I’ve been thinking lately about the various camps and establishments reopening, and how exactly this present day “new normal” world will look. COVID19 has indeed brought disappointment, inconvenience and suffering with it, but not defeat. So I ask myself “What have I learned through this pandemic experience, and what are my responsibilities as a camp owner?” The health, safety and well-being of my campers is at the top of that list. Parents, I want to assure you that the environment in which your children will be working and playing will be clean and safe, first and foremost. Some of the new measures that we are taking here at Properly Polished are as follows. We have already limited the number of campers per session in order to make social distancing easier. Your children will be greeted at the beginning of each session with smiles and welcomes as usual, ensuring they are fever free. Their classroom environment will consist of tables and chairs that have been sprayed and wiped with disinfectant prior to each session. All materials and supplies will be for their individual use only. We will be spending time washing hands after each activity. Hand sanitizer and latex free gloves will be available.

That is just a part of the “new normal” picture here at manners camp. We will also have dialog with our campers about how this new world looks to them: their fears, expectations and how we are treating each other. For example, we can be intentional about using new ways to greet each other while we are waiting to give hugs and shake hands once again. Hygiene has been such an important topic here at camp that an entire session is devoted to it. Now, it can be presented with real evidence that it is vital we pay attention to what we can do to help keep germs at bay.

Yes, this corona virus has knocked us off our feet, but it has also given us pause to truly think about how our actions might affect others. Parents, rest assured that your campers here at Properly Polished can have successful, fun-filled experiences this summer while practicing all the things that keep them safe.