Until that time, we are offering summer camps and programming we believe can be delivered in current pandemic conditions. We are “pandemic ready” for 2021 by planning camp programs that meet or exceed current government restrictions and accreditation guidelines. As the pandemic evolves, and public health guidance changes, so will our camps’ mitigation strategies. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to keep your families healthy and safe.These practices will be updated throughout the year to ensure the best possible experience for all of our campers, families, schools, and visitor groups. Please check with camp staff prior to arrival to verify current pick-up and drop-off procedures. If you have any questions, please call Camp at 610-670-2267.
Pandemic Approach & PhilosophyAs circumstances surrounding the on-going pandemic evolve, we consistently work to comply with guidance from the CDC and WHO, as well as state and local governments.
As is always the case, we are working to keep all of our campers, families, schools, and other visitors safe.
Camp staff are utilizing multiple resources to plan and operate a safe camp: The American Camp Association, the YMCA of the USA, Association of Camp Nurses, Center for Disease Control & Prevention, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. If you have any questions about our approach or procedures, please call us at 610-670-2267.
- Prior to attending Camp programs, participants will need to log temperatures and symptoms for 10 days.
- Campers will be temperature checked upon arrival and complete a health screening.
- Isolation rooms and spaces have been identified, but sick campers, staff, & visitors will need to leave the site immediately.
Camp staff are responsible for ensuring that participants adhere to all applicable state laws, mandates, and guidelines.
- Operating the Dining Hall at 50% capacity when we are unable to eat outside.
- Campers & visitors will be asked to remain with the same pods for living, dining, & program.
- Registration is going paperless. All registration and health forms will need to be completed online or by calling the office.
- Check-in will be largely “touchless,” and families may need to remain with their cars.
- If your program at the South Mountain YMCA Camps is cancelled by us, or by the state or federal government, we will refund you.
The group leader is responsible for ensuring that participants adhere to all applicable state laws, mandates, and guidelines:
- Reduce the number of beds in our cabins from 14 to 8, allowing 6’ between bunks.
- Campers & visitors will be asked to remain with the same pods for living, dining, & program.
- If your program at the South Mountain YMCA Camps is cancelled by us, or by the state or federal government, we will refund you.
Before we offer any program, we will have evaluated it for safe and sanitary conditions. In 2021, we will also be:
- Utilizing masks when indoors or when physical distance of 6’ is impossible, as long as that is the recommendation of the CDC.
- Moving as many programs outside as possible.
- Providing additional wash or sanitizing “dip” stations at each program.
- Continuing “pod” mentality for adult and youth groups on our site.
In addition to additional sanitizing stations and new cleaning protocols, we are prepared to:
- Operate the Dining Hall at 50% capacity when we are unable to eat outside.
- Serve meals in villages or other locations.
- Ask campers & visitors to remain with the same pods for living, dining, & program.
In addition to increased cleaning and sanitizing, we are prepared to:
- Reduce the number of beds in our cabins from 14 to 8, allowing 6’ between bunks.
- Ask campers & visitors to remain with the same pods for living, dining, & program.