With more blue skies and school activities beginning to wind down, many of us are thinking about summer activities for children and youth. Amidst COVID-19, we know that both parents and providers have been anxious to know what this summer will look like for our children. DOH recently released state-level guidelines for Child Care, Youth Development, and Summer Day Camps that give us a framework for what parents can expect and help providers put provisions in place to give children and youth positive options for growing and learning this summer. The King County face covering directive also applies. We all are looking forward to seeing the creative ways families, children and youth-serving organizations work together to keep everyone healthy and thriving!
Key Takeaways
- The types of camps and programs included in this guidance are allowed to operate during all phases.
- Group sizes should total no more than 22 people.
- Physical distancing should be observed during camp activities and drop off/pick up.
- Health screenings should be conducted upon arrival.
- Use of cloth face coverings by staff and children (possible exemptions are noted),
- Sports-related activities must follow the Governor’s Guidelines for Sporting Activities and CDC Guidance for Youth Sports.
Face Coverings
Everyone who can wear a face covering should so that we can get the most possible community protection. Staff and youth 13+ are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering if they cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others. However, some people do not need to follow the face covering directive including:
- Babies and toddlers under 2
- Children ages 2-12 years
Babies and toddlers under 2 should never wear a face covering as it is a suffocation risk. Children ages 2-12 should only wear a face covering if they will tolerate wearing one and if a parent or caregiver supervises to make sure it’s worn safely. It is better that a child go without a face covering than to have them wear one improperly. Wearing a face covering properly is hard for all of us and can be especially challenging for young children. If a face covering is not worn properly or if it causes more face touching, the effort is less beneficial.
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