Mahwah Summer Camps Cancelled

MAHWAH, NJ — The Mahwah recreation department has cancelled the 2020 summer recreation programs due to health concerns related to the coronavirus.

In a letter from Recreation Director Dennis Burns, he announced the "difficult decision" to cancel the Big Rec and Mini Rec programs.

"Due to the Covid-19 health crisis and pandemic we all have been facing for the last several months, the Township Recreation Department will not be able to offer the Summer Recreation programs this summer," he said in the letter.

In the letter, Burns said the department has reviewed CDC guidelines for youth and summer camps, but doesn't feel comfortable with the idea that camper health could be at risk.

These are some requirements that led to the decision, he says:

• All campers must stay 6 feet apart
• Campers mixing between groups equals more risk
• Virus easily spread from hands and contaminated surfaces
• Face coverings must be worn by all campers and counselors all day
• No sharing of balls or arts and craft items of any kind
• All campers must have separate storage bin for their items
• No confirmation on use of school indoor facilities at this time

Gov. Phil Murphy announced at the end of May that summer camps could resume on July 6.

New Jersey Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson also announced the immediate availability of up to $20 million in grants to assist child care centers and youth camps in meeting health and safety guidelines in response to COVID-19.

Child care centers can receive up to $5,000, while youth camps can receive up to $2,000.