NEW ORLEANS – On Wednesday, Mayor LaToya Cantrell was joined by other city officials to announce the launch of the summer camp programming and schedule for the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission.
NEW ORLEANS — On Tuesday, Mayor LaToya Cantrell joined other City officials to announce the summer programming options for area youth as the City continues its safe, phased reopening in response to the COVID-19 outbeak.
“As we continue our safe, phased reopening of the City, we are now ready to provide much-needed summer programming options for our youth, whether it’s for recreation or at the libraries,” said Mayor Cantrell. “We must do this safely and securely, especially for our children and families. I want to thank the Office of Youth and Families and our Health Department for working with NORD and the New Orleans Public Library to keep our youth safely engaged.”
“As summer approaches and our children and parents are excited about participating in all of the programs offered by NORDC, our top priority is to ensure they are equipped with the best guidance and plans that fully support the safety and health of camp-goers and staff members. As a parent, I truly understand the desire for a sense of normalcy and having children be able to spend their summer with friends and camp activities. But, we must do so in a manner that keeps everyone safe and healthy while still having fun,” said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Health Director.
“NORD is currently working alongside the New Orleans Health Department and in accordance to CDC guidelines in preparation to operate a modified summer for our City’s youth and teens,” said Larry Barabino Jr., NORD CEO. “The health and safety of our campers, and camp staff, is the top priority.”
There has been a reduction in the number of camp offerings, and youth and teens served, this summer due to CDC guidelines. Those guidelines require social distancing measures, 25 percent occupancy, and a 9:1 ratio of campers to counselors. Camps will run from June 15, 2020, to July 24, 2020. Summer camps will operate up to six weeks, and hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parents are encouraged to visit the NORDC website at https://nordc.org/home/ for the most up-to-date camp information or call the main office at 504-658-3052. NORD staffers are in the office and prepared to answer calls and emails. Currently, there is a wait list for youth and teen camps. All camps are at capacity under the new guidelines.
Summer camp operational guidelines are in accordance with those for Phase One for Camps and Childcare. Temperature checks will be conducted daily for all entering the camp site; anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be sent home. Curbside drop-off and pick-up is required. All campers will remain in the same group for the duration of the camp. Camp staff will be required to wear face coverings. All sites will be deep cleaned daily and periodically throughout the day as groups move for activities. There will be no field trips or swimming opportunities.
Youth Summer Camps are offered by NORD and community partners to kids ages 4-12. There is a total of 18 youth camps; this is a reduction from 34 youth camps pre COVID-19. Teen Summer Camps are offered by NORD for teens ages 13-15. There is a total of five teen camps; this is a reduction from 10 teen camps pre COVID-19. Teen camps will operate with two three-week sessions to accommodate spacing. Teen camp participants will still receive a weekly stipend but will receive one check at the end of camp.
The New Orleans Public Library, which welcomed staff back on Monday, continues work on its summer programming schedule and will release details at a later date. Learn more here.