The coronavirus pandemic means it is time to get creative to in how to support children and youth in summer programming. Physical distancing and other safety requirements means day camps cannot look like they have in years past. Whether you are looking for ideas to adapt activities, or are still deciding if your organization can even host a camp, this page has information for you! Keep checking back for new information and ideas.

Click here to download above flyer. Click here for the flyer in French. More details and program ideas below!

In order to actively balance COVID-19 risk management with the physical, social, and mental health benefits of summer camps and programs, it is important to plan ahead. Ottawa Public Health recommends that starting with these safety foundations:

• Physical distancing: keeping 2 metres apart
• Hand hygiene: frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use of hand sanitizer
• Cleaning and disinfecting: frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces or shared items
• Masking: add this extra layer of protection to protect others from you, essential when physical distancing is difficult

If you cannot meet these four foundations, consider how you can meet safety needs:

• Additional personal protective equipment or barriers (e.g. plastic dividers, face shields)
• Modify activity or behaviour

Questions worth asking before, during, and after you making a plan:

• Does my organization have the capacity to meet these additional safety needs with our available financial, human, time, and other resources?
• Would necessary safety changes too significantly change the mission or goal of the program, or prevent a priority group from participating?
• Would a blended approach with digital resources enhance the experience or make the program possible in ways that in person approaches cannot meet at this time?
• Even with minimizing the chance of infection, how does the risk of infection balance with having the program? And, how does the risk of missing out on the social, physical, and mental health benefits balance with not having the program?

If you think your organization can work to meet the safety foundations with the resources available, your next step is to make a plan. The activity of making a plan will help your organization know how to prepare to be safe from infection and how to manage a potential outbreak, while providing summer programs. Below our resources and guides to help you make your plan.

• Ottawa Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Camp Documents - note that this is a draft and small changes may occur (groups have found this a useful place to start modelling their own plan), only available in English
• Ottawa Public Health Day Camp Guidance - English, French
• Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidance: Summer Day Camps - English, French
• City of Toronto Community Recreation Post Pandemic Operational Guidelines CampTO
• Ottawa Public Health COVID-19  Information for Community Partners and Service Providers
• Check out this presentation from Ottawa Public Health and the Ottawa Board of Trade for information about reopening child care and day camps
• Ottawa Sports Council "Return to Play" Roadmap: English, French

Ottawa Public Health is available to answer questions about your plan, although they do not need to approve your plan.

• Be ready to modify as Ottawa Public Health, other city or provincial guidance changes with the situation
• Communicate changes and special procedures with participants and family
• • Examples of the City's Declaration of Health and Notice of Risk are available in several languages, contact info@growingupgreat.ca to obtain
• Source personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer, check the Workplace PPE Supplier Directory for suppliers
• Know how to clean your space, this guide from the City of Ottawa may be a useful starting spot

How are you modifying activities for children under 8 years old? What camps are you hosting? Share with info@growingupgreat.ca!

• Recreation for Priority Populations from RCFS - note that this list subject to change and should just be used as a guide for likely available options
• Physical and Health Education Canada Activity list for grade K-3
• Ottawa Hand in Hand recreation and culture fee support program 
• I Love to Play Soccer: free soccer program in City parks throughout July and August, pre-registration required
• Free Summer Recreation in the City: park activities (ages 4-12) hosted by the City of Ottawa, download flyer for dates and times

How are you modifying activities for kids 6-12? What camps are you hosting? Share with info@growingupgreat.ca!

• Recreation for Priority Populations from RCFS - note that this list subject to change and should just be used as a guide for likely available options
• Osgoode Youth Association Summer Camps
• Physical and Health Education Canada
• • Physical and Health Education Canada Activity list for grade K-3
  • Physical and Health Education Canada Activity list for grade 4-6
• Ottawa Hand in Hand recreation and culture fee support program
• I Love to Play Soccer: free soccer program in City parks throughout July and August, pre-registration required
• Free Summer Recreation in the City: park activities (ages 4-12) and drop in sports (ages 8-12 and 13-17) hosted by the City of Ottawa, download flyer for dates and times

How are you modifying activities for youth? What camps are you hosting? Share with info@growingupgreat.ca!

• Recreation for Priority Populations from RCFS - note that this list subject to change and should just be used as a guide for likely available options
• Osgoode Youth Association Summer Calendar
• Physical and Health Education Canada Activity list for grade 7-12
• Ottawa Hand in Hand recreation and culture fee support program
• Free Summer Recreation in the City: drop in sports (ages 8-12 and 13-17) hosted by the City of Ottawa, download flyer for dates and times

The ability to provide any programming is subject to The Province of Ontario emergency orders. All services must adhere to Provincial Order. Furthermore, resuming any service has inherent risks with regards to COVID-19. This is highlighted not to scare you from providing programs, rather a reminder of the value of planning ahead to mitigate risks. Just as you plan activities, staff training, registration, and other aspects of your program, COVID-19 risk mitigation is part of a comprehensive plan. There are many benefits to the numerous summer programs offered across Ottawa, and making a plan for COVID-19 will be part of success in 2020.