PEABODY – The Torigian Family YMCA Camp Eastman summer camp program is opening June 22.
Campers and parents can expect to see enhanced safety protocols in compliance with public health guidelines and recommendations. Camps will also include more educational activities to prevent learning loss over the summer months.
“At Camp Eastman, children have the chance to explore, gain new skills, and learn from the YMCA’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility,” said Rob Lowell, Executive Director, Torigian Family YMCA in Peabody. “Kids are learning these values throughout the summer, from archery, team sports, swimming, crafts and games, even service-learning projects. They’re having fun and making friends, too, which is an important part of the camp experience.”
The YMCA received good news this week when the state relaxed certain safety protocols, eliminating the 10-child to 2 staff member limit per class mandate. Instead, the ratio has been reduced to one staff member per 10 children. Temperature scans and face masks requirements have also been eliminated, but the use of face masks will be “encouraged.”
“Everything is changing every day, so everything is about as clear as mud,” said YMCA of Metro North CEO and President Kathleen Walsh. “We think we know one thing one day, and then everything changes. Nonetheless, we are confident we will be able to offer our programs in a safe environment. That’s our goal and mission.”
Camp Eastman, a 15-acre property located behind the Torigian YMCA, is one of two summer camps operated by the YMCA of Metro North. Camp Sachem, a 13-acre property behind the Saugus YMCA will also be opening on June 22. Summer programs at the Lynn and Melrose YMCAs are slated to begin June 29.
New safety practices that follow state and local requirements have been implemented for all summer programs, including daily health screenings for campers and staff; reduced capacity in group activities; staggered mealtimes and pool time, increased sanitation and hand washing stations; and the encouraged (not mandatory) use of face masks when social distancing is not possible.
In a June 15 press release, Metro North emphasized the importance of child care, recreational activities and educational opportunities in keeping children “learning and thriving.”
“Studies show that during summer break, kids can experience learning loss and gain weight twice as fast than during the school year,” the statement said. “Camps provide an ideal opportunity to keep their minds and bodies active all summer long.
Metro North will be offering financial assistance to those in need, acknowledging that access to camp “may be difficult for many children this year as families remain out of work due to the coronavirus emergency. The YMCA never turns anyone away for inability to pay.”
Donations to the YMCA of Metro North to help fund the financial assistance program can be made by visiting the organization’s website, https://www.ymcametronorth.org/.
“Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out, and explore. This is especially true, following the months of stay-at-home orders and virtual learning,” said Walsh. “The social, emotional, and physical benefits of camp are needed now more than ever, and we want to make sure every child has an opportunity to participate.”
For additional information about camps, including registration and scholarship information, please visit www.ymcametronorth.org/summer-camp.
