LEXINGTON, Ky. — The CDC updated guidance for summer camps Friday, saying that vaccinated adolescents don't need to wear masks at camp.
Throughout the summer, the Explorium of Lexington will host different camps for kids ages three to fifth grade, and they're making changes based on the CDC guidance.
What You Need To Know
- Explorium of Lexington hosts summer camps throughout the summer months
- Vaccinated kids aged 12 and up are able to be mask free
- Explorium of Lexington is requiring all staff and camp leader to wear a mask
- Last year the Explorium of Lexington did virtual camps throughout the summer
As the school year comes to an end, summer programs are in full swing. Lee Ellen Martin, executive director for the Explorium of Lexington, said they’ve been able to welcome back children in their community for the summer.
“Our summer camps they're each a week long with a different theme, you can come a full day, or a half-day and it's a mix of games, STEM activities, crafts, and just having fun with friends,” Martin said.
Last year the Explorium was able to host summer programs with a limited capacity in July, along with virtual camps and Zoom meetings with the children.
“We did do virtual summer camps so we basically packed up all the camp stuff and people would come to pick it up, they would do all their activities, and then on Friday I would zoom with the kids, and then they could tell me about what they had done and what they've learned for the week,” Martin said.
On May 28, the CDC updated its guidance for operating youth camps. Some of those recommendations included safer activities for children like doing activities outdoors, staying in smaller groups, and recommending COVID-19 vaccines for anyone over the age of 12.
“There is free play in the museum. When they're in the museum they wear masks. When they are seated at the tables they can take their masks off and we've got them to spread out. We have lowered our capacity so that we can make sure that the kids have plenty of room,” Martin said.
Camp leaders are all fully vaccinated but will continue to wear their masks around the children – making sure they are doing everything they can to make sure the children who may not be able to get vaccinated are safe.
“I am so proud of the children who are compliant. They don't complain, you know, they're kids, sometimes we have to remind them to put their mask on when it's time, but they're really good about it. I think it's just become commonplace over the years. And because the adults are all wearing masks too. They don't seem to mind,” Martin said.
The Explorium of Lexington still has spots available for their summer camps this year.