The Return of Summer Camp in 2021

Hamilton Campers In for an Active Summer

Hamiltonians need not look far for summer camp options in 2021. While summer camp was largely cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, many popular names will be returning to operate come July but things look different this time around.

While the province is working hard to provide COVID-19 vaccines and cases are decreasing, camp organizers are shifting focus toward outdoor activities, to make sure campers have fun at a safe distance. Campers will be required to wear a mask throughout the day. To ensure campers can distance and all safety protocols are followed organizers are also accepting smaller group numbers than years past.

Here are some summer camp suggestions for this year, along with what restrictions and changes to expect.

CYO Launches Athletes In Action

The Catholic Youth Organization’s (CYO) Crusader Athletics returns with its first sports camp Athletes In Action. Athletes In Action runs for eight weeks at Ancaster’s Mt. Mary Retreat Centre. Campers will have the chance to play a variety of sports at the camp, including soccer, basketball, tennis, frisbee golf and cricket, among others.

ATHLETES IN ACTION CAMP DIRECTOR, CARLA UNDERHILL

For camp organizers, the campers’ safety is top priority. The retreat has designated drop-off and pick up spots. Campers may interact with one another in a socially distanced manner and they must also use their own water bottles and hand sanitizer. Staff also disinfect equipment daily and always have thermometers on hand. Athletes In Action’s staff are still finding ways to adapt camp activities around COVID-19 protocol as new information is released. “The simpler games we can modify,” Program Director Carla Underhill said. “The mainstream sports we’re still going to try to do but we can modify the type of activity within the game.” The retreat also boasts a gym and classrooms with enough space to social distance for whenever indoor activities are necessary.

Athletes In Action begins on July 5 and runs until Aug. 27. The camp accepts children between the ages of 6 and 13 with 20 campers being allowed per week.

Sport Fitness School Is Back In Session

McMaster University’s Sport Fitness School program returns with some changes this summer. Campers will participate in one of four modules throughout their weeklong camp session. Modules include Sport and Performance Fundamentals, Physical Literacy, Movement Competency and Outdoor Adventure.

Sport Fitness School will focus exclusively on outdoor activities this summer, with a maximum capacity of 15 campers. All Campers must also always wear a mask.

Organizers will focus on building independence and self confidence through the Sport Fitness School’s programming. Camps and Clubs Coordinator Lauren Crawford highlighted how the Outdoor Adventure module builds these skills through wilderness survival activities. “All this programming runs on a challenge by choice framework,” Crawford said. “So, campers can stretch their comfort zone as they see fit and they’re supported by their coaches and peers.” 

Sport Fitness School runs from July 5 until Aug. 27. A waiting list is open.

Although summer camp looks different this year, camp organizers are doing what it takes to provide campers with the best camp experience while still following all COVID-19 protocols.