Heat prompts change of plans for summer camps
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — With temperatures already soaring this summer, parents might be worried about the safety of their children at camp.
Grand Rapids’ department of parks and recreation is already taking proactive measures to ensure that with their camps.
Record-challenging heat swamps West Michigan
Director David Marquardt said the four camps hosting more than 300 kids by at least 40 staff members all started Wednesday, June 12.
“We are always providing sunscreen to our kids and campers if they forgot to bring their own or if they don’t have any at home — we’ll have extras of that for our campers to use,” Marquardt explained. “In addition to that, we’re keeping some additional water at our camp locations. We’ve got freezers at each of our locations to keep some good chilled ice on hand.”
The biggest precaution will be spending about 50 percent more time indoors or in cooler places than as originally scheduled. Marquardt explains indoor facilities at all camps allow staff to safely have playtime in cases of extreme heat.
Cooling centers open to help beat the heat
“We’ll probably air more on the side of a little bit of fun, keeping those kids cool, keeping them collected, keeping them balanced,” he said. “Bringing that body temperature down, bringing that mind temperature down at the same time… making sure that they’re, first and foremost, safe this week…”
Marquardt noted all camps undergo 12-week sessions, which takes them through mid-August.
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