The Grand River Conservation Authority is the lastest to cancel its day camps for the summer of 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
This week, the provincial government released public health guidelines for the safe operation of day camps in Ontario. Upon review of the guidelines, the GRCA has determined that the restrictions would significantly impact its ability to deliver quality day camp programs in the current COVID-19 environment.
All registrants affected by cancelled programming will be receiving a full refund in the coming weeks, and are being contacted directly.
On March 16, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) closed all of its nature centres to the public and cancelled its March Break Camps. All events, like birthday parties, were also cancelled. The GRCA’s day camp programs were developed pre-pandemic, and include large gatherings both indoor and outdoor, as well as in-person interactive activities.
“This was a very difficult decision,” said Tracey Ryan, Manager of Environmental Education and Restoration. “We know how much our campers and families enjoy the nature activities, games and outdoor experiences offered at our camps, but the health and safety of our campers and staff remain our highest priority.”
“Our traditional summer camps would not be the same under COVID-19 restrictions. It’s difficult to imagine a nature camp without a campfire circle, interactive and team activities and adventures,” explained Ryan. “The GRCA has a low-risk threshold when it comes to the health, safety and wellbeing of our participants. Parents expect a welcoming and safe environment for their children at our nature centres. While we wish we could welcome everyone back to camp this summer, we must err on the side of health and safety for all the right reasons.”
The GRCA encourages families to visit its Connect with Nature at Home webpage for a list of nature activities they can do together at home or in their local park while practicing appropriate physical distancing measures.
At this time, all GRCA nature centres and their surrounding property remain closed to the public and all events are cancelled until further notice.
For complete details about which GRCA properties are open and closed to the public, and what activities are permissible, please visit www.grandriver.ca/COVID19-FAQ.
