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Summer camp registration books up, CDC changes guidance

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Summer camp registration is booking up fast.

The Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida reports most of its 35 camp locations are on a waitlist as many parents look to get their kids back to summer camp after the pandemic shut it down last summer.

The CDC also changed its guidelines for summer camps. Children should stay in pods and can be three feet apart, according to the CDC. Public health officials also recommend keeping most activities outdoors. Camp staff and students are encouraged to get vaccinated and masks should still be worn.

On Thursday, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated individuals did not need to wear a mask indoors. However, the vaccine is only available to children 12 and up.

The Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida said it’s still requiring masks for both youth and staff but is “constantly watching the guidelines and will update as we feel its safest for the youth we serve,” a representative said.

During the lockdown last year, BGCNF moved completely virtual, and then limited attendance in the summer during camp programs. This year, it will still limit the ratio of students to staff, but has more spots open. This year, camp will also return to field trips.

“We have some students who’ve never been to the beach. So just field trips like that is an experience trip. So we’re always trying to open our kids’ eyes to new experiences,” Wyatt Parlett, the VP of Programming, said.

You can register on www.BGCNF.org/camp.