Following Gov. Tom Wolf's announcement that Chester County moved to the yellow phase on June 5, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine's (YGBW) camp and child care programs reopened on June 8.
For several weeks, YGBW has been preparing to safely offer camp and child care in light of COVID-19. Many new protocols and procedures have been implemented in accordance with the latest directives from the CDC and American Camping Association, and staff members have undergone extensive training to prepare.
YGBW staff members have trained in the latest cleaning and disinfection protocols provided by the CDC, as well as in social distancing, stable groups and virus spread reduction. In addition, all Y staff members receive training annually in child abuse, first aid, CPR and workplace safety. Children will also participate in an orientation covering personal space, handwashing and other best practices to protect their own health and safety.
In addition, more frequent hand-washing breaks and enhanced disinfecting procedures are being implemented, including the addition of more sinks and hand sanitizing stations.
All children and staff members will be screened daily. Anyone with a temperature over 100.4 and/or exhibiting other symptoms of illness will not be permitted to attend. Visitors will not be allowed on-site without special approval.
Parents and guardians will remain in their cars during drop-off and pickup with a YGBW staff member accompanying each child to his or her group or classroom. All staff members will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves during this process. Parents of infants are welcome to come into the facility to drop off and pick up their children, so long as they go through YGBW's health screening process.
Also, camp and child care groups will be smaller than in previous years. These groups will function as a cohort, staying together throughout the day.
For information on additional changes to summer camp and child care programs at the YMCA, readers may visit http://www.ymcagbw.org/YGBW.
As always at the YMCA, before- and after-camp time is included at no additional cost and financial assistance is available. Sibling discounts are offered. Swimming in the YMCA's indoor pools will be available at most camp locations this summer.
Weekly camp activities include arts and crafts, nature and STEM, drama, field games, sports and movement, water play and theme-related activities. YGBW is also working to intentionally incorporate language arts and math opportunities into activities to support students academically during the summer months.
Summer camp is open to children ages 3 to 15. Offerings vary by location and include traditional day camp, as well as several specialty camps. Child care is open to children beginning at 6 months. Camp registration is available at http://www.ymcagbw.org/camponline. Those interested in child care can complete the interest form at http://www.ymcagbw.org/preschool-childcare-ymca-greater-brandywine.
GYBW's sites include: Brandywine YMCA, 295 Hurley Road, Coatesville; Jennersville YMCA, 880 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove; Kennett Area YMCA, 101 Race St., Kennett Square; Lionville Community YMCA, 100 Devon Drive, Exton; Oscar Lasko YMCA & Childcare Center, 1 E. Chestnut St., West Chester; Upper Main Line YMCA, 1416 Berwyn-Paoli Road, Berwyn; and West Chester Area YMCA, 605 Airport Road, West Chester.
Additional information on camp and child care, including a list of frequently asked questions, can be found at the YMCA website. As noted in the reopening orders issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, gyms and health clubs are not permitted to reopen in the yellow phase. Thus, while YGBW is offering camp and child care, the rest of YGBW's facilities remain closed at this time. This includes but is not limited to fitness centers, group exercise classes, walking/running tracks and locker rooms.
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