Tandy Family YMCA Help Kids Stay Safe While Having Fun At Camp

TULSA, Okla. - Following the COVID-19 pandemic, camp staff at the Tandy Family YMCA are making sure kids are staying safe while having fun.

"Camp is such a fundamental thing kids need they need community they need a place where they can safely take calculated risks and grow," said camp director Caity King. 

Monday is the first day of summer camp at the Tandy Family YMCA. King said staff just finished a week-long safety training on how to maintain social distancing and properly clean equipment. 

"Being able to do that and a safe way is something I'm so excited about the summer," King said. 

Kyle Wilkes, the vice president of mission advancement for YMCA of Greater Oklahoma, said staff are checking their own temperatures and the temperatures of kids before camp every day. Counselors are also required to wear masks and gloves inside the facility. Kids are also encouraged to wear masks. Wilkes said they are happy to take these extra measures if it means giving the kids a fun and safe summer. 

"So, knowing that they can come somewhere where the kids are going to be safe, and some place that they're familiar with like the YMCA, is just important for us to be able to open up and serve," Wilkes said. 

King also explained the kids will be in smaller groups. However, she said that will allow the kids to have an even better bond. 

"It's definitely different and camp looks different, but we're still serving the same purpose," said King. 

Camps are happening weekly for the next 12 weeks from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The camps are held in the Tulsa, Owasso and Bixby YMCA's. To find out how to sign up, click here.