Here’s how the coronavirus outbreak is impacting summer camps in the Myrtle Beach area
Local municipalities were faced with making decisions on hosting summer camps this year as the coronavirus outbreak has impacted events, businesses and public places across the Grand Strand for more than two months.
Cities across Horry County have made decisions on how to handle summer camps in the midst of a pandemic. Here’s a roundup of what public recreation departments will do in the coming months:
City of North Myrtle Beach
The City of North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center will hold summer day camp starting May 28 and lasting 10 weeks, according to Pat Dowling, city spokesperson.
There is a one-time registration fee of $20. The cost weekly for members is $100 and $125 for non-members.
To register, you can call the Aquatic & Fitness Center at 843-281-3737.
City of Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will hold its Camp Friendship and Camp Cool Out this summer one week later than planned, though the camps will be held at more locations than usual due to capacity restrictions, said Mark Kruea, city spokesperson.
Camps will begin June 15, instead of June 8.
City of Conway
A big goal for the city is getting youth sports and summer camps open by June 8 for working families that need child care during the day. Plans are being made to get these activities open in a way that keeps the kids and adults as safe as possible.
“Although social distancing on team sports is very difficult,” City Administrator Adam Emrick said, “we’re following as many guidelines as we can from both the state and from individual sporting leagues to make sure we are doing all we can.”
The Mary Thompson Center and the recreation center will be used to allow more kids into the summer camps while maintaining social distancing. Registering for the camps will be “first come, first serve.”
“Day cares are closed and schools are closed. The summer camps are that avenue for people to get back to work,” Emrick said.
While camps could return, Emrick said he doubts they will feature as many trips and may require other changes.
Horry County
Horry County plans to host summer camps this year, too. The camps likely will be adjusted for social distancing. Spokesperson Kelly Moore said more detailed plans about camp offerings and social distancing should be released soon.
Horry County Schools
Horry County Schools summer camps and enrichment programs are canceled. These camps include Summer Scholars, iTEAMS Camp and CREATEng Camp.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect a change in NMB’s summer camp.
This story was originally published May 22, 2020 at 7:46 AM.
