As a pediatrician and a pediatric psychiatrist, we have watched children in New York City experience tremendous challenges over the last 17 months. Like anyone who has spent time with or worked with kids during this phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are thinking carefully about what is safe for kids and how to balance the relative risks of COVID-19 with the risks of the social isolation, decreased physical activity, disruption of normal childhood activities, and loss that the past year has brought. How do we encourage children to foster relationships past the computer screen and recondition them -- and ourselves! -- in a gentle, supportive way to be comfortable once again with navigating social interactions and new routines?
The most immediate opportunity for kids to get these experiences is through summer camp. Of course, every parent will make their own decision about whether to send their kids to camp this summer, but it's important that physicians encourage the parents of their young patients to consider the immense benefits of camp. And, despite news reports of recent COVID-19 outbreaks at camps in and , the risks of this happening are relatively minor when proper mitigation techniques are put in place.
Why Is Camp so Important?
In "normal" times, camp is already invaluable for kids of all backgrounds. Camp provides opportunities for problem solving, learning together, meeting new people, and navigating social interactions in a relaxed and fun setting and, most importantly, outside of the house. Couple this with the year kids have had, and it is safe to say that summer camp is more important this year than ever before.
Many children have gone more than one full year without regular social interactions, consistent routines, outdoor play time, and the challenges and joys of new experiences. These activities are critical for kids and build up the softer life skills that set them up for success as they grow. In our experience as service providers in the biggest city in the U.S., camp is often a child's only opportunity for these experiences in a non-academic setting, particularly for youth without extensive financial resources, those experiencing housing instability, and those in the child welfare system.
of children in the U.S. ages 6 to 17 are physically active every day. Camp encourages kids of all physical abilities to get active and play regularly. Overall, the ratio of sedentary hours versus active hours at camp is nearly inverse from the school year. Kids playing outside at camp will get exposure to dirt and normal germs that are important for their immune system development. Many camps and summer programs also introduce kids to new sports, swimming, and hobbies that can present benefits year-round.
A Risk-Benefit Calculation
While the benefits of camp are clear, we also recognize parents' and caregivers concerns about the risks, especially given the rise of the Delta variant. As a community, we have all adjusted to the mental calculation and cost benefit analysis of COVID-19 risk. That calculation often includes an examination of the risk factors -- Who will be there? Will we be outside? Has everyone been tested recently? -- and weighing those against the social-emotional benefits of participating -- Fresh air always makes me feel better; I haven't seen my loved ones in several months.
It is also important to put considerations of COVID-related risk in the context of other risks. We know that cars carry a risk of crash and injury, but we take precautions like car seats, seat belts, and speed limits, and weigh the risk of a crash against the benefits of car transportation. Similarly, while going out and going to camp does carry an increased risk of COVID-19 contraction compared to staying home and isolated, we can mitigate that risk by having camp programs outside, implementing social pods, physical distancing, masking indoors, testing, and vaccinating eligible young people to reduce likelihood of COVID-19 transmission. While the camps linked to recent COVID-19 outbreaks were reportedly not taking all such precautions, many others are. Providers should encourage parents to weigh that small risk of COVID-19 against the immense benefits of participating in camp for kids' emotional and physical health.
The point is, there is inherent risk in most things, and in this case these risks are generally outweighed by the benefits. If we can provide a safe, educational environment for kids to learn while giving them the experiences they need to thrive, why not? For the long-term health implications of our kids, health providers need to remind parents that camp is more important than ever before.
is Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medical Services at The New York Foundling. is Senior Vice President for Mental Health Services at The New York Foundling.
Disclosures
The New York Foundling operates a summer camp called Camp Felix in Putnam County, NY.