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  2020-05-22

  Camp Evolution

  In high school, I worked for South Windsor Parks and Recreation as a program leader for the before and after school program, as well as a camp counselor during the summers. On March 12, 2020, Governor Ned Lamont announced that schools will be closed beginning that Monday, March 16, for at least two weeks due to COVID-19. This included my program, putting me and all of my coworkers out of a job during this time (and, eventually, the rest of the school year), and taking away the childcare that so many South Windsor families depended on, including my own. I was a senior in high school when this happened, trying to work as much as possible to save up for college. My department was working hard to create an alternative within our state's guidelines to remain open and operating without compromising the safety of our employees and families. Unfortunately, COVID-19 was too unpredictable at the time and we had no idea how to protect everyone other than shutting down completely. For months, my coworkers and I heard nothing from our supervisors, as they had no new information to give us. On May 22, 2020, we were sent this flyer with information about a modified summer camp for 2020, called "Camp Evolution," with guidelines covering group sizes, social distancing expectations, and mask mandates. Many former counselors made the decision to not return for camp, including myself, as I lived with my grandparents at the time who, in addition to being in their 80s, also had preexisting conditions. I also know of many program leaders who will not be returning to our before and after school program due to similar concerns. The camps and programs have also been finding themselves short on participants, as most families in South Windsor are concerned about the virus, and many are currently working from home, so they no longer require the same childcare as before. For many families with parents who are not able to work remotely, such as my own, are thankful for these program reopenings, as well as the smaller group numbers that come with them. I am proud of my department for working so hard to keep their employees and families safe while also continuing to provide services for those most in need.