IS CAMP ON THIS SUMMER?

SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY: A Message from the American Camp Association, Illinois 

Dear Camp Families,

We understand this is not an easy time for anyone, especially parents and families with children and youth at home. As we continue to navigate what the remainder of the school year looks like for our youth, many folks are asking: what about summer camp? 

We are, as well as all of our camps, closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and its impact on our communities, state, nation, and the world. We continue to share in the hope and excitement that summer is coming.

Camp is a phenomenal experience that offers people young and old the opportunity to expand and grow in their life skills. Skills that are strengthened organically through camp programs include leadership, adaptability, empathy, teamwork, critical thinking, innovative problem solving, creativity, compassion, patience, and so many more--skills needed to lead successful lives and positively contribute to society.

Right now, the mission-driven professionals who run your camps are working diligently behind the scenes to respond, to find solutions, to connect and support their community and, most of all, to ensure the safety and well-being of the campers. We continue to work with the Illinois Department of Public Health and follow all guidelines set by the CDC for any matter related to the safety of children and adults in our camp communities. The camp directors and staff are continuing to plan their best summers ever while monitoring the situation and responding accordingly and as advised by the public health experts.

The American Camp Association, Illinois will continue to serve as a leader in the partnership of the camps and the state officials to ensure that all camps have the resources, tools, and access to timely education to help them provide life-changing camp experiences this summer, especially around the subject of Coronavirus. We have always partnered with IDPH to ensure that camps have the ability to prevent and respond to any communicable disease. Your loved one’s safety is our priority.   

We encourage our community to continue seeking out camp experiences for their loved ones this summer during this difficult time. Families can find access to many different types of camps, several of which are located here in the great state of Illinois! Day and overnight camps that each specialize in different communities, programs, and needs of their campers. Visit findacamp.org to search thousands of camp options! We also encourage you to select an ACA Accredited camp. Accredited camps demonstrate their commitment to the health and well-being of their campers, staff, and community through a peer-review process that requires regular site visits and annual reporting. Learn more about why the Accreditation is a symbol of a camp’s dedication to providing safe and quality camp experiences here. 

Be well, be kind, & wash your hands,​

Colette Marquardt
Executive Director
American Camp Association, Illinois

Catherine Curry
President
American Camp Association, Illinois