Province OK’s overnight camps for Step Two of reopening plan

Saskatchewan kids will be able to roast marshmallows over campfires this summer.

The provincial government announced Thursday that overnight camps for children and youths can begin June 20, the first day of Step Two of the province’s Re-Opening Roadmap plan.

The province laid out a number of guidelines for the camps.

Staff, volunteers and campers shouldn’t participate if they’re sick or are a close contact of a person who has COVID-19. In fact, the government recommends everyone get a COVID test at the start of the camp.

Campers should pack a supply of masks, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer before heading to camp.

En route, physical distancing between campers in vehicles is a must, unless the kids are from the same household. Masks must be worn if camp transportation is used.

The guidelines suggest creating cohorts of eight or fewer campers who are about the same age. Those who are staying in the same cabin or bunkhouse should remain part of the same household cohort for the duration of the camp.

Items like sporting equipment or art supplies shouldn’t be shared between cohorts. Things that are regularly touched by everyone — such as light switches, door handles or toilets — should be cleaned and disinfected twice a day.

It’s recommended that campers and staff members should eat meals and snacks outdoors within their own cohort. Physical distancing between cohorts is mandatory.

Meals should be served in individual portions. If a family sends food along with a camper, it should be stored with the child’s belongings or kept in an area set aside for the child’s cohort. Food from home shouldn’t be shared with other campers.

After camp is done, all participants should watch for COVID symptoms and call HealthLine 811 if symptoms develop.