(HARRISBURG) – Following a long awaited announcement, Pennsylvania summer camps will be permitted to reopen for the summer 2021 season. Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) called this decision a victory not just for children and families across Pennsylvania, but also for northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy.
“Last year, Governor Wolf’s decision to close summer camps had a severe and negative impact upon so many children and families,” Baker said. “Many depend upon these camps to provide recreation, education, socialization, and skills development during the summer months. In addition, the summer camp industry in the Pocono region is a vital part of northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy. So many small businesses have felt the devastating effects of shutdowns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We must listen to the needs of individuals across our state and work together to responsibly lift mandates that are causing long-term harm.”
Senator Baker has been very vocal about the need to allow the summer camps to responsibly reopen this summer. Summer camps were left without guidance from the state, since being forced to close last year. Earlier this month, Senator Baker sent a letter to Governor Wolf regarding the urgent need to provide direction to allow for camps to reopen this year.
“Our camp owners are prepared to reopen with full safety accommodations, utilizing an enhanced mitigation approach, developed in consultation with the American Camp Association.,” Baker stated.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released ‘Summer Recreation, Camps and Pools Frequently Asked Questions’ to provide guidance to summer camp operators.
Baker noted that the average camp has been a mainstay of the Pocono economy for 66 years. A report on the Economic Impacts of the Pocono Summer Camp Industry highlights the tremendous footprint of this industry.
Media Contact: Kate Flessner kflessner@pasen.gov