Columbia summer camps are deciding coronavirus safety guidelines as the CDC loosens mask requirements

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated summer camp guidelines Friday to say that it is safe to return to full capacity, without masking and without physical distancing if everyone is fully vaccinated prior to the start of camp - except where required by local law.

Columbia Public Schools announced on Thursday that masks will no longer be required indoors or on buses starting June 4, but the district can still change this decision depending on case rates.

John Potter, a CPS parent, said if students were going to be required to mask in summer school, he would have looked for alternatives for his children.

Although the CDC stated this update, the coronavirus vaccines are only available to those 12 years of age and older. Camps that include children not yet eligible are advised to continue practicing the mitigation strategies.

Mo Abdul, spokesman for Snapology summer camp in Columbia, said requiring masks for students age 10 and above will still be a part of the camp. Abdul said they mostly work with students 14 years of age down to 4 years of age.

Abdul said teachers will still wear masks throughout the summer session. Although masking is still being required, Snapology has made some changes to social distancing guidelines.

Students in the Snapology summer program, which is held indoors at Level up entertainment in the Columbia Mall, will be given either a green or orange tag during the program. The parents will make the option for their child to receive a green tag meaning they are able to widely socialize with other children and an orange tag meaning that students are wanted to maintain a safe distance from others.

Abdul said this summer, teacher's assistants will be added to rooms to ensure that parent's wishes are being kept for distancing. He says although students with an orange tag will be restricted in teamwork activities, the team will still make sure students can get teamwork experience while safely distanced.

The CDC guidance says at camps where not everyone is vaccinated, unvaccinated people are strongly encouraged to wear masks indoors, outdoors, and in close proximity to others.

Sara Humm with the Columbia/Boone County Health Department said since there are no health orders in Columbia, local camps should be following the CDC guidance carefully.

"We're also working with CPS and some other summer camps to encourage vaccination for those who are 12 and older," said Humm. She also encourages children and parents who may be uncomfortable being unmasked at summer camps to continue to wear masks even if they are vaccinated.

Potter said because of the unknown of when vaccinations for children under 12 will be available, those who are still concerned should still wear masks and practice mitigation strategies and those who choose not to wear a mask should respect the decision of others around them.

"This summer is very important for every day. The kids stayed home for almost a year and now they want to get out and that's why we have rebuilt our programs to rebuild the block for learning," said Abdul.

Potter said learning without masks is important for students to get back to. "I think covering your face really impairs learning for children," said Potter.

The University of Missouri is still recommending masking at its summer camps when indoors and not socially distant because many K-12 students have not been vaccinated.

Some summer camps have still chosen to remain virtual this summer including Camp Hickory Hill camp that runs from July 5 through July 30.