Politics

Legislators call on Cooper to allow camps to open next month

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 7, 2020

Four North Carolina legislators from the mountains are calling on Gov. Roy Cooper to allow summer camps to open by June 22 with at least 80 percent capacity, access to lake activities, open-air assemblies and sleeping accommodations "with 6 feet between heads."

In an open letter, Sens. Chuck Edwards of Flat Rock and Jim Davis of Franklin and Reps. Chuck McGrady, of Hendersonville and Kevin Corbin of Franklin said the camp industry generates millions of dollars in revenue statewide. Co-written with the board of directors of the N.C. Youth Camp Association, the letter said summer camp is a good antidote to the emotional strain of being confined indoors during pandemic stay-at-home order.

"Many of those children have started counting down the days until they can attend summer camp in North Carolina," the legislators said. "Because of the uncertainty and social distancing caused by this pandemic, we believe they will need the unrestricted and emotionally positive experience camp provides more than ever."

Here's the letter:

This time of year is often with unbridled anticipation for kids and parents alike as summer approaches. That anticipation has morphed into worry, uncertainty, and disappointment as families across the state are canceling plans because of the coronavirus pandemic, even though conditions here in North Carolina are steadily improving. Despite all this, we hope to maintain what is a summer tradition for many families: summer camp.
Every year, staff work to ensure summer camp and safety go hand in hand, and this year be no different. They will not compromise the health and safety of staff, campers, and families. Camps are committed to following the CDC, ACA, and State Health Department guidelines.
Summer camps aren’t like other close-quartered industries. There are safety precautions inherently involved with running a camp. Because of these precautions, it’s appropriate for them to open during the pandemic.
The average stay in a camp is two weeks, during that time campers can avoid contact with the larger community. Most living spaces at the camps – including cabins and dining halls – are open-air and activities are primarily outdoors. Camps already have medical staff and health centers on the grounds. These distinctions provide a peace of mind for worried families that are on the fence about attending camps.
Summers camps are ingrained in the lives of so many North Carolinians. Campers look forward to those weeks away from home with their friends for months. The camps not only build lasting relationships, but they also teach campers necessary life skills.
The camps also generate millions of dollars of revenue from Murphy to Manteo. For many camps, 90% of their annual revenue comes during the summer months.
As camp leaders and legislators, we believe a phased opening is the safest, most viable option for camps this summer. To open, camps will need a minimum allowance of 80% capacity, a June 22 start date, relaxed social distancing, access to swimming and lake activities, open-air assemblies, and sleeping accommodations with 6 feet between heads.
Camps primarily rely on national parks, state parks, and park vendors for many of their outdoor activities during the summer. A phased opening of parks that allows for camp use and licensed vendors is also necessary for a successful summer.
To effectively communicate plans with parents and staff, summer camps need plans to be in place by May 9.
School closures and social distancing have left many children confined at home. Many of those children have started counting down the days until they can attend summer camp in North Carolina. Because of the uncertainty and social distancing caused by this pandemic, we believe they will need the unrestricted and emotionally positive experience camp provides more than ever.
We urge Gov. Cooper to take immediate action and release guidelines that would allow camps to open this summer.