They are
+1
I thought NJ was allowing day camps... Too many regulations?
These were the reasons she gave:
My foremost responsibility is to the safety of the campers and staff. There remains a complete lack of clarity from the government about the actual regulations that camps will need to function safely this summer. From what I have read from the CDC and ACA guidelines, it will be near impossible to ensure the safety of the campers and staff this year. The recommended guidelines thus far are impossible to produce in camp.
The health of the campers, staff, and their extended families is, of course, another determining factor. Though camps have been given the green light from the government to open as of July 6, it is with significant health restrictions that would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to replicate in camp. Though proper handwashing would be encouraged and signs posted everywhere about social distancing, the reality is that there would be hundreds of people, from different families and communities, converging daily. The responsibility of the counselors to keep the campers separate from each other would be overwhelming. Additionally, I have seen the unfortunate reality that some camps and schools, which have opened under these restrictive guidelines, have had to close soon after as cases of Covid-19 were diagnosed. It only takes ONE member of the Summer Playland family to cause an immediate camp closure.
I am confronting an unprecedented situation with less than a month until camps can open. There remains little official governmental guidelines and much uncertainty about how camp can realistically function. Trips, busing, and programs have all been upended and remain in limbo as every organization and company awaits, along with me, for more clarity. It is incredibly difficult to plan a functioning camp with so many unknowns.
As of yesterday, I have also been made aware that the pool facilities will be closed for the summer. This, too, points to the unfortunate reality that summer 2020 is far from usual, and that established businesses have been forced to re-evaluate how they can keep their customers safe and healthy. I recognize the responsibility of that decision, while acknowledging the large impact it has on the experience of my campers and the camp schedule.