The City of Philadelphia began to reopen with care in early July. Learn how Parks & Rec is keeping campers and staff safe this summer. If you’d like information on what’s open or closed at our sites, check out this blog post.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s high-quality summer camps opened July 6. But due to COVID-19, camps are operating in a different way this year. 

Parks & Rec has created a plan to keep campers and staff safe. Our plan follows Philadelphia Department of Public Health guidance. These guidelines are part of Philadelphia’s Safer-at-Home plan.

This summer our camps will:

  • Operate Monday to Friday
  • Begin on Monday, July 6
  • End on Friday, August 14.

What will be different this year?

General Guidelines

  • Before or after camp care will not be available.
  • All theme camps (eg. Performing Arts, Swim for Life) are canceled.
  • There will be no pool visits or field trips.
  • Larger camps may be split between nearby sites due to camp size limits.
  • Staff will disinfect buildings and shared equipment throughout the day.
  • If a camper or someone in their household is diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19:
    • The camper must quarantine at home for 14 days
    • Parents/guardians may receive a refund on a prorated basis.

Masks / face coverings

  • Campers eight and over are required to wear masks indoors and outdoors, except when eating. Exceptions are made for campers with health conditions. A doctor’s note is required.
  • Staff are required to wear masks at all times.

Camp groups

  • Parks & Rec will place campers and staff in small groups.
  • Groups will remain together for the duration of the camp.
  • There will be no exceptions to this group structure.
  • Groups will not share supplies.

Drop off and pick up

  • Staff will greet campers outside.
  • Parents/guardians may be assigned a pick up and drop off time:
    • Times may be staggered.
    • Parents/guardians must adhere to assigned times.
  • Parents/guardians must remain with their child at drop off while camp staff:
    • Check camper’s temperature.
    • Ask about any specific health symptoms.
  • Campers must wash or sanitize hands upon arrival and throughout the day.

What will be the same this year?

  • Caring staff will make sure each camper has a fun and safe summer.
  • We will provide free breakfast and lunch.
  • Camps will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Campers will have access to on-site recreational activities such as:
    • play equipment
    • games
    • spraygrounds and spray features
  • Camps will use outdoor and indoor facilities. There will be an emphasis on outdoor play whenever possible.
  • Camp fees will not change as a result of these modifications.

What’s next?

  • If you have registered your child and plan to send your child to camp:
  • If you wish to withdraw your child from camp and receive a refund, please:
  • If you have not yet registered your child for camp, but would like to sign up:
    • Use the Parks & Rec Finder to locate a camp near you.
    • Contact your local recreation leader using the information provided in Finder.
    • Note: space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Find a summer day camp near you.
Parks & Rec's map-based Finder app helps you locate a camp near you.