UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – In light of the continuing threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic and in the interest of protecting the health of campers and camp staff, Penn State is canceling all in-person summer camp programs through June 19.
This decision applies to all in-person summer camps on all Penn State campuses, including academic, athletic and outdoors camps hosted by Intercollegiate Athletics, Shaver’s Creek, Penn State Conferences and Institutes, 4-H and other individual colleges and units. Penn State Outreach will be creating several options for virtual learning experiences for campers and will share more details as they are finalized.
“We understand that canceling summer camps is disappointing for our campers and their families, and we share that same disappointment,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. “Given the uncertainty of how the pandemic will continue to unfold, this decision was made now to give campers and their families time to adjust their calendars. Now, more than ever, it’s important for young people to connect to one another, and as part of the University’s land-grant service mission, we are working on ways to make those connections virtually and in-person when public health authorities determine it is safe to do so. We hope our families will continue to engage with our future camp programming when it is finalized.”
With the ultimate focus on the health and safety of campers and staff, the University weighed several factors when deciding to cancel in-person camps through June 19.
The decision aligns with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that schools must remain closed through the rest of the academic year. The University also considered the stay-at-home order issued by Wolf, which, at this point, extends until April 30, but may be prolonged. The order requires individuals remain at their residences unless they must travel for certain essential activities or work to provide life-sustaining business and government services. Finally, the decision takes into account the NCAA’s order extending the no-contact period for recruitment activities through May, as many participants in sports camps are potential Penn State recruits.
A decision about summer camp programming occurring after June 19 will be made later this spring and based on the latest guidance of government and public health authorities. The University is exploring several options for camps later in the summer, including postponements and virtual offerings. More information will be shared when the details are finalized.
In some cases, camps are being canceled in their entirety now due to planning or programming that is not able to be accomplished regardless of timing this summer.
Camp fees that have already been collected will be refunded. Campers and their families will receive information about refunds and other camp-specific details from the individual camp organizers.
For information about a specific camp, please contact the camp organizer.
If you are unable to find the status of your summer program, please call Penn State Conferences and Institutes at 814-863-5100 for assistance.