As summer nears, kid's camps making adjustments amid coronavirus pandemic

Summer camp organizers making adjustments as summer approaches

COVID-19 has changed a lot of things, including summer camps, FOX 10's Bailey Miller reports.

PHOENIX - Summers is coming, and with that, many summer camps are starting to prepare on how they can open safely.

"We have been learning CDC guidelines. We have been learning protocols," said Katie Smetana, Senior Vice President of Operations at Valley of the Sun YMCA.

Each year, the Valley of the Sun YMCA holds regular camp at their locations, and their overnight Camp Sky-Y in Prescott, where kids enjoy activities like rope courses, rock walls, and team-building exercises.

This year, the camps may be a little bit different, as organizers follow all CDC guidelines.

"At Camp Sky-Y, for example, we have a capacity of 250 kids a week, and we are probably going to be at 50% to 75% of that capacity," said Smetana.

At Camp Hubbard in phoenix, where kids play sports from soccer to archery all week, new sanitation practices will be in place, as well as following social distancing guidelines/ They say this also goes for their swim school as well.

"We are lowering our ratios with instructors to the kids, and our swim instructors will be wearing face shield for protection in the water," said Annmarie Sunderhaus, Director of Camp Hubbard.

Officials add it is important for kids to get some socialization, because they have been forced to stay at home for so long.

"So many kids have been at home for the last nine weeks, to get them active and east from their parents and socializing in a safe manner is key," said Sunderhaus.

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COVID-19 symptoms

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough, and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or heart conditions.

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

How to Avoid COVID-19 Scams

Here are the scams you need to be on the lookout for.

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.