Registration is now open for summer day camps in the Sault.
In light of COVID-19 closures and cancellations, the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA and the city have partnered up to extend summer day camps. With some restrictions, day camps at the Y will begin on July 6 until August 28, and camps at the John Rhodes and Northern Community centres will start on July 13.
The YMCA has adjusted to these restrictions by limiting the number of children in each camp and also by ensuring that camp activities don't require close contact. Groups will be divided into groups of eight campers and two camp leaders. All camps will be in separate areas and all rooms and gyms will be fully sanitized before another group can use them.
The following is a media release from the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA:
The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is proud to be partnering with the City of Sault Ste. Marie to offer an extension of summer day camps! Summer camps at the Y will commence on July 6, 2020 and run until August 28, 2020. Extended day camps at the John Rhodes Community Centre and the Northern Community Centre will run starting July 13, 2020.
With the restrictions of COVID-19, the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA had to make some adjustments to its summer camp programming to limit the number of children in each camp and ensure camps had no activities that required close contact. The reduction of camp sizes has posed a challenge to be able to meet the demand of those wanting to register their children. Through the collaborative partnership with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the YMCA will be using city facilities to offer more camp spaces to meet the camper demand.
“At a Council meeting dated June 29, 2020 City Council approved a Partnership with Sault YMCA for Day Camp Services for the use of the Northern Community Centre and John Rhodes Centre by the YMCA and that related rental fees be waived for the duration of the summer day camp programming. The support of youth and families during this difficult time is in great need, says, Brent Lamming, Directory of Community Services. Both of these locations provide prime access points servicing the east and west ends of the community, are fully accessible and provide excellent proximity to nearby amenities.” '
The YMCA has hired camp leaders as well as cleaning staff, and registration is open now! The city partnership and the funds raised through YMCA’s annual Strong Kids Campaign will allow registration to remain open throughout the duration of the summer to ensure kids in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding areas are provided the opportunity to go to camp, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
“Day Camps have been an important part of summer programming for many years at the Y. Now, during the pandemic, we know that parents have to go back to work and we know that children will want the opportunity to play and be with other children," said YMCA CEO Tracey Cooke, "we are very thankful to partnering with the City to be able to support our community once again with opportunities for children to be active.”
We know that the way camps operate this summer will be a little different. Camps will be divided into groups of eight campers and two camp leaders. All camps will remain in separate areas and all rooms and gyms will be fully sanitized before another group can use them. In addition, every camper and camp leader will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms daily to make every effort to keep everyone safe.
The YMCA has officially wrapped up a successful emergency childcare program for the past two and a half months and are scheduled to open four of our Centres on July 6. Having such a hard-working, dedicated team the Y looks forward to continuing to offer the utmost care for the children while providing a fun and safe environment. A huge thank you to the community for the continued support and cooperation during this time.
For more information on the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA or to register for camps email [email protected] or visit: www.ssmymca.ca.
