Wells Parks & Recreation Department
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News: Summer Camp Announcement-COVID

Date Published Author
5/7/2020 12:00:00 AM  Natalie Gould 

With Governor Mills’ recent announcement of gradually easing restrictions over the next several weeks we wanted to reach out to everyone to give you an update on Wells Recreation’s plans for the summer. Please keep in mind that this is an ever evolving situation with the unpredictable nature of this virus never far from our minds.

Summer Day Camp is the epicenter of all of the Rec Department programs. Even in a normal year, camp planning begins in the winter with scheduling field trips, hiring staff, planning new activities and more. Each summer we have close to 200 kids in our camp from grades K-9. Camp is a place where kids can play, have fun with friends, explore new things, and enjoy the summer break from school. For working families, camp offers affordable, quality child care through the summer months. 

Over the last 8 weeks the Wells Recreation staff have been reviewing CDC guidelines, meeting with members of our state association (MRPA), keeping up to date on Governor Mills’ reports, and trying to work out multiple scenarios for summer camp. Some of the biggest challenges we are facing include, but are not limited to, health screenings, frequent hand washing, wearing face masks, sunscreen application, disinfecting equipment, and social distancing.

One of the guidelines set forth by the state and federal CDC is to maintain group sizes less than 50 while maintaining social distancing. With limited facilities available, we feel that we will not be able to adhere to the those requirements safely. Summer Camp is meant to be very active and social. There are too many unknowns at this time for us to feel completely confident in keeping the children, their families and staff safe from the virus.

It is with heavy hearts that we have made the decision not to hold Summer Day Camp for 2020. Please know that this is a not a decision that we have taken lightly. We understand that this decision may cause hardship for families, especially those returning to work. During this pandemic, the safety and wellness of the staff, campers, families and citizens of the community are our first priority. Summer camp is a very social environment and it is not possible to properly adhere to the social distancing guidelines as well as multiple other guidelines set forth at this time.

Currently, we are hopeful that we will be able to hold smaller activities this summer. Look for more information on our website (www.wellsrec.org).

We are planning on opening up fall programs with modifications. We hope that everyone continues practicing social distancing protocols so that we can come back stronger than ever for the future and the 2021 camp season!

We miss you and hope you are well.
~ Wells Recreation Staff