With fall in full swing and winter slowly creeping in, Watershed Voice asked representatives from Camp Wakeshma and Camp Eberhart to reflect on the summer of 2021, and the return of campers following 2020’s abridged camp season.

While the pandemic and the virus causing it are alive and well, Camp Eberhart and Camp Wakeshma found ways to host campers in 2021 after being forced to shut down most of their programs in 2020. Watershed’s Alek Haak-Frost spoke with Camp Wakeshma President Pat Conway, and YMCA of Greater Michiana COO Denise Peters about how they navigated COVID-19 en route to summer fun.

Alek Haak-Frost, Executive Editor (AHF): 

Both Camp Eberhart and Camp Wakeshma ceased most operations in 2020 due to the pandemic, what was that experience like and what did you learn from last year that aided you this year when operations started back up?

Pat Conway, President, Camp Wakeshma Board of Directors (PC): 

Not being able to open for traditional coed summer camps in 2020 was a tough decision as we knew it was something that kids looked forward to the entire year. For the closed 2020 summer, we took some time to make some improvements to Camp and reflect on areas we should focus on for future summers; however, Corey lake felt a weird quietness in 2020. We learned in 2020 that we had to be adaptable and creative in future summers since many camps had to evolve to keep doors open. It made us think about all our operations from Check-in to Check out in extreme detail. With that being said, there were some processes we created that we actually plan to continue for future summers due to the positive feedback received. 

Denise Peters, Chief Operations Officer, YMCA of Greater Michiana (DP): 

Camp Eberhart ran summer Day Camp in 2020 but we did not run our Residential Camp. We were able to put in prevention practices for Covid and practiced prevention with covid best practices, cleaning and sanitizing practices that minimized interaction outside the cohort of children attending day camp. 

AHF: What precautions did each camp take to protect campers and staff a like from exposure to COVID-19?

PC: Referencing the ACA and CDC as well as other guidance, we had to make some small adjustments to our overall activities, some of those included: Cohorting groups of campers, spacing out meals, and re-designing some camp activities and traditions to keep alignment with safety guidance. 

DP: For summer 2021, we followed safety and best-practice protocols for summer programming. At registration, in-coming campers participated in a rapid test to assure no positive Covid cases were coming into camp, and preventive practices for drop off and pick up. All campers, guardians, staff wore masks inside facilities outside of cohort living.

Campers were monitored for signs and symptoms with temperature and wellness checks. Campers with signs or symptoms were evaluated by our health professional and sent home if symptoms were evaluated to be of concern.Staggered meal times for spacing. 65% capacity of beds and reservations to maintain spacing. Meals were served by counselors at cabin tables. Hand sanitizing and sanitizing procedures were implemented in facilities, meal times, and changing programs.

AHF: Were there any traditional activities that you skipped this year or were altered because of the pandemic?

PC: We understood how important many traditional camp activities were for campers, so we worked hard to keep them as normal as possible while also keeping safety top of mind. For the most part we were able to keep many of the traditions and camp activities that we would typically do, they just looked a little different and required some creative design by our amazing program staff. 

It was a testament to how supportive and creative our staff can be when tested. Camp staff are some of the most creative and energetic people you can find on the planet, so they were more than willing to step up to the challenge and create a memorable week for campers of all ages. I think many of our staff learned a lot this summer about the importance of being adaptable that they will carry with them into college and their future careers outside of camp. 

DP: Our meals were served differently, and staggered meal times were implemented, 65% capacity for beds. Not really skipped much.

AHF: What was it like having kids back at your respective camps? I know growing up I also wanted to go to camp and never did but I imagine it would have been a blast.

PC: It was truly magical to have kids back on the shores of Corey Lake camping again. The laughter, friendship, energy and fun activities were back in full force. After a long time of computer screens and staying at home, kids needed a week of no electronics, connecting and campfires more than ever. It meant the world to be able to re-create that after a summer off. The camper’s smiles and the stories they couldn’t wait to share with loved ones as they checked out at the end of the week said it all! It is hard to put into words just how special it was to feel that energy out at Camp again. 

DP: It was AWESOME having kids back at camp. SO MANY of our counselors and campers commented on how much they learned to appreciate being able to be at camp after the restrictions of the past year. It did seem campers showed signs of not being able to socialize and seemed to grow throughout the week as they were able to practice being with peers and building positive relationships and friendships. 

AHF: Now that camp season has concluded, what is each camp looking forward to for next year?

PC: We are already looking forward to summer 2022 and welcoming campers back! Additionally, we are excited to re-engage the community more in the off-season. Three Rivers has a lot of great local events that we are excited to get more involved with as in-person events return. We are especially looking forward to attending Camp Eberhart’s 2021 Trunk or Treat event in October and seeing some of the local kiddos! 

DP: Continuing to impact campers in a positive way emotionally, physically, socially, educationally to the greatest extent possible. Camp in amazing and such a growth experience for campers and staff. 

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor of Watershed Voice.