YMCA prepares to reopen summer camps with safety guidelines

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As Nashville enters Phase Two of its rebound Monday, parents could soon get a little relief from the kids.

Day camps are allowed to reopen in Davidson County as part of the road map to reopening during the Coronavirus pandemic.

But, summer camp will look a little different this year.

Under the Metro Public Health Department guidelines, camp counselors will have to be screened daily for symptoms. Buses carrying campers and staff would have to operate at half capacity. Cafeterias aren't allowed to be open. Any lunches would have to be boxed instead of given out in the traditional buffet line.

The YMCA of Middle Tennessee is taking this seriously since so many kids head to Camp Widjiwagan near Percy Priest Lake each summer.

In addition to screening staff, the YMCA said campers will also be screened for symptoms twice a day. Campers will be broken up into groups of ten and stay with that group and counselor for the entire camp session.

Also, camp organizers are re-imagining the summer to make face coverings a part of camp culture.

"Our goal is to make masks fun, not just functional," said Jessica Fain, YMCA of Middle Tennessee. "Campers will be provided with masks when they arrive but will engage in arts and crafts activities early on to make their own cloth masks for the use during the rest of their session."

Fain said masks won't be required during some activities, like swimming or horseback riding.

Camp Widjiwagan starts welcoming campers on June 14th.

Overnight camp won't be allowed until Nashville enters Phase Three.