With summer almost here, what’s a family to do during the Covid-19?
10News Anchor, Virginia Cha spoke with Tom Madeyski, District Executive, for YMCA Overnight Camps and Danielle Cardiff, the Senior Park Ranger at Lake Morena.
Both had good news for kids and parents!
Camping during the Covid-19 Pandemic
San Diego County officials recently announced the reopening of County campgrounds. They have successfully reopened at half capacity, with new rules in place that will allow County campgrounds to stay open while complying with public health orders related to COVID-19.
Park operations have shifted to support new safety and sanitation protocol, and while some campsites are available, others (like cabins and those in close proximity to others) are not.
The reservation system has been adjusted to only show available spots. You can book an available tent or RV site at reservations.sdparks.org.
It’s important to remember that there are still guidelines in place per our public health officials.
- Campers should bring face masks and plan to wear them if they come within 6 feet of another guest.
- Campsites are limited to individual households, with a maximum of eight people.
- There are no group or joint reservations, and visitors to sites are not allowed.
Campers who don’t follow the rules will be asked to leave. That is always a last resort, but a necessary one if their actions could compromise the health of the community at large.
“It’s a challenge; navigating through this very fluid, ever-changing situation.” Senior Park Ranger Cardiff said, “Learning and adjusting as we go – but it’s worth it to be able to continue to welcome people into County parks.”
Why go camping even in these times?
There are physical and emotional benefits to spending quality time outside. Ranger Cardiff says they are proud to share those benefits through all parks, preserves and programs – which are now held virtually, with recommendations for outside fun wherever it is feasible.
With over a hundred parks in San Diego County, including eight campgrounds – from Lake Morena in Campo to William Heise in Julian – even Agua Caliente in the Anza Borrego Desert you surely will find something for everyone.
What’s open:
- Parking lots
- Restrooms
- Showers
What’s closed:
- Play structures
- Drinking fountains
- Group picnic areas
Updates on COVID-19 and related changes to park operations are posted to sdparks.org.
Summer Day Camp for Kids at the YMCA
Just in time for another summer adventure, the YMCA of San Diego County has Summer Day Camps beginning June 22, 2020!
The YMCA of San Diego County believes all kids deserve the chance to experience the life-changing power of camp.
They offer a unique learning environment where youth are introduced to outdoor experiences, can nurture their passions and explore new interests.
Tom Madeyski, District Executive, for YMCA Overnight Camps says this summer, day camp will look a little different, but we are excited!
- There will be enhanced safety, cleaning and disinfecting measures.
- You’ll see smaller, stable groups of kids, no field trips, but still a lot of fun!
- Back to the basics of summer camp - doing arts and crafts, fun games, learning camp songs.
- Doing what the Y does best: providing kids with great summer experiences.
Thanks to a partnership between County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, YMCA of San Diego County and The San Diego Foundation is making more childcare opportunities available for parents during the COVID-19 pandemic with summer camps for youth from low-income families and camp scholarships.
For Summer Camp and Camp Scholarships, visit: www.ymcasd.org/summercamp
YMCA has been serving San Diego County families for 138 years, and is one of the largest summer camp providers in the County, also boasting accreditation by the American Camping Association. Summer camps run the entire day and address the intended childcare need.
