DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard
SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog has announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are suspending traditional summer camps. “Staff will work on creating modified camp options to serve the community this summer in the event the province permits some form of modified camps to proceed,” read a press release from Scugog Township. “At this time, current summer camp program registration has been suspended, the system will not be accepting any additional registration requests and refunds will be processed. Scugog is also suspending all indoor facility rental permits until further notice.” CAO Paul Allore, in a statement, talked about why the township made this decision. “The decision to suspend our summer camp program was another difficult decision in a long line of decisions our Emergency Control Group has had to make,” he said. “The safety of our kids and recreation staff is the driving force behind this suspension. Staff will work on creating modified camp options to serve the community this summer in the event the province permits some form of modified camps to proceed.” But the release explained the township will “wait for Public Health guidance” before proceeding further. “Scugog staff are working on a variety of scenarios to create modified programs, to include physical distancing and abide by strict health and safety protocols, to keep our children healthy and safe. Any modified programs created will inevitably reduce the number of spots available in the programs, as we ensure physical distancing and limit the ratio of campers to staff members,” the press release explained. While they start looking at the possibilities of modified programs, the township has committed to provide residents with “a full refund for all summer camps, programs and permit payments without any administrative fees added.” Questions on this can be sent to recreation@scugog.ca. Residents are encouraged to monitor Scugog’s website at www.scugog.ca, and their Facebook and Twitter channels for updates.