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KUNC is here to keep you up-to-date on the news about COVID-19 — the disease caused by the novel coronavirus — Colorado's response to its spread in our state and its impact on Coloradans.

Summer Camps Across Colorado Can Open Today, But Some Cities Need More Time

Stephanie Daniel
/
KUNC
Day and sports camps opened up across Colorado today. But in Denver summer camps, pools and recreation programming will remain closed until at least the end of June.

Day and sports camps across the state opened on June 1 with specific coronavirus guidance from the state. But some Front Range cities, including Boulder and Denver, need more time to prepare.

The city of Boulder will start day camp on June 8 but with a different format due to COVID-19. The city normally runs seven camps; those will be consolidated into one camp hub at the South Boulder Recreation Center.

The camp's capacity will be limited to 50 campers per week, split into five groups. The camp will have a wide variety of activities from sports and science to art, music and games.

"We think they're going to be a lot of fun and hopefully support the families that really need this service and the campers who could really use some socialization," said Lori Goldman, a recreation supervisor with Boulder's Parks and Recreation Department.

Boulder will implement several safety measures including daily temperature checks, staggered start and end times, training the staff on the proper use of personal protective equipment and limiting the number of people inside the building.

The city is recommending that everyone wear a mask. Campers and staff over the age of 12 will be required to do so.

The camp is open to all kids and will provide programming for teens with developmental disabilities. Boulder also has a financial aid program and will accept vouchers and third-party payments.

"We have really looked at our community and know that they want to work hard to rebuild everything, adjust to a new normal," Goldman said. "The city felt it was really important to provide a childcare option for everybody."

Denver will not open summer camps, outdoor pools or have recreation programming until at least the end of June. The amended state order, which allowed camps to open on June 1, did not give the city the time and the resources to start them up this month, according to a spokesperson with the city.

"We would have to onboard several hundred on-call employees as well as provide required certifications and training," the spokesperson said in an email.

Recreation centers will remain closed and summer program registration is postponed until further notice.

"Denver Parks and Recreation is continuing to work with public health officials to determine how to safely open facilities and deliver activities and services to families," the spokesperson said.

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