Overnight camps prepare to return with Step 2 reopening
Overnight camps will once again be able to operate this summer under Step 2 of Ontario’s reopening plan.
At Camp Smitty in Eganville, named after former CTV sportscaster Brian Smith, they have been preparing for weeks to be ready for a return this summer.
“Obviously with the announcement that came out today we’re pretty excited,” says Adam Joiner, CEO of BGC Ottawa, which runs Camp Smitty. “Because we’ve been doing a lot of the legwork in anticipation of this announcement.”
Joiner says the return of overnight camps will be a welcomed relief and return to normalcy for not only kids, but parents too.
“This summer in particular is incredibly special because it’s going to give those young people a chance to experience something that they haven’t been able to experience sometimes ever, but at least in the last two years,” says Joiner.
Camp Smitty will open for the summer on July 16 and run three sessions of ten days each. The camp will operate at 50 per cent capacity, which Joiner says will see between 150 to 200 campers visiting Camp Smitty this summer. Registration is open and spots are still available.
“We’re going to have to limit the amount of kids that we’re seeing,” says Joiner. “We’re going to have to ensure that we’re following all of the mandatory requirements, and making sure we’re going above and beyond to ensure the safety of our campers.”
There are six overnight camps in Renfrew County, with four having submitted reopening plans to the Renfrew County Health Unit. But Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Cushman says it’s difficult for the camps as the province has not laid out their guidelines yet.
“Two were quite good and two need a little bit of work, but again as I said, they’re flying blind,” says Dr. Cushman. “When these camps open there will be an inspection, and as I said all the plans are being reviewed.”
Dr. Cushman says there will still be challenges as the camps deal with portions of the population 12 years and under who are not yet approved to receive vaccinations.
“The real issue is cohorting, if you have a case in a cabin or a tent,” says Cushman. “These camps are international. These kids at best will have had one vaccine. And then what do you do with a case?”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.