Summer Camps Update For Parents In Missoula

Press release from the City of Missoula:

May 1, 2020

Thanks for your patience and understanding as we work to keep parks, trails, and open space open while protecting public health. As always, our highest priority is the health and safety of park visitors, program participants and their families, and Parks staff.

We’re looking forward to having lots of fun and adventure with your child in our Summer Camps. We are working closely with public health officials to develop new health and safety protocols so that camps can meet as scheduled. Current registrations and wait-lists will remain in place.

Watch for an email update from us in mid-May explaining the specific protocols we’ll be using to keep kids, staff, and the community safe this summer. We are reviewing every aspect of each camp to provide the greatest quality and safety in programs. We will be making some slight modifications to each camp to comply with current public health recommendations.

Our mid-May communication will include detailed safety protocols and itineraries for each camp, so you’ll have plenty of time to decide if the new camp configuration will meet your needs. Even with program modifications in place, Summer Camps will feature the same professional, highly trained staff and quality programming you’ve come to expect from Missoula Parks and Recreation.

We understand that circumstances have changed dramatically for many families during these uncertain times. If you would like to withdraw from camp or transfer to a later date, you are entitled to a credit or refund. Please see our Summer Camp withdrawal/transfer policy below. If you’d like to request a refund or credit now, please use this online form and our registration staff will contact you. For transfers, please check availability at www.missoulaparks.org/register and then give us a call at 721-PARK (7275.)

Many residents have inquired about opening dates for Splash Montana and Currents Aquatics Center. We plan to open both facilities this summer, but the timeline for re-opening will be determined in consultation with state and local health officials. Both facilities will remain closed through May 25, and we don’t have a projected opening date for either facility at this time.

In the meantime, please enjoy your parks, trails, and open space. For the safety of Missoula children and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, playgrounds remain closed.

The playground closure is based on guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the CDC, using playgrounds might lead to the spread of COVID-19 because:

• They are often crowded and could easily exceed recommended guidance for gatherings.

• Parks and Recreation does not have the ability to keep surfaces clean and disinfected.

• The virus can spread when young children touch contaminated equipment and then touch their hands to their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Thanks again for your patience and support during this difficult time. Please give us a call at 721-PARK (7275) if we can help in any way. If you have further questions about summer camps, please email Recreation Program Supervisor Meg Whicher.

Parks and Recreation Summer Camp Withdrawal/Transfer Policy

These policies help us deliver a high-quality camp experience for your child. Please give us a call at 721-PARK to withdraw from camp or transfer to another camp.

• Withdrawal 14 days or more before camp start date–100% credit* or refund. $10 administrative fee for refunds. No administrative fee to transfer to another summer camp.

• Withdrawal fewer than 14 days before camp start date–50% credit* or refund. Transfers are considered withdrawals and are subject to the 50% credit. $10 administrative fee for refunds.

• Illness or injury withdrawal—will miss a full week of camp:

o 100% credit* or refund with documentation from your medical provider. $10 administrative fee for refunds.

o Sick/Missed Days - If a camper will miss a day of camp for any reason, please notify us as soon as possible at 721-PARK.

• Wait Pool - Participants may join the Wait Pool when a camp is full. When a spot opens, Parks will contact wait pool customers by phone. The first person to respond and pay registration fees will be enrolled in the program.

*Credits on account expire 12 months from date of issue. Credits may be used for any Parks program and at both aquatics facilities.

This press release was produced by the City of Missoula. The views expressed here are the author’s own.