Campers need to not pack up or bring home COVID

Summer days are ahead. For many Minnesotans, that means packing up sack lunches, swimsuits and other items needed to join the fun.

Summer camps were canceled in 2020 when the COVID pandemic shut the world down. Many day and overnight camps are only now returning to pre-pandemic levels of activities.

One of those returning day camps is operated by True Friends, which has opened registration for June and July day camp at Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie. “We are thrilled to announce that day camp is back,” said John LeBlanc, President and CEO of True Friends. “This program is perfect for kids and adults with physical and developmental disabilities who want a true Minnesota camp experience without an overnight stay.”

True Friends’ predecessor organizations have offered day and overnight camping experiences in Minnesota since 1938. The camps have served children and adults with an array of health conditions as well as physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Summer camps of all types can provide life-changing experiences. But staying safe and healthy is important, especially in the face of COVID. Prospective campers, their parents and guardians need to take steps to bring home good memories, not illness.

Bring and wear masks, which will be especially needed after a camper comes into contact with someone who has COVID. Wear a mask for 10 days if indoors, and take a COVID test five days after exposure.

Before signing up for a camp, ask about local and state regulations that are followed. Ask about staff and volunteer training. Ask if there are mandatory vaccinations for staff. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urge anyone considering summer camp to stay home when sick. COVID testing before heading to camp is encouraged. CDC guidance is intended to supplement state and local health measures with which camps must comply.

The CDC has also noted that it is important for camp administrators to assess local levels of COVID and be aware of how transmission can quickly occur at a summer camp.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) licenses and inspects youth camp establishments. Other agencies with jurisdiction for youth camp licensing and inspection include local jurisdictions (city/county) which have entered into a delegation agreement with MDH and tribal health agencies.

Minnesota has a youth camp code which includes health care provisions. MDH Is seeking comments on the code. See the link to their comment survey.

Several camping umbrella organizations offer advice for campers and their families, including the American Camp Association and the Alliance for Camp Health. So do youth service organizations that operate camps.

As for True Friends, its day camps do offer financial aid and a highly trained staff. “Our campers, and their families, tell us that camp is their favorite time of the year,” LeBlanc said. “It’s a place that creates belonging for people of all abilities. It’s a place where they can relax and be themselves – and that’s something we all deserve.”

Camp Eden Wood is in the Birch Island Woods west of I-494 in Eden Prairie. Registration is open for the summer 2025 season at . For any questions regarding registration, contact True Friends at 952-852-0101 or [email protected]

Here are other COVID camp-related resources:

Access Press provides coverage of COVID issues with support from the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL). This activity is made possible by a grant from the COVID-19 Community Coordinators Program of the Minnesota Department of Health.

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