giving parents the much-deserved break.
Another school of thought argues that the global pandemic is anything but over. While education is paramount, safety happens to be even more important. Even more, there are online classes going on to make sure kids are not losing the fight at the education front. Adding to that, some notable summer camps have decided to bring the fun online. So, kids can enjoy virtual summer camps this year.
Each school of thought poses a very logical argument, making it difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer. Parents are tired of seeing their kids’ social life suffer. Video games and TV are the closest to socializing that these kids have. Will going out this summer be so evil? Then again, what happens when these kids go out and get exposed to the deadly Coronavirus? Will it be worth it at the end of the day?
Like you, we are on the fence here. Parents are to decide whether summer camps are worth it this year or not. Be sure to weigh all safety measures and the risks involved before picking a side.
New Measures Rolled Out Already
For parents who are standing with the first school of thought, it will come as a relief to know that some camps have rolled out new measures already. In fact, the American Camp Association together with the YMCA of the United States has rightly outlined the best practices for reopening amid the Coronavirus crisis. Be sure to check in with the camp before bidding your kids farewell.
Virtual Summer Camps
Are you uncomfortable with the idea of sending your kids out amid the pandemic? A number of summer camps are offering virtual options this year – from June through August. Everything from home projects to virtual campfire singalongs is promised. While it will not be exactly the same as what it has always been, I bet you will find this option a lot better for your kids.
So, what is it going to be?
