CDC issues new guidance for summer camps after teens become eligible for vaccine

Two weeks ago, the CDC gave the green light—announcing that fully vaccinated people could ditch their masks.

But the CDC rolled out new guidelines Wednesday for summer camps. It impacts counselors and campers—whether or not they are vaccinated.

This summer, kids will be going back camp--indoors and outdoors.

It might be fencing camp with the Rain City Fencing Center. It might be math camp or martial arts camp.

Kids have a lot of choices.

“There are hundreds of in-person camps at 6crickets.com now already in our Seattle area,” said founder and CEO Helen Wang of 6crickets.

Wang said 6crickets.com offers summer camps in STEM, arts, music, and sports across the Puget Sound area.

“I think the summer camps are so much needed for our students, for our children," Wang said. "They really need that social, creative time. Summer camps should be open to our kids."

After a year of virtual learning during the pandemic, 11-year-old Quincy Costello can’t wait for in-person activities at summer camp.

“I’ve done Minecraft," Costello said. "My brother has done fencing. Some particular camps that I like, probably stuff like game design. Like playing games, sailing and soccer and stuff. I’m really looking forward to everything.”

During a hearing before lawmakers, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said, "my whole goal is to make sure camps can remain open and that outbreaks don’t occur.”

Pressed by lawmakers on mask guidelines for summer camps she said, “My own kids were home from camp last summer. And I want camps to be open this summer.”

Recently, the FDA gave Pfizer-Bio N Tech’s COVID-19 vaccine emergency authorization for 12-to-15-year olds.

The CDC recommends all campers, staff, and visitors use face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It does not matter if they are vaccinated or not.

Camp operators and parents are on board.

“We do plan to continue to have everyone wearing masks, fully vaccinated or not," said Greg Jones, owner and head coach of Rain City Fencing Center. "We think that it’s worth having the extra layer of protection."

“We will continue to have our staff and our campers wear masks regardless," said Leilani Nussman, with Northwest School in Seattle’s Capitol Hill. "Of vaccination status 218 mostly to help the younger students who aren’t able to be vaccinated yet as well as be safe and make sure everyone continues to have a safe experience over the summer. So, we don’t have to shut back down again due to an outbreak."

“I’m incredibly grateful that camps are open and that my son is going to have an opportunity to participate," said parent Megan Henley "I do hope the data and science continues to push us in the direction of kids not needing masks outdoors because of the safety of the outdoor setting. I think we run the risk of overdoing it with masks outside when the data shows that it is not necessary.”

As for young Quincy Costello, “I’m definitely going to wear a mask --maybe until I‘m vaccinated. I’m not vaccinated yet. I won’t be until I’m 12.”