The Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge is all about creating community. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and exists because of private sponsorship, participation in programs, events and classes. When it closed its doors on March 16, staff knew that when it opened again, things would be different. Safety is a No. 1 priority and staff are learning more each day about the steps that need to be taken to get back to providing a place for participants to grow, learn and thrive.
Once the Public Health Department released directives for opening day camps on June 12, it was decided the center would open. The goals are simple: Operate camps that are safe and fun while providing enrichment for kids and support for their parents.
The camps look different than they have in the past. From the moment the campers get out of their cars to the moment they hop back in at the end of the day, precautions are taken to ensure that there is proper physical distancing and infection control throughout the camp. Campers have hand washing stations and bathrooms available just for them. And the building is cleaned and disinfected nightly. The number of campers enrolled has decreased to make sure each one has enough space to have fun and be safe. When the kids arrive, staff members ask them a set of wellness questions and take their temperature before they get out of the car. They are then led inside by a counselor, and it’s off to the races. Campers are divided into small groups, which they stick with for the entire week. All campers are asked to wear masks whenever possible. Any activities that share high-touch equipment or toys have been eliminated, and all food and snacks are brought from home.
All these changes do not mean that the fun is gone. Getting creative is part of what CCLCF does. Program and camp director Karen Stevenson has brought her extensive camp experience to the program with endless ideas for activities and fun. The camp is a refreshing change for kids at a time when so many have been stuck at home, away from school and apart from their friends.
Camp Runamuk and Professor Egghead Kids Science day camps started recently and more camps are scheduled for the coming weeks. Spots are still available for upcoming camps, including music, ceramics, Travel Around the World, cooking, theater and more.
Visit cclcf.org for more information and to sign up.
LCF Center Is Creating Community From 6 Feet Away
